Significantly different, yes.  Completely different resings.  They're not the same blank at all.  They have different tapers, as well.  The weight of the rods is vastly different, even if you take the guides off.  The strain rate of the graphite is the same, but that's where the similarity ends.  Reel seat is very different, as well.  Hidden Up locking versus a down locking exposed thread- huge difference in where it sits in hand, and where you contact the blank when palming the reel.

And yes, yes I have fished them side by side.  Too many times to count.

I agree with everything within this post.  I have the same experience, I own the newer Crucials and the old Cumara and there is a definite difference in weight, feel and overall quality.  The performance is also different. 

Can't wait for mine to get here

I'm thinking about picking up a new chronarch ci4 and a rod to go with it.. Looking at a 7'2" worm n jig rod... Is the cumara really worth the extra dough VS the crucial? Money isn't really an issue just looking for an honest opinion

TW has shimano reels and rods on sale right now!

Yea I ordered the day before lol. They're gonna price match it and give me a gift card