For me it simply came down to the fact that the S with all the options I wanted was pretty close in price to the R, so I said, heck with it, give me the extra HP too and went for the R. (Of course after the test drive in the R there was no looking back...)

 

That's exactly how I felt about it. It was about $10 k difference so I went R

 

Ditto. The R is great value even if you were only looking at the options. The fact that it has that V8 just puts it over the top.

Also disagree with people saying the V8 is too noisy as a daily driver. Keep the valves closed and it out of dynamic and it is whisper quiet in the cabin. No drone.

 

Yeah, you need a 2016 to get AWD.

One thing to consider, if you're looking at getting a new vehicle, if you sign up for the Jaguar Club of North America, you can get a $2,500 discount off a new F-Type. Most dealers support this as a rebate, though there is some work on their side to get this processed. They're just now starting to support the 2016 model years, but 2014-2015 model years are easier to process using this program. You just need to have a valid membership number to get the discount.

 

thanks - I appreciate that tip - good to know!

 

I agree. With the valves closed, its no more loud than any other high performance V8, perhaps even less so.

 

Cars are expensive in Norway due to high taxes on bhp and CO. The rather large jump in both those figures makes the R rather a lot more expensive than a V6S.

My choice was to go for a new 2016 mod V6S or a well kept 2015 R with low milage and most/all options.

I was lucky to find a second hand 2015 R in Germany with all options except ceramic brakes, 5000 miles, and in the color combination inside and out that I was looking for. It looks just like new, and I payed less for it than a similar specked new V6S cost.

My plan is to keep it for several years and I would guess that the value of the R will be somewhat higher than a one year newer V6S when the time comes to sell it.

And I think it will take some time for me to get boored of that fantastic V8 and the power and sound it makes.

It's a beauty AND a beast

But if you are going to use it as an everyday car where also mpg might be an issue, the V6S is not a bad choice. They are both great cars with all the power most people needs most of the time.

 

Thanks Arne - sounds like you got a great car! I'm following Ebay motors - seems to be about a $10K difference between 2015 S and R models, depending on options. Maybe the best thing to do is drive both and see how they feel - this is a great forum - really appreciate everyone's input!

 

If you drive the R, you may not want to go back to the V6 S!

In all seriousness, you should definitely drive both to reduce your chance for buyers remorse. I spent several months test driving several other roadster style sports cars in this segment (Boxster GTS, 911 4S Cabrio, Corvette C7, BMW Z4) plus the F-Type V6S (both coupe and convertible) and finally the V8R Convertible, before I made the decision to go with the F-Type V8 R. I didn't get a chance to drive the C7 Z06, Audi R8, or AMG GT/SLS, but I'm not terribly concerned about those as they were a bit down on my list anyway. I love the F-Type and am happy with my decision.

The only thing I even feel slightly sad about is that the F-Type community is still a bit small. I miss the larger community in the BMW and Porsche camps. There are a lot more opportunities to do social activities with those other groups... if you're into that kind of thing.

 

For the 10k difference, I would get the R. I made my decision based on the S being totally silent when not in dynamic mode. Now I wish I got the R because I never want this beast to be silent. The exhaust note makes you feel alive.

 

I drove the R and happily chose the base, but as I've said previously my experience with previous ultra high performance cars put me in a "been there done that" frame of mind.

What you prefer at any given point in time is largely a function of past experience and intended use.

 

Agreed. Like I said, I'd have been fine with the V6S, but ended up with the R since I couldn't find a V6S that checked enough boxes for me at the time. Had the F-Type not worked out, I'd have probably ended up with a Boxster GTS.

 

Thanks Merlin - on a slightly different note, I gave up my 1996 911 because the seats were so uncomfortable - bad for my back. I see you have the performance seats - do you find them comfortable for long rides? Thanks again.

 

I haven't had the car long enough to give you "long drive" feedback, but I've driven for about 90 minutes in one sitting in the performance seats and they have been fine for me. The sport seats are a bit softer and the microfiber inserts are nice in weather extremes, but I didn't find them any more comfortable in my test drives. The performance seats are very adjustable though, so you should make sure to play with all the seat controls when you do your test drives.

 

If you're new looking around, you might want to check out the Top Gear segment on the V6-S..


As you'll hear, Jeremy was perfectly content with power... I'd agree.

 

Great segment!

 

The first time I drove my R with performance seats was when I took it from Hamburg, Germany to Norway. It's a 1.100 km, 12 hours journey.

I only stopped for refueling, and I must say that I was VERY much happy with the comfort and support of the seats!

I am 5.9 by the way.

 

Thanks Arne - that's great information - my height as well, so very helpful!

 

But Clarkson also reviewed the F Type Coupe with V8 power and said:"Did they get it right? Yes, yes they did and did they get it right"