The electronic power steering also might change the feel of the AWD, as opposed to the hydraulic power steering of the RWD?

 

So it's been said. (My guess is, and again the more experienced the driver the better, there will be a noticeable difference between the two. Early reports give favorable results/feel from the electronic power steering although whether you or I prefer it is another matter). Me? I like my hyrdraulic steering just the way it is thank you very much. Like so many things, one need not be "better" than another, other than to the individual user.

 

Personally I think a test drive on the streets, even back to back isn't really going to reveal anything. You need to be doing something that will make the AWD system react which is pretty hard to do on city streets unless you have some moisture on the ground.

I want to see the back to back track lap, or spirited canyon run.

 

I can't wait for Chris Harris to review the AWD - it will be very interesting.

 

I will probably end up getting a V6 S coupe... I mean if I want something to rip my face off I can just jump in the XKR-S!! That being said either way you look at the R or R AWD super powerful cars!! .

 

Like I said, I'm just a guy on the Internet and we all know that Internet opinions are shall we say... Prevalent. But I don't think it was the excitement of taking the car home that day. I've been anxious to get it, but I had resigned myself that the 2016 changes were worth the wait. (Plus I REALLY liked the pics of the Ammonite Grey that I had seen!) But when I drove it back to back with the 2015, there was something intangible that was just missing. It wasn't just the electronic steering, I'm happy to say that really wasn't all that noticeable, other than it just felt a little lighter to steer. But even that felt like a downgrade from the hydraulic steering in the 2015 and overall, the 2015 was just a more pleasing experience. By all means, as the 2016's start to show up at dealerships, I encourage you all to go test them back to back as well. I realize that, especially on the net, people tend to find opinions that validate their own beliefs. I have no doubt that the AWD models will be fantastic cars, and please don't take my post as disparaging to either version of this awesome car. I just know that for ME, the changes in 2016 (both aesthetic and mechanical) subtracted from the overall experience. Let's be fair, there are faster, more track oriented cars out there, but the F-Type is known for its pure unadulterated FUN. And in MY humble opinion, Jaguar took some of that out in a quest for better numbers (sales and/or track results). I just wanted to share my experiences with you to hopefully help those of you who were in the same boat as I was, and agonizing over some of the changes you did not like, get the info so that you can make the best decisions for you! You've all helped me learn about the F-Type, so I just wanted to return the favor! Thanks!

 

And since this entire discussion is pointless without pictures... Voila.

 

I really don't think anyone can tell the difference that much by driving the two cars back to back especially if it's the first time they've driven either of them but I'm pretty sure those of us that already have the '15' R would be able to tell the differences right away and notice things a little better. I'm going to test drive one & give my own write up.

 

It wasn't my first time driving the 2015. Believe me when I say I'm not trying to stir up controversy or say that my opinion is remotely definitive. Just saying those of you that are wondering should try to drive both. I would never have cancelled my order if I couldn't tell a difference.

 

Not to worry. You experienced what you experienced and chose accordingly. Who can argue with that? (though, obviously, some will try).

 

I'm only saying that there's a huge difference between "driving a car before" vs owning the car & driving it "often". You know the car intimately in so many different aspects that you'd be able to pick up even minute differences that someone else wouldn't necessarily notice.

 

+1. The average test drive comparison doesn't come close to telling the real story.

 

Motor Trend first drive test. Compares AWD to RWD. Also not much praise for the manual transmission.

2016 Jaguar F-Type Manual, AWD First Drive - Motor Trend

 

While what you say is certainly true, many of us here have gotten behind the wheel of a car - any car - and instantly formed an impression. It's not a stretch to imagine any of us doing a back-to-back, however brief, to discern even a subtle (noticeable) difference. Certainly enough to be able to choose one over another. Whether that stands the test of time is another matter but I say it's completely valid. And, of course, a personal decision (and no one can argue with that; although Lance is also correct...people will try).

 

Your garage looks a lot like mine. Granite-effect garage floor, plantation shutters, grey color scheme.

 

...although I'm not so sure I'd be so comfortable with those two ladders hanging off to the side of the F-Type!

 

well it looks fantastic, who cares, enjoy it in good health

 

Agree. I keep my ladders and all other products inside the machine room. Garage only has my car flags on the wall.

 

Very nice!

The day before I picked up my 2015 V6S Coupe I literally cleaned my entire garage as if I was bringing home a new baby, which I guess I did. It's called "nesting".

 

I actually moved two walls, put in two pocket doors with headers, sheet rocked the ceiling and ripped out flooring to expand my garage enough to fit my F-type. All in all about a $10,000 fiasco, not counting injuries. Nice to park inside though.