Something else that I like about the R44 is the endurance. If I go away for a weekend with Mrs. Ed we can chuck a couple of bags in the back, fill up to the brims with fuel and go flying. I did a trip from the midlands to cornwall in the R22 a few years ago and we had to fill up with fuel every 90 mins or so.
As to flying differences, autos are a dream. Try doing an auto from 100 kts at 800 feet and you won't believe how far you will travel after the R22. On my first lesson I found that stopping over a specific point from a fast walking pace would cause a bit of an overshoot with the extra momentum. It just took a few minutes to get the feel.
Have fun,
John