Finally had a chance to briefly drive a P450 yesterday, but it was the AWD. Since it was new, I went very easy on it, but could try the 3 main things I was interested/concerned about. First, the transmission is not as quick to shift as even my lowly '23 G70 Sport Prestige, but it's acceptable in sport mode. Strangely, it up-shifts quicker than downshifts, but I could live with the slight (to medium) delay. Next was cabin noise, which was definitely quite a bit higher than I expected. Road noise was worse than wind noise, but both were pronounced. Summer tires don't help, of course, but there's no way to eliminate wind noise. Bummer the car doesn't have double-pane windows at that price. And finally, the suspension is also quite a bit stiffer than I expected/wanted, unfortunately. In sport mode it made almost no difference, which is a shame, since it could have been quite a bit better in comfort/road mode than sport. Not sure if a RWD would make any difference on any of those 3 aspects, so please comment on that.

Finally, if the C8 didn't have so many DCT issues, I'd have bought one already. And a very late '23 at that, since the '24 incorporated several negative changes. And at 4,300+ lbs, I don't think I'll like the LC500, although would still like to drive one (ony convertibles available everywhere). So my strategy will be to wait for one of 2 things: GM to get its act together with the stupid DCT, or find a P450 at the crazy discounts many folks here bought brand new '23s ($12K+ discounts from MSRP, but at least $10K). They depreciate like a rock, so no way in hell I'd pay anywhere close to MSRP, especially with the negative aspects stated above. The Corvette won't age anywhere as good IMO, but dynamically speaking, it's clearly superior to the P450 in every respect. It's significantly quieter inside with everything dialed down, it rides way better, and shifts instantly, since it's a DCT (which is also its achilles heel). So will wait for a while and see what happens. Might start looking for pristine P450 RWD examples, but no way I'd buy a used C8, so that's an advantage to F-Type. Thanks gang.

 

Some on here have made the comment that once they replaced the stock tires with continentals or michelins the ride quality of the F-type improved. Just a reminder, and something to consider.

 

Just a couple of comments:

The transmission adapts to your driving style, so I wouldnt be too concerned. I dont really like it in sport myself, it is better using the paddles if you are in sport.
The suspension is the same in standard as in sport, it is firmer in dynamic. I agree with DMeister on the tyres, also in the new cars the seats are very firm but they soften up after about 5000km or so, mine was quite uncomfortable when it was new, but now even running on 21's with michelins, it has a fantastic ride. It also improves the faster you are going. I dont think AWD makes any difference to the ride, I only really noticed the weight in tight turns on a track, as the v6s RWD is has super light steering.