Eight identical cubes with of size $1 \times 1 \times 1$ each have the numbers $1$ through $6$ written on their faces with the number $1$ written on the face opposite number $2$, number $3$ written on the face opposite number $5$, and number $4$ written on the face opposite number $6$. The eight cubes are stacked into a single $2 \times 2 \times 2$ cube. Add all of the numbers appearing on the outer surface of the new cube. Let $M$ be the maximum possible value for this sum, and $N$ be the minimum possible value for this sum. Find $M - N$.

Let's think step by step and output the final answer within \boxed{}.
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