For a little more detail, the 8A will be a little bit lighter for the same engine and panel, you have a bit more foot/leg room in the front (width) because the "gear towers" aren't there. The -8 is probably a little bit better at rough unpaved fields but neither is a hard core STOL machine.
Most (including me) think the -8 looks better on the ground, but in the 8A you can see better when taxing. Nose wheel usually means cheaper insurance.
Both should look/feel the same from inside while in the air.