Are there any major differences between like 2003 Tiagra, and 2009? Besides the gear display?

When I was bike shopping a few weeks ago I had a salesman at the LBS tell me that the new Tiagras are equal to the 105's of a few years ago. He also said most of the groupsets moved up a notch.

newt

The shape of the hoods for the brifters is different but both are 9 speed. Cranks now have external bearings. That's about it as far as I know. I'm sure internals have changed somewhat.