were there any differences between those two model years, like on the 300E? if so, what?

 

As far as I know the only differences are in the interior. The center armrest that comes out of the drivers seat has a built in storage bin. As with the mechanics of the vehicle there is maybe an 8 horsepower gain due to different timing or something, from 268 horsepower to 275. Although different sources say different things so it could very well be the same horsepower rating.