i’ve worked on both throughout the years...
the later models are still pushrod design but running two cams (one for each cylinder) instead of a single cam running both cylinders and are more reliable and don’t leak oil like the earlier models...
my father currently has two later model harleys... when you hit the starter button they fire right up every time...
They fire up every time but if some chip controlled part fails, you are sitting on the side of the road.
Points can be made to work regardless of their condition just keep a coil in your toolkit, carbs can be “rebuilt” on the side of the road.
To be honest the only Harley I’ve had was a 1948 flathead, It never left me stranded.
I’m a more of a British guy actually.
Can tune a British twin to kick over with your little toe, first time everytime.