Today I sat in an F-Type S and a GT350!

Kinja'd!!! by "Poor_Sh" (ar4x)
Published 11/29/2017 at 15:49

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Similar to my recent Vette and Camaro adventure, I went to a Jaguar dealer and then a Ford dealer. Spent much less time in these as both salesmen seemed more anxious to get me out of there (I get it though). But, got to start both up and hear their beautiful/raucous exhaust notes!

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Unfortunately there were no manuals on the lot, but I wasn’t going to test drive anyway (yet). I’m still wowed every time I see one in person, the most beautiful car on the roads I think. What I didn’t expect was worse visibility than the Vette. That aside, the seats are unbelievably comfy and variable in a crazy number of ways. The exhaust sounded great, not as deep as I’d like, but the exhaust note and the looks are swooned ad nauseum so nothing new. Overall I definitely plan to leave this on the list of future test drives, but on paper it’s power-to-weight ratio is the worst of every car I’m looking at. I know I don’t need ridiculous numbers to be happy, I just need to not miss my Mustang too much.

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Onto the GT350, I had to checkout the proper color combo of course! The Recaros felt pretty good, but it was a bit difficult to get in and out... I’m 6'0 160lbs for reference. Now that I think about it getting out of the F-Type wasn’t a piece of cake either. Again, something something exhaust note is good etc. I just couldn’t really get over how WIDE it felt compared to my 14' GT. I know it’s only 1.4" more but those haunches in your side mirrors feel like a foot. After the Vette and F-Type I think I definitely want the closeness of a 2 seater because the S550 interior feels like an apartment I once had. Just too much space, didn’t look all that attractive either and that’s coming from someone who almost never puts down interiors. I generally don’t care, but maybe I’ve recently been spoiled?

In the end, I had a bunch of fun after a day of Dr appointments and co-pays (UGHHHH). I think I’ve officially crossed the GT350 off the list, and the F-Type as I’ve said is still in the running. Anyone else feel similarly as above or are you offended and need to tell me so? :)


Replies (6)

Kinja'd!!! "fintail" (fintail)
11/29/2017 at 15:59, STARS: 1

I recently had an F-Type S as a rental car in Germany:

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Top down so long as it was above ~30F and dry.

I am 6'1", probably closer to 190, and although getting in and out of it wasn’t as slick as the mature upright E-class I DD, once inside, I was fine (seat all the way down and back).

Sure it had plenty of quirks - nil luggage space, not the best visibility with top up, retro electronics, but it indeed was fun to simply listen to after selecting the button for the loud exhaust (which I would switch off at Autobahn speeds, lots of drone).

Kinja'd!!! "Poor_Sh" (ar4x)
11/29/2017 at 16:09, STARS: 1

Uhhh how did you do this?? Do you need a travel buddy?

I think the issue for me with getting out was the F-Type was parked next to the curb and I had to do a weird pull up. Without that I’m sure it would have been better. And, while I don’t want a convertible (maybe targa) I’ve rented them and also had the top down every day I could take it haha Thanks for your input!

Kinja'd!!! "fintail" (fintail)
11/29/2017 at 16:17, STARS: 1

I had reserved a 4er or similar (not a particularly expensive or exotic rental in Germany), and when taking delivery, remarked to the agent that I was a little disappointed in the basic spec of the car - as Sixt often has nicely equipped models. He then mentioned he had a “special car” soon due for retirement, and he could give me the upgrade for a good price. For around $30/day extra, inclusive of taxes and full insurance, I got the Jag. No regrets, made the trip that much more memorable.

I recall it does sit low, so you’d want some clearance for exiting.I also live in a rainy place, this would make a terrible everyday car here, but a fun toy - haven’t had the wind in my hair feeling since being on a bike.

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
11/29/2017 at 17:16, STARS: 0

Dadlopnik: how kid-friendly is the GT350 back seat? (I’m 6'1" with a 34" inseam)

Kinja'd!!! "Poor_Sh" (ar4x)
11/29/2017 at 17:49, STARS: 0

Didn’t seem any worse than my S197 back seat. I’ve had my nephew in back, and there are child seats I’ve seen in them. I’d say go for it but I’m single and unburdened lol

Kinja'd!!! "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
11/29/2017 at 18:08, STARS: 0

Yeah, I need at least 3 usable seats (in addition to mine) for at least another 5+ years, and good options if my 108k mile M3 doesn’t last quite that long...