Whats the difference between WEG d6 1st edition and 2nd edition?

I've always wondered. I played 1st-ed. I missed second totally, was out of the genre/hobby. And how does it compare to that open-d6 system?

2nd Edition WEG cleaned up a lot of the loop holes and expanded the world pioneered by 1st edition. It added some optional combat functions, and greatly improved scaling mechanics.
As for the "open flavor", it's still there, and just as strong.
I use a hybrid of 1st & 2nd when running, which gives me the best of both worlds.