The difference is the "DOT5" silicone stuff doesn't absorb water. Whether this is good or bad is something people have been known to disagree about. I think it all comes down to proper maintenance whichever fluid you run. The criticism I've heard of DOT5 is that since it doesn't absorb water it can trap water instead and cause localised rusting. The older fluid absorbs water and so it acts the same everywhere along the line.
So what, really. Both fluids will probably be a problem if left in for 20 or 30 years with no maintenance or a bad seal somewhere. Both will doubtless be problem free if changed somewhat regularly and sealed up. Of course the nice thing about DOT5 is it doesn't disolve paint. If I had DOT5 in my car I probably wouldn't have bare metal on my left front frame rail where a leak disolved ALL the primer and rustproofing off.
Sam
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Sam Agnew
Where you come from is gone; where you thought you were going to, weren't never there; and where you are ain't no good unless you can get away from it.
Ministry - Jesus Built My Hotrod
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