Yes, there is a difference. However that difference leaves some preferring the DAs over the FAs, as well as the other way around. Both series are excellent, but after owning the DA 40 and FA 43 at the same time the 40 couldn't compete. I also found it funny the FA* 24 was so much easier for me to love than my DA 15.
I've read comments here on the forums praising the 70 over the 77 though. I've never owned the 70, but the 77 is a perfect focal length for me on film and the 43 is perfect on digital. We are lucky to have so many options that work on both film and digital cameras.
Probably the best way to see the difference is to view the corresponding club threads:
DA Limited Club FA Limited Club