The difference is huge but that's not to say that you couldn't have had either look from either file.
There is obviously more detail here in the RAW version but the high contrast in in the jpeg could be masking detail that's still there.
The thing about processing is that the more choices you give yourself, the more sure you need to be of the look you want before you start.
Perhaps if it's direction and inspiration that your seeking, one of those threads where you host a RAW file somewhere on the web and invite folks to process to their tastes and list what they've done. Then you can see some alternatives and take the bits you like from each.