I can't really compare the two models, but I have had the Janome Jem 720 since just after it came on the market. It does a great job with so many stitches--including the buttonhole for appliqué. I went to a retreat and another lady was doing great machine quilting on one!) It is very lightweight. Lots of extra feet are available and interchangeable with most other Janomes...probably Kenmores and Elna, too. Mine has been a work horse. I have carried it to bees almost weekly for years and to other retreats, too. (I have other Janomes including an embroidery machine, but usually I will set up my 720 when I get ready to stitch.....Maybe that's mostly because I keep it downstairs and the others are up! Alas, however, it doesn't cut the threads if that is a priority.)