electroless nickel vs regular nickel

[mcaswell]

There's no difference in the finished product, just in the application.

[Rocky]

Forgive the newbie question, but this is my first time here and my first post.
Is there any difference in the finished product (plated surface) between the regular nickel (electric) kits and the electroless nickel kit?
I only want to nickel plate some nuts and bolts for a motorcycle restoration and it seemed that the electroless kit would be ideal for that. I want the result to be smooth and shiny but it doesn't have to be brilliant.
If there is no difference, then electroless it will be.
Thanks.

Rocky