The clear difference is the growth rings. The old one has about 60, the new one has only 16 and each ring represents a growing season, which generates one each year. The old wood took much longer to grow and comes from trees that live for many years in natural forests. On the other hand, the new wood was grown for a purpose: to be used as timber and harvested in a few years (accelerated growth). The old wood is denser, more resistant and burns more slowly. The new wood is lighter, cheaper and easier to work. However, the latter also has defects: it warps more easily, rots more quickly and is more flammable. The old wood comes from natural forests (which are becoming fewer and fewer). These forests are home to great biodiversity and are essential for the ecological balance of the planet. The new wood comes from forest plantations, which are monocultures that occupy large areas of land and have negative impacts on the soil, water and ecosystem.