I picked up a firesand 2015 R a couple of years ago, but got rid of it and have regretted it since. So, now I'm looking to get back into an F-Type and I'm trying to figure out what the significant differences are between 2015 and 2017/18 aside from the 2015 being RWD. The reason I ask is because I really don't like the body-colored side skirts and rear diffuser, but if there are some improvements (better speakers maybe?) then I may have to look into getting a new one.

Can anyone help me out here?

 

Pretty major styling differences for the '18.
New entertainment system.
Different color options.

 

As far as larger changes goes.. I believe just different front air intake design & new infotainment

 

Didn't know about the different styling. After looking into this it looks like they made the body-colored side skirts optional for 2018! Too bad the dealers seem to be ordering them with the body-colored option, though . Looks like firesand is also no longer a color option. Ugh.

Are the speakers any better than they used to be? They were pretty awful in the 2015.

 

There were some software issues in the digital amp which could result in terrible audio. Some folks got that straightened out, some didn't.

Biggest styling difference is the front bumper - look at the vents on the sides in the various '18 models.

Also, for AWD cars, the hood vents moved out some.

Not sure if '15 cars had any torque-vectoring capability - think that came later.

 

'15 cars does have the same torque-vectoring capability.

 

Not to beat a dead horse or reignite a frequently fought battle on the forum, but considering that the 2014-2015 (aka the classic years with RWD) cars 1) weigh about 180 lbs less, and 2) the hood is about 1.5 inches lower (they had to raise the engine and hence the hoodline to graph in the AWD), and to my mind its a no brainer - get the 2015.

 

I'm leaning that way because I was more than happy with my 2015. Hard to find one with the specs/color I want and not a ton of miles, though.

I've been reading about removing the ridiculous side skirts on the 2016+ and that seems to be a viable route, but I'm not sure exactly how hard it would be. Also, does anyone know if you can pick up a 2015 diffuser to replace the painted 2016+? Is it an exact fit?

 

Oh, also.. Hydraulic steering went away in 2016+

 

Arne, don't forget your model year is different than the US MY. I think...

 

+1 on Torque vectoring on 2015 R.

 

Mine is a MY 2015 made in 2014 - first production year for the coupe 😉

 

I'll gladly take those off your hands and pay for shipping

 

I am biased, but it is all downhill for looks post 2015. 2018 with the Kia slits, barf. Infotainment is never used; that is what a mobile phone is for, Spofity/Waze.
Outside of looks the 2015R has RWD and drama and that is what an F-type is all about.

 

You would by one if it had better speakers?

 

No I have tinnitus so I can never crank the stereo + I prefer the exhaust noise.

I can afford a new F-type SVR or other, but I truly like the 2015 the best. Having no life parasites (wife or kids) opens the door to just about any life toys a man wants.

Leno: "Money or material things won't make an unhappy person happy, but it will make a happy person happier.'

 

A - f***ing - men

Really? I did not know this. Not doubting you, but where is this info?

.

 

All the AWDs are that much higher than the RWDs. You have to fit that extra diff. somewhere.

 

In 2014, the V8S was spec'd at 0.4" taller (51.9") than the V6 (51.5"). This is overall height (roof up), not hood height. (From the Driver's Handbook.)

 

I didn't even realize they mucked with the front splitter too. Gah. I wanted to get an R next but the front bumper is really bad. No choice but to go SVR now.