Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Considering getting an older Ariens blower, but am wondering about the different types of controls that are out there. I'm assuming that the older machines have some of the controls mounted beside the motor like this one,


and the newer machines have the more conventional on the handlebars like this one,


What's the difference for ease of use, are there preferences out there, is one better than the other?
I've not studied either one up close, so, dumb question, can the impeller/auger housings be interchanged between these two types?

Thanks