Hello all

I've been looking at buying my first Jag. I've narrowed it down to a 2017 F Type S RWD convertible, a 2018 F Type S400 AWD coupe and thinking about stepping up to a 2017 F Type R coupe. The first two cars are V6 versions. I've been reading up on them as much as possible online but reviews only get me so far. I drove the S 400 model today and I thought it was a nice car overall. I keep hearing people mention the exhaust notes were better on certain models (usually referring to the v6 models) which makes little sense to me considering the v8 options have a decent amount of extra power but then again, I'm no engineer. I've heard that most people seem to prefer the coupe which isn't surprising since most car enthusiasts usually prefer coupe versions across most brands anyway. All of these will be a big difference to my current car and I know I'll lose power even with the svr version but I'm not too concerned with that. At this point, I'm just looking for something that has the best exhaust note, while also being a fun car to drive (RWD vs AWD) and wondering if there is any real difference between the vert and the coupe. Between the cars mentioned, is there one to stay away from due to serious mechanical issues or are they all fairly decent? I've had nothing but Porsche cars for the last 5 years and I'm selling my current 2016 GT3RS right now. I'v had several Boxster GTS (naturally aspirated) and a few high end 911 cars which were all amazing for me.

I've looked into several other cars but I've always liked the F type cars and felt maybe I'd own one eventually. I still love Porsche cars but I'm just looking into trying something different and as stated, I do like the F type cars. If a v6 f s rwd from 2017 is on par with the 2018 s 400 car, then chances are, I'd lean towards the 2017 rwd f s. If the F R cars are completely different worlds than their v6 counter parts are.. then perhaps I should look further into them. I'd like something newer with a warranty so I'd prefer 2017-2018. Lastly, does anyone have a rough estimate as to how much ceramic brake system add ons would be for these cars after market? Sounds crazy but not having to constantly clean brake dust spoiled me. Thanks in advance for any and all feedback.

 

i think if you're gonna get one, GET ONE. go R or go home.

 

The coupe noise is in incredible, the 'vert noise is insane. If noise is your big turn on, the 'vert edges out the coupe. Unfortunately the rear windows in the coupe dont go down and it blocks quite a bit of noise.

Sound quality is another thing. The 6 has a lovely sound for a 6. Personally I prefer an 8, though I find the Jag 8 a bit brassy. I put the VAP exhaust on my 6 and got a more bassy sound, closer to what I like.

In driving I thought the p400 is noticeably quicker than the v6S (p380). That said, a VAP pulley and tune will take either to the same 450hp. If I was prepared to mod I would take the RWD v6S over the AWD p400. The RWD will be noticeably lighter at the front.

In driving personally I prefer the RWD 6 to the AWD 8. Again the AWD 8 is heavier at the front, though I read that the SVR manages to change that. The pick for me would be a RWD R but that stopped in MY16 (16.5 in Oz which had an infotainment update) but I wouldnt buy the earlier '16 model because I didnt like the infotainment in it. Which is one of the reasons why I have modified my 16.5 V6S rather than going to the R.

 

There is a lot of personal preference in your Qs. A few thoughts.

I bought a V6 then bit the bullet to trade for an V8 based on my child-like desire to win races if challenged, which when driving an F-Type literally happens everyday. The stock difference is a 5 sec (3.8 tuned) car vs a 3.4 sec car (2.8 tuned), which as you know is huge.

Moding both versions is relatively easy. All the V6 versions are equally tunable, so a 340 HP version can be taken to the same 440ish HP as a 380 or 400 HP version. The same is true of the V8, all versions can be taken to the same 630 HP. So if you are willing to tune, the base V6 or the original V8 S may offer substantially better performance value.

Interior differences as MYs progress from older to newer mostly focus on a better screen and infotainment experience. Since I hate infotainment systems, I leaned towards older cars as the better value since I wasn't buying redundant capability to my phone. The main difference within MYs are sport seats vs regular. My V6 had standard seats which were very comfortable. My V8 has the upgraded seats which I love more for higher overall quality, color stiching, and frame solidity. Comfort is about the same.

RWD vs AWD is a major difference. 2014-15 is RWD and almost 200 lbs lighter. The V6 makes less of a difference. The V8 shreds the rear tires so tire selection becomes critical and expensive. The stock PZeros are overwhelmed. I have Michilen 4Ss on my tuned V8 and they are still overwhelmed but great in the rain. My next set will be R888Rs, as I live in the south where they will function almost year round. If you are in the north, RWD could be an issue as tires get more exotic to put the power down. In terms of V8 straight line performance the RWD models have a little higher power to weight but AWD has way more grab from a dig. RWD arguably has a weight and handling advantage but again requires a tire upgrade from OEM to take full advantage.

Exhaust note is fabulous on both cars but different. The V6 is more of an F1 wail and also runs at higher RPM per mph which makes a difference on the road.

