Is the word diferente the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes.

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical functions of "diferente" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences are phonetic:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The unstressed "e" at the end of the word is typically pronounced as a high, closed "i" (sounding like diferenti). The vowels are generally more open, and the rhythm is more melodic.
• Continental Portuguese: The unstressed "e" at the end is often reduced significantly, becoming nearly silent or a very short, closed sound. The pronunciation is more consonant-heavy and "clipped."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. "Isso é muito diferente do que eu pensei." (That is very different from what I thought.)
2. "A gente tem ideias bem diferentes." (We have very different ideas.)
3. "Eu estou me sentindo um pouco diferente hoje." (I am feeling a little different today.)
4. "O sabor deste café é totalmente diferente." (The flavor of this coffee is totally different.)
5. "Quero fazer algo diferente no final de semana." (I want to do something different on the weekend.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. "Isto é muito diferente do que eu pensava." (This is very different from what I used to think.)
2. "Nós temos ideias muito diferentes." (We have very different ideas.)
3. "Hoje estou-me a sentir um pouco diferente." (Today I am feeling a little different.)
4. "O sabor deste café é totalmente diferente." (The flavor of this coffee is totally different.)
5. "Quero fazer algo diferente no fim de semana." (I want to do something different at the weekend.)