I dunno why you're being downvoted for sharing your opinion. Personally, I always saw the old Tora sprite giving off the vibe of a goofy and clumsy Tora (which was fine, but not getting a Tora route in the original game was just cruel).
The new sprite gives off the vibe of a more mature-ish and not-as-goofy Tora. And since this time we'll be getting a Tora route, maybe you'll grow fond of his new design.