Not sure as iv not held a E71, but as far as im aware the E72 replaced the E71 and has better specs, the E72 feels very solid, im a N-series lover and the E72 is built better than any N-series iv ever owned, also it feels expensive, its not too heavy but its not light if you know what i mean, i was going to get another N-series but i realy want a candybar with a qwerty so E72 is at the top of my list, heres a pic of my N900 and my womans E72...

Sorry about pic quality, was taken with a 8600 luna.