Top loading vs slot loading?

[Danby]

Is there any difference between top loading and slot loading drives in terms of reliability and longevity?

[zittrig]

Top Loading is imo more prone to defects.
The hilt with the connected technique is the weak point.

[MartyMcNuts]

Is there any difference between top loading and slot loading drives in terms of reliability and longevity?

Personally, I will never buy a slot load. They are prone to issues with the disc in/out mechanism. Top loading are fine. Never had an issue. Same with the normal tray loading drives.