Alpine A110S vs GT/Base Models
Discussion
Hi Everyone,
Brand new here as I've just ordered my Alpine, so very excited.
I was just wondering whether any of you had any thoughts on the comparison between the S and the other two base models (2022-on) - To give you some context, I have been wanting a modern A110 since it was first released, and saw multiple journalists and YouTubers comment on the suspension setup/ride quality of the S being inferior to the other models in their opinions. It wasn't until I test-drove the GT and the S back to back that I realised I actually disagree (on personal preference) and far prefer the setup of the S to the other two! It depends on your driving style and what you're using the car for, so there's an Alpine for everyone.
As for my personal impressions, the S definitely had a fruitier exhaust note, despite having presumably the same tune as the GT. This was further echoed by the dealer spokesperson who agreed that there's a marked difference in sound between the two. Primarily however, the S gave me a beaming smile on my face from start to finish, whereas the other two did less so. The S had little to no body roll, which I prefer, and feels a lot more agile, feeling like it's taking full advantage of the Alpine's incredible chassis and lightness. I felt more connected to the S. For me, the other two felt more sluggish and disconnected as a result of their more forgiving setups, and importantly, less dialed in. Now, of course, the trade-off is that the S does not soak up the British road quality as well as the other two models, however, I did not find the S uncomfortable as a result. I found that slight decrease in 'suppleness' to be an easy trade for the driving dynamics afforded by the S's tighter suspension setup. To me, the S's setup was not out of place on British roads, and in many areas excelled!
I will not be using the car on track, I am an avid British/European road-tripper and twisty road seeker, while also happily using the car as my daily driver. I would be interested to hear other Alpine owners/testers perspectives on the matter! Any thoughts, opinions, or observations are welcomed - as I know that the holistic driving experience is very subjective.
Brand new here as I've just ordered my Alpine, so very excited.
I was just wondering whether any of you had any thoughts on the comparison between the S and the other two base models (2022-on) - To give you some context, I have been wanting a modern A110 since it was first released, and saw multiple journalists and YouTubers comment on the suspension setup/ride quality of the S being inferior to the other models in their opinions. It wasn't until I test-drove the GT and the S back to back that I realised I actually disagree (on personal preference) and far prefer the setup of the S to the other two! It depends on your driving style and what you're using the car for, so there's an Alpine for everyone.
As for my personal impressions, the S definitely had a fruitier exhaust note, despite having presumably the same tune as the GT. This was further echoed by the dealer spokesperson who agreed that there's a marked difference in sound between the two. Primarily however, the S gave me a beaming smile on my face from start to finish, whereas the other two did less so. The S had little to no body roll, which I prefer, and feels a lot more agile, feeling like it's taking full advantage of the Alpine's incredible chassis and lightness. I felt more connected to the S. For me, the other two felt more sluggish and disconnected as a result of their more forgiving setups, and importantly, less dialed in. Now, of course, the trade-off is that the S does not soak up the British road quality as well as the other two models, however, I did not find the S uncomfortable as a result. I found that slight decrease in 'suppleness' to be an easy trade for the driving dynamics afforded by the S's tighter suspension setup. To me, the S's setup was not out of place on British roads, and in many areas excelled!
I will not be using the car on track, I am an avid British/European road-tripper and twisty road seeker, while also happily using the car as my daily driver. I would be interested to hear other Alpine owners/testers perspectives on the matter! Any thoughts, opinions, or observations are welcomed - as I know that the holistic driving experience is very subjective.
Hi John! Thank you - no, I was interested in people's experiences out of interest, I am going for a third set of test drives next month and so would be interesting to hear other perspectives before experiencing it first-hand myself once again. (Different lenses are useful!)
The car is on order but the spec isn't finalized (hence the final set of test drives), and I couldn't find any threads on specifically the suspension set-up comparison, particularly for the 2022 generation onwards.
The car is on order but the spec isn't finalized (hence the final set of test drives), and I couldn't find any threads on specifically the suspension set-up comparison, particularly for the 2022 generation onwards.
It’s completely personal, I started with non S and I’m currently trying some Life 110 mods, somewhere between standard car and the S. The car is very very different, one thing I would say is I can drive it quite a lot quicker, shockingly so actually!! I really like it BUT there is quite a compelling argument that you get the same fun in the base car just at slower speeds… I suppose I’m questioning is faster necessarily better for a road car, I dunno?
The extra precision & way the car now changes direction is very satisfying at all speeds though so I find it a tricky call.
( Life110 springs + Bilstein Dampers )
The extra precision & way the car now changes direction is very satisfying at all speeds though so I find it a tricky call.
( Life110 springs + Bilstein Dampers )
Thanks for the input Simon - definitely a personal preference. You bring up a super interesting point about 'speed enjoyment', it's definitely a factor and probably the primary reason why your particular driving style dictates your suspension preference!
I believe the Life360 suspension upgrade is closer to S stiffness but without the anti-rollbars, so it makes perfect sense that it sits between the two setups as a 'middle' option.
I believe the Life360 suspension upgrade is closer to S stiffness but without the anti-rollbars, so it makes perfect sense that it sits between the two setups as a 'middle' option.
tobi - I'm not sure my answer will help :-), I bought a GT last year and really enjoyed driving it for 7000 miles or so as my every day car, on special trips, and through the winter (on winter tyres). One of the reasons I choose it was I liked the compliant suspension, wanted heated seats and have terrible 'fear of missing out' so I wanted the 300hp!
It was really great, did everything i wanted, and felt special every day.
I have however, just changed it to an A110 S. For me the suspension set up and the seats make the S feel just a bit like a more serious sports car, still with the benefits of the light weight and agility. I feel like maybe I am imagining it but the exhaust does seem louder to me in the S. Everyone who has been in both cars can notice how much firmer the suspension is within 50 metres but it still feels compliant enough to me to use everyday and I will have it on winters come November.
As others have said, personal preference will guide a lot of your decisions here but definitely try both over the same roads to really get a back to back feel.
Keith
It was really great, did everything i wanted, and felt special every day.
I have however, just changed it to an A110 S. For me the suspension set up and the seats make the S feel just a bit like a more serious sports car, still with the benefits of the light weight and agility. I feel like maybe I am imagining it but the exhaust does seem louder to me in the S. Everyone who has been in both cars can notice how much firmer the suspension is within 50 metres but it still feels compliant enough to me to use everyday and I will have it on winters come November.
As others have said, personal preference will guide a lot of your decisions here but definitely try both over the same roads to really get a back to back feel.
Keith
Hi Keith,
Your answer is extremely helpful, thank you! You seem to have had the same experience as myself (except rather than just test drives, you've experienced this with extensive ownership!) Totally right, it is a pure preference thing.
Out of interest, what winter tires have you chosen? Do you have separate 'winter wheels'? Do you use Cup 2's in the summer or PS4's (or alt)?
P.S I don't believe it's your imagination, the S has a clearly different exhaust characteristic! Just not sure *Why*.
Tobi
Your answer is extremely helpful, thank you! You seem to have had the same experience as myself (except rather than just test drives, you've experienced this with extensive ownership!) Totally right, it is a pure preference thing.
Out of interest, what winter tires have you chosen? Do you have separate 'winter wheels'? Do you use Cup 2's in the summer or PS4's (or alt)?
P.S I don't believe it's your imagination, the S has a clearly different exhaust characteristic! Just not sure *Why*.
Tobi
tobi.mimoto said:
Hi Keith,
Your answer is extremely helpful, thank you! You seem to have had the same experience as myself (except rather than just test drives, you've experienced this with extensive ownership!) Totally right, it is a pure preference thing.
Out of interest, what winter tires have you chosen? Do you have separate 'winter wheels'? Do you use Cup 2's in the summer or PS4's (or alt)?
P.S I don't believe it's your imagination, the S has a clearly different exhaust characteristic! Just not sure *Why*.
Tobi
Currently on the Cup 2s but will change to PS5 shortly for a trip to Ireland so that I’m prepared for heavier rain. Cup tyres feel great in the dry though! Your answer is extremely helpful, thank you! You seem to have had the same experience as myself (except rather than just test drives, you've experienced this with extensive ownership!) Totally right, it is a pure preference thing.
Out of interest, what winter tires have you chosen? Do you have separate 'winter wheels'? Do you use Cup 2's in the summer or PS4's (or alt)?
P.S I don't believe it's your imagination, the S has a clearly different exhaust characteristic! Just not sure *Why*.
Tobi
Last year I just changed the tyres, the winters are Goodyear, mostly based on what I could get hold of. I will buy some wheels for this year though.
I'll give u my 2 pence
on a test drive with the S, it's like pressing sports mode. exhaust seems louder, car seems faster and more eager at 30-50% throttle
great...
but when u are actually leaning on the car (ie driving to the cars potential say 80%) .. its different from your 80% which could be a lot lower depending on your skill level. then the S needs more serious speeds to get there. the non S doesn't and can actually get to 80% at much saner speeds and have quite easy going breakaway characteristics.
That's what most journos are on about. And I think correct. I say I think because I have not tried a base model.
I'm only using my R on track and getting there. How it feels as a daily doesn't really matter to me except that if it is liveable on the road means it isn't too stiff which is really a good thing on track as well (to me)
on a test drive with the S, it's like pressing sports mode. exhaust seems louder, car seems faster and more eager at 30-50% throttle
great...
but when u are actually leaning on the car (ie driving to the cars potential say 80%) .. its different from your 80% which could be a lot lower depending on your skill level. then the S needs more serious speeds to get there. the non S doesn't and can actually get to 80% at much saner speeds and have quite easy going breakaway characteristics.
That's what most journos are on about. And I think correct. I say I think because I have not tried a base model.
I'm only using my R on track and getting there. How it feels as a daily doesn't really matter to me except that if it is liveable on the road means it isn't too stiff which is really a good thing on track as well (to me)
Thank you for the 2 pence Hokum!
Very interesting and fully get you. You definitely can't extract as much potential from the S without getting to the sketchy speeds. So both your skill level and your confidence (or potentially stupidity) will influence the decision, as well as your preference for car capability vs lower speed enjoyment.
I will definitely be looking out for these differences at the next test drive so thank you greatly. Enjoy your R, now that's a track car!!
Very interesting and fully get you. You definitely can't extract as much potential from the S without getting to the sketchy speeds. So both your skill level and your confidence (or potentially stupidity) will influence the decision, as well as your preference for car capability vs lower speed enjoyment.
I will definitely be looking out for these differences at the next test drive so thank you greatly. Enjoy your R, now that's a track car!!
kdempsie said:
I’m afraid I’ll only know next week! The demo car I tried was also on Cup 2 tyres.
I suspect they add a lot to the experience and would be great on track. I’ll let you know when I get them (PS5) on and bedded in a bit.
Oooh well have fun! Yes I imagine so, tyres can have such a huge impact on the feel of a car (obviously), I'd like to go for PS5's because it's more affordable, but if the difference is night and day then I'll 100% commit to the Cup 2's. I suspect they add a lot to the experience and would be great on track. I’ll let you know when I get them (PS5) on and bedded in a bit.
Edited by kdempsie on Friday 14th July 20:42
I look forward to hearing how you find them!
tobi.mimoto said:
Thank you for the 2 pence Hokum!
Very interesting and fully get you. You definitely can't extract as much potential from the S without getting to the sketchy speeds. So both your skill level and your confidence (or potentially stupidity) will influence the decision, as well as your preference for car capability vs lower speed enjoyment.
I will definitely be looking out for these differences at the next test drive so thank you greatly. Enjoy your R, now that's a track car!!
Tx. My point being that a base model may be all that is necessary. But don’t let that stop u if you want the more energetic S. btw, the s is too soft on track in my opinion…. So horses for courses as they say. Very interesting and fully get you. You definitely can't extract as much potential from the S without getting to the sketchy speeds. So both your skill level and your confidence (or potentially stupidity) will influence the decision, as well as your preference for car capability vs lower speed enjoyment.
I will definitely be looking out for these differences at the next test drive so thank you greatly. Enjoy your R, now that's a track car!!
That’s why certain folks actually want to pair the s engine with the base suspension
tobi.mimoto said:
Hi Everyone,
Brand new here as I've just ordered my Alpine, so very excited.
I was just wondering whether any of you had any thoughts on the comparison between the S and the other two base models (2022-on) - To give you some context, I have been wanting a modern A110 since it was first released, and saw multiple journalists and YouTubers comment on the suspension setup/ride quality of the S being inferior to the other models in their opinions. It wasn't until I test-drove the GT and the S back to back that I realised I actually disagree (on personal preference) and far prefer the setup of the S to the other two! It depends on your driving style and what you're using the car for, so there's an Alpine for everyone.
As for my personal impressions, the S definitely had a fruitier exhaust note, despite having presumably the same tune as the GT. This was further echoed by the dealer spokesperson who agreed that there's a marked difference in sound between the two. Primarily however, the S gave me a beaming smile on my face from start to finish, whereas the other two did less so. The S had little to no body roll, which I prefer, and feels a lot more agile, feeling like it's taking full advantage of the Alpine's incredible chassis and lightness. I felt more connected to the S. For me, the other two felt more sluggish and disconnected as a result of their more forgiving setups, and importantly, less dialed in. Now, of course, the trade-off is that the S does not soak up the British road quality as well as the other two models, however, I did not find the S uncomfortable as a result. I found that slight decrease in 'suppleness' to be an easy trade for the driving dynamics afforded by the S's tighter suspension setup. To me, the S's setup was not out of place on British roads, and in many areas excelled!
I will not be using the car on track, I am an avid British/European road-tripper and twisty road seeker, while also happily using the car as my daily driver. I would be interested to hear other Alpine owners/testers perspectives on the matter! Any thoughts, opinions, or observations are welcomed - as I know that the holistic driving experience is very subjective.
Welcome! I currently have a GT on order and recently went through the exact same dilemma as you - believe me, I was torn between the S and GT. I can give a bit more background about my test drives and experiences of the different cars if you like, but I will say straight off the bat that it was very close between the newest S and GT.Brand new here as I've just ordered my Alpine, so very excited.
I was just wondering whether any of you had any thoughts on the comparison between the S and the other two base models (2022-on) - To give you some context, I have been wanting a modern A110 since it was first released, and saw multiple journalists and YouTubers comment on the suspension setup/ride quality of the S being inferior to the other models in their opinions. It wasn't until I test-drove the GT and the S back to back that I realised I actually disagree (on personal preference) and far prefer the setup of the S to the other two! It depends on your driving style and what you're using the car for, so there's an Alpine for everyone.
As for my personal impressions, the S definitely had a fruitier exhaust note, despite having presumably the same tune as the GT. This was further echoed by the dealer spokesperson who agreed that there's a marked difference in sound between the two. Primarily however, the S gave me a beaming smile on my face from start to finish, whereas the other two did less so. The S had little to no body roll, which I prefer, and feels a lot more agile, feeling like it's taking full advantage of the Alpine's incredible chassis and lightness. I felt more connected to the S. For me, the other two felt more sluggish and disconnected as a result of their more forgiving setups, and importantly, less dialed in. Now, of course, the trade-off is that the S does not soak up the British road quality as well as the other two models, however, I did not find the S uncomfortable as a result. I found that slight decrease in 'suppleness' to be an easy trade for the driving dynamics afforded by the S's tighter suspension setup. To me, the S's setup was not out of place on British roads, and in many areas excelled!
I will not be using the car on track, I am an avid British/European road-tripper and twisty road seeker, while also happily using the car as my daily driver. I would be interested to hear other Alpine owners/testers perspectives on the matter! Any thoughts, opinions, or observations are welcomed - as I know that the holistic driving experience is very subjective.
Here's my experience:
The first one I drove was the GT. I didn't even plan for it really, I just popped into the Winchester branch one (rainy) day to have a look at the cars and they ended up handing me the keys to their new demonstrator which was a GT. I loved it, it put a huge smile on my face, I was so impressed at how it put power down even in the wet and how well it rode over any surface at speed. The noise was great, the car felt light and agile. I didn't jump in to a purchase or anything, but it stuck with me and over the next few days I realised I had fallen for the car and really wanted one, it was just a case of which one.
I went back a week later and drove a base car, this didn't impress me as much, it didn't sound as good, it didn't accelerate with the same urgency, it was still fun and rode really well, but it felt a bit lacklustre. I knew I wanted the extra power that I'd experienced in the GT.
Next I visited another dealership to look at some other cars and drove the A110 S, but the older version with the 320Nm. I did not get on as well with this car, it felt so unsettled at speed over bumpy road and it made me feel nervous pushing it hard. The acceleration also didn't feel as forceful as I remembered from the GT. I came away understanding what the journalists meant that it was a great track car, but too firm for the road, especially compared to the base model. I jumped straight out of that S into another GT and had the same great experience all over again. The more urgent acceleration from the 340Nm engine was back and the car had no trouble driving at speed over the same bits of road that I had just driven the S down.
Now here's where it gets interesting, Alpine Winchester (where I first drove the GT) emails me, they have a new A110 S in and it's ready for test drives. I turned up and tried the car. It was the most compelling version of the S for sure, it felt planted but not too firm like the previous S I'd driven. Cornering on smooth roads was great, and the acceleration had the same urgency as the GT. I drove the GT and the S back to back a couple of times and I was a little bit stumped. The S was "better" as in more capable, but the GT still definitely felt a bit smoother and flowed down the road better. I also liked how the comfort seats seemed to get me that tiny bit lower, even lower than the buckets on their lowest bolt setting. But the S definitely looked better and I'd already been speccing out my car on the configurator with white paint and all the orange accents.
In the end I decided to go with the GT. The thing that won me over was the seats seeming to go just a touch lower (I'm 6'4 so every mm of headroom counts). I wanted to like the buckets more, but every time I got back into the comfort seats I had this feeling of "that's better". Height adjustable is good too, my partner likes her seat raised up and I certainly didn't want to be messing around with a torx every time I had different passengers in the car. The other main thing that won me over was just the fact that the GT seemed more driveable day to day. I would never be nervous about taking it out in the rain as I already knew it was great, I knew it would handle bumpy roads better and it didn't really feel like there was much penalty, for road driving it was more than capable.
I sometimes think about the S again or even the base car, which can be a bit anxiety-inducing when you've already passed the cut-off (and don't even get me started on choosing options). But, every time I always come back to the GT. I'm sure I've made the right choice. Other people will have different preferences. I can absolutely see why people would choose the base car, or the S just as much.
Tldr; GT has the wow factor acceleration combined with the soft chassis and put a smile on my face every time I drove it. It was also the most comfortable to me personally (because I'm tall). The newer S was great as well with just as good acceleration, but definitely felt