That earlier version is even cooler indeed.
It's not a P/J. The bridge pickup is not a Jazz Bass pickup (at all).The neck pickup is a split P alright, but much closer to the fingerboard than on any P (or PJ) bass. So it'll sound quite different in this position.
What Rob says. Plus a set neck and mahogany for a different sound.
Dave, you stand on two legs, so does a ladder. I my opinion you are a ladder. Close enough.