hi scuba1
i have tried both and most definitely prefer the carbine,lighter,shorter,and a lot easier when shooting from a car .
with the classic it would be cumbersome to use from a car hence the length O/A LENTH 980mm, carbine O/A LENTH 885mm
under 4"inches difference .
weight comparison 2.48kg carbine / classic 2.72kg ,which ever you choose there are both great rifles hence AA
not as many shots in .177 but i have just started to use .177 and stuff the short shot count it evens its self out from missed shots in .22
hope this helps
regards
davy