New 24-85 compared to the 2002-2006ish version

D800E/24-85VR

Has anyone did a good side by side test with the new AF-S 24-85 VR lens vs. the older 2002-2006ish AF-S 24-85 non VR version?

I was in my local Best Buy yesterday and was talking to the sales clerk about possibly replacing my older 24-85 with the newer model when he suggested I get my D800E and try the lens out (in the store).  Anyway I just snapped a total of four shots, two with my lens, and two with the new one. Here's one of each. And yeah, I know they aren't the greatest composed shots. Thanks.

At any rate looking at them side by side today, it appears the newer lens is brighter and has slightly better color. I also notice the newer one seems less grainy.

Is it my lens, or is the newer one that much better?  If possible I would like to hear from those who have/had both lenses.

Thanks

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