Brute Chopper, Spartan Variants

In honor of Bungie day, or more in line with their "slow-burn" marketing campaign, news of a fantastic Brute chopper and some spartan variants lie open before us. I am wondering if these variants are simply superficial or if the suits have their own inherent strengths and weaknesses.
Don't forget to check out the Quicktime movies while getting your Bungie dose for the weekend.

http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=lovebungie