The V8 is more muscle car sound. It is geared for near idle RPM (1100 @ 60 mph, 1800 @ 90 mph) at highway speeds so you range from completely quiet at cruise, to glorious reverberating howl at 3000 RPM, to a shockingly loud ferocious roar at 4000+.

The overun pops and crackles and burbles. Its like a war zone when decellerating above 4000 RPM, which is wasy to cancel by upshifting. 8th gear is geared for 325 mph so you always have the option to stop the crackling. Below 4000 RPM you get more of a burble that can be accentuated to crackling by tapping the pedal.

In 40 years of driving sportscars I have never owned a car where you can play the notes of a song due to the exhaust plus quick shifting ZF8 speed, including percussion. The more you drive the car the more you realize its not an exhaust it is a musical instrument.

 

 

I too, like and have had 20+ Porsches, and decided to try the F-Type R AWD V8. I traded a 997 911 Twin Turbo and sold a Boxster S (garage getting too full). Only P-car left is a Cayenne S. I have enjoyed the F-type thus far...And while my 997 Turbo was a beast...This F-type (as I have begun modding), is equally fun!

Good luck.
DC

 

I noticed that you installed Race Chip on your F-Type. What benefits did you gain?
The reason I'm asking is I'd like to enhance performance but not jeopordize my warranty.

 

Here are two runs w/Racechip Map 7 and upper pulley vs just an upper pully in a V8 S. For context the same dyno measures a Z06 at 545 WHP.

Realistically it's a 10% bump.

 

I went from a 2016 V6S AWD to a 2020 R and I love everything about the R and I can say that my life is pretty much complete.... in terms of cars. The V6S was noisy but the R is another story. You just gotta go test drive them to see the difference.

 

I’ve owned a 15 S AWD and now a20 R so these are my observations. Both convertibles.

I was debating the the coupe vs vert as they both looked great ....just different. After owning the vert I’m not sure I could go without the top down feel...nothing like it and having ridden bikes most of my life it gave me the open air feel I’ve been missing.

RWD is ultimately more fun and maybe my preference if I had a choice on my R as I don’t drive it in the winter.
in saying that I’ve saved money on tires as my inner child would cause me to do endless burnouts.

The S was great but I lusted after the R for the massive torque that doesn’t stop, the push into the seat even at higher speeds something the V6 couldn’t match. Btw I do not like to modify anything so tuning an S was not an option.

I prefer the look of the quad pipes and the muscle car sound.

Starting in 2018 I believe they added the thinner seats so it fit my frame much better.

The infotainment system while not a priority for me is much improved.

My summation of an F Type (S or R) is The sexy, curvaceous, gorgeous, mature look of Kate Beckinsale but can get playful and dirty when she needs to be. Welcome to my inner thoughts!

good luck on your choice

 

Looks like RacerX has you covered with his posted Dyno chart. I got the RS chip and not a tune also to keep my warranty for a while. Also added the YellowWolf Intake and sounds great...Maybe more HP?? No idea.

DC

 

Great feedback. Thank you.

I thought the S 400 sounded good. I liked the idea of RWD to have some fun with it but also watched a youtube vid where the owner had his for 3 years and wasn't a fan of the grip and control of the cars behavior. I figured he might have just been a bit strong on opinion. To me, rwd just sounds like the way to go from a fun perspective. I'd be willing to mod the car so maybe I should look into that.

Thanks again!

 

Again, great feedback. Thank you.

So I think I've ruled out the S 400 since the vert sounds better. Now I think its going to come down to an R or a F S v6 vert. Nothing like driving on an nice day and listening to the symphony that some of these beautiful cars can produce.

 

Rather than me posting a bunch of responses to individual posts and making a novel for you guys to read... I just want to say thanks once again for all the feedback. Super helpful forum. If everything goes according to plan, I'll follow up with a pic or two.

Thanks!

 

I have owned a lot of convertibles anf the F is the best. The chassis was built as a convertible so there is no twist, the top only takes a few seconds to duck behind the windshield and you can do that up to 30 mph. The top is rock solid and watertight in a car wash, unlike my flimsy weak and leaky BMW convertible tops. Unfortunately the headliner and insulation rivals a coupe, making the exhaust a little too quiet with the top up.

 

Drive each version you’re considering and see which one speaks to you. I faced a similar decision. Drove the V6 first and it was cool. Drove the V8 and bought it. Also, I’m a convertible guy. Have ridden motorcycles all my life and love that open air feeling. Not for everyone though.

 

On the question of ceramic brakes, it's cheap and easy to add ceramic pads into the F Type. Portersfield are popular as are EBC red stuff. If you want the excellent carbon matrix system it's pretty rare ($13k oem option) but some of the SVRs have it. And if you're stepping in from a GT3RS I'd strongly suggest looking at an SVR. Terrific performance, amazing sound from special exhaust system. Look for carbon matrix brakes

Drive a few different models and see what talks to you!