My wife and I went through 3 Ericsons (1980 30+, 1982 E38, and 1987 E38-200 # 234). We had the two 38s a total of 10 years. The 1982 is our favorite (#64). I would have bought another older one instead of the 1987 but the bank liked the fact that it was only 12 years old at the time.
The traditional interior is more comfortable, there are two freezers, a little bit larger head/shower combo, a larger nav station, more comfortable seating in the main salon, and the V berths are the same size. The '87 has a much larger quarter berth, as that was becoming a dicriminator in the late 80's. The early E-38 also has locations for two propane bottles. The anchor lockers are the same size. The early boat carried water in a 60 gallon bow tank and 20 gallon starboard sette tank, while the later boat has a thrid water tank astern, so tops out at 105 gallons. The early boat held 60 gallons of fuel, the later Ericson (-200 series) held 54 gallons. One year, 1986, the -200 had the engine under the sink in the salon, whereas in 1987, it was moved under the companionway as the early design did.
Next time, when we retire, we plan to pay cash for a 1980-1985 vintage E-38.
Charlie