Would you buy the F-type if it sounded like a "normal" sports car?

[WShudds]

Watching the Apprentice the other day with my 9 year old son, one of the candidates talked about "USP" and it left my son puzzled.

"What's USP?" he asked. I explained that a Unique Selling Point is what makes something really special and desirable. I said, take the F-type, for example. What would you say is its USP? He snapped his finger and said "the exhaust sound!"

It got me thinking. We all love the F-type for different reasons. I've had mine for 4 months/2,500 miles and despite being a gorgeous car, for me the exhaust sound is what makes it so unique. It's truly like nothing else I've ever had and probably ever will.

Which begs the question; would people here still buy the F-type if it sounded like a "normal" modern-day sports car like the latest stock 911 and similar with fake exhaust sounds coming through the speakers?

 

[CSGMART]

That's a great question.

I'm only 7 weeks into F Type ownership and less than 1,000 miles so far (the nicer weather will mean I get to use it more now) and the exhaust is part of the car's appeal. For me the shape is an important factor too. It's a stunner and turns heads everywhere we go.

I went for a walk earlier and was passed (twice) by an Aston Martin convertible (not sure what model but it look pretty new). It too was a stunning car but I think the F Type is better proportioned.

 

[elugelab]

No. There's a lot I love about the car (big V8, rear wheel drive) but the exhaust tips the balance for me.

Then again I can't think what I would have bought otherwise!

 

[KM69MZX]

Its a beautiful car inside and out. But it's the snaps, crackles, pops and woofles (is that a word ?) that puts a smile on my face.

 

[scm]

But people are buying the latest models, which are noticeably quieter. I guess they don't know what they're missing, so don't miss it. They're still great cars.

 

[MArtyn Veg]

The noise is unique and plays a massive part to its appeal but the shape/design of it is equal. All round simply the most attractive, sounding car on the road!

 

[davidls]

But people are buying the latest models, which are noticeably quieter. I guess they don't know what they're missing, so don't miss it. They're still great cars.

We with the latest models can however pull Fuse 15 and it makes a big difference. I honestly prefer the face lift shape to the previous one, I know that’s subjective. I have the P575 which is all but SVR in name because of the mechanicals and wizardry carried over and it has the latest tech which I prefer.

It makes plenty of noise, believe me, it’s not the 24hr du Le Mans loud, but it’s plenty.

 

[paul.dodds]

Big part of it for me is the sound. From what I understand it was no accident and took a considerable amount of engineering to arrive at!

 

[Billymcmred]

For me the look, shape, reaction from others all comes into it, cost is also a factor bang for buck if you like

 

[WShudds]

But people are buying the latest models, which are noticeably quieter. I guess they don't know what they're missing, so don't miss it. They're still great cars.

We with the latest models can however pull Fuse 15 and it makes a big difference. I honestly prefer the face lift shape to the previous one, I know that’s subjective. I have the P575 which is all but SVR in name because of the mechanicals and wizardry carried over and it has the latest tech which I prefer.

It makes plenty of noise, believe me, it’s not the 24hr du Le Mans loud, but it’s plenty.

Good point, even the latest model sounds a LOT better than most sports/GT cars of its generation.

I agree with the comment about the F-type value for money too. I got work colleagues in Europe who struggle to comprehend how we can buy a car like that for under £30K (MY18, manual).

It can go for nearly twice the money on the continent
https://www.autoscout24.ch/fr/d/x-occasion-11318470

 

[stefan9107]

I guess the owners of the 4 pot F-Type's would disagree with the sound being the USP and point towards the looks instead.

For me the sound was a huge selling point. I wanted a V8 before V8's are no more, and the main point of the V8 for me is the sound. In all honesty, this car could have half the horsepower and I'd still love it for the sound alone.
I think the next one for me really is actually price. I think Aston's look better personally, but the prices, new and used vs a comparative F-Type are just stupid.

When you look at the F-Type as a new car, it's only real competition is the 911 which has completely different philosophy. R8's and AMG GT's have pushed on price wise and are now into a different league.
The V8's specifically are almost a weird mix of classic British design and American brute force muscle car underneath. It looks sleek and sophisticated, but it goes and sounds like a damn hooligan. I can't think of any other car that really mixes the two together in the same way. Most look like what they are.

In summary, I think the sound at this price point is the F-Type's USP. There are better sounding cars out there, but not anywhere near this price range.

 

[cj10jeeper]

I
The V8's specifically are almost a weird mix of classic British design and American brute force muscle car underneath. It looks sleek and sophisticated, but it goes and sounds like a damn hooligan. I can't think of any other car that really mixes the two together in the same way. Most look like what they are.
In summary, I think the sound at this price point is the F-Type's USP. There are better sounding cars out there, but not anywhere near this price range.

I think this is getting closer to the essence of the appeal. You get a beautiful roadster or coupe, powerful yet classic British, which with V8 is the Americam muscle car or V6 an Italian super car noise. A combination of looks, class and noise that nothing approaches at the price point.

 

[santoshlv426]

I've had my car now for 5 years and the car is 9 years old - so I think I'm one of the few thats hung on to it for such a long period. Over here, people go through cars when they get "bored" after 1-2 years.

I would not have bought it if it had simulated sound & for some reason my car sounds as quiet as a Lexus when driven normally (120km/hr, 1500 rpm)

The looks, the fact that it's a V8, relatively rare sight which makes seeing one all that much more a treat and it's exceptionally good value is what made me buy it and would buy it again.

 

[scm]

I've had my car now for 5 years and the car is 9 years old - so I think I'm one of the few thats hung on to it for such a long period. Over here, people go through cars when they get "bored" after 1-2 years.

I've had mine for 7 years and the car is 8 years old! So there's at least 2 of us, and there are many on the US forum who keep them longer. As to replacing it - if I see anything that's better, then maybe, but there's really only the SVR to upgrade to, and I'm more than happy with what I've got.

 

[Lux37]

For me the look of the car was the main attraction to buying a F-Type.IMO its a beautiful looking car. The way it drives was the next reason for its appeal as in dynamic and sports mode it becomes quite a different car to being in standard mode where it is a comfortable cruiser.For long trips this option of 2 quite different drives really works for me ,it's not full on all the time which could become tiresome over a 6hr+ drive for me.
The noise is epic though and is definitely an important part of the package along with the "reasonable" running costs for such a high performance car.

 

[NavigatorNI]

I've had my car now for 5 years and the car is 9 years old - so I think I'm one of the few thats hung on to it for such a long period. Over here, people go through cars when they get "bored" after 1-2 years.

I've had mine for 7 years and the car is 8 years old! So there's at least 2 of us, and there are many on the US forum who keep them longer. As to replacing it - if I see anything that's better, then maybe, but there's really only the SVR to upgrade to, and I'm more than happy with what I've got.

Like you santoshiv426, I've had mine almost 5 years, it's 9 years old too. I think a lot of us on here have it as a "keeper". I'm still loving mine and don't see me changing it.

To answer the original question, I think I would have. I fell in love with the looks when it first came out, a classic British marque, proper sports/GT car, big engine, the noise was the icing on the cake.

 

[Purplecat]

Didn't even know about the pops and crackles when I started looking for an F-Type - So yes sometimes looks are everything

 

[Jaguandy]

Similar to me, I had no idea of the sound when I bought mine 6 years ago. Coming from two XFRs I just needed a V8 again. Totally pleased with the F-type and glad I've got one of the loud ones, even though I leave the valves shut most of the time, they open for me regularly

 

[nurgle]

I found the opposite, after a few months of ownership turned off the exhaust pops and crackled etc every time. I began to struggle to see the difference between a modded ASBO fiesta with its poppy exhaust and the F types also falsified note. I really liked the normal f type note (active exhaust off) so left it at that!

 

[WShudds]

Glad to see that this tread attracted some interesting perspectives. I was first attracted to its looks when an all black F-type pulled in at the local garage when I was refueling my humble TT. It then set off and I could hear it for like a minute as it went up the side road and trees on both sides amplified the sound so majestically. My heart skipped a beat

This was like 4 years ago and it was the first time I saw an F-type in the flesh. Never at that time I could imagine I'd be able to a) afford one, b) convince my wife I should buy one.

On the subject of F-type VS modified Fiesta, I had one following right behind me for like 20 minutes on my way home last Thursday. The noise was sooo over the top and the banging never stops. We did a nice duet together on the way, nothing too silly and it was only 6pm. The Fiesta driver was So happy I had engaged with him just for fun. He flashed his lights and waved as we went separate ways. I think that short encounter made his day.