The over-all conclusions from this comparison are as follows;
1. The AFS is visibly sharper, cleaner, and crispier in its rendition wide-open and up to f/2.8 or so, at which point the centre sharpness becomes quite similar to that of the AIS 35/1.4.
2. The field curvature is less with the AFS, although still detectable at close range.
3. Corner vignetting is better controlled by the AFS. Beyond f/4 or so, vignetting is low and has little practical importannce for either lens.
4. There is negligible lateral CA with the AFS, whilst the AIS has some visible towards the periphery of the image. Note this kind of CA cannot be cured by stopping down, but is easily removed in post processing.
5. Both lenses show some signs of axial colour ("longitudinal CA"). This kind of CA is difficult to contol with the processing, but does decline rapidly when you stop down the lens. From f/4 - 5.6, it's hard to detect on either model.
6. Flare resistance is improved on the AFS, probably thanks to the nano-coating.
7. The "blue shimmering" so typical for the AIS at the widest apertures has by and large vanished on the AFS.
8. The bokeh is smoother and show less variation across the frame with the AFS than with the AIS.