No, I don't think so. The old one you had a lever which pushed a plate down onto the die, right? The Big Kick has a crank, so you roll the folder and platform through the machine. They even have an electric version - in case, you don't feel like turning a crank a couple of turns.
I love my Big Kick. I've had it a few years now, and have gotten my money's worth for sure. I use Cuttlebug dies & folders, Sizzix dies & texture plates, and just started getting Nestabilities too. I have yet to break/crack the plastic plate, and it's very well used. I've heard the Cuttlebugs are not built as sturdy - my friend has broken two from trying to use non-Cuttlebug dies. She finally got her money back and bought a Big Kick.