Ian, yes you are correct..the E-86 is better..It has the floppy, SMF player, 4 more polyphony, and 64 more user programs..It also has the advanced wave table (instruments).241 tones ..9 drum kits..

The E-70 has the assignable sound effects buttons (8)...missing on the E-86..
The E70 has 256 tones ..128 GS and 128 LA (MT32)....

The rest of the comparison are basically identical..

This is the first E-70, I have owned (I have played Uncle Dave's)..

I have owned 3, E-86's..

Both models have a great sound system(speakers)..especially loud via the stereo inputs (laptop..Zune ..another keyboard..}

Unfortunately, there is no input volume control as on the G70..