It's smart to stay with the same sewing machine brand. I'd make sure the feet are interchangeable and the bobbins are the same and you like the way the new machine sews. Some machines are too lightweight and will walk when you try to sew fast.
I have a Brother Innovis D 4000 embroidery/sewing machine combo that went to 1 class. For my next class, I went to our local WM and brought my baby Brother Runway. It doesn't have all the bells & whistles. It does have the ability to move the needle in one of the stitches and some decorative stitches. All the feet are interchangeable. I don't sew a lot with it. It's 5 years old and has never been in the shop. It's very transportable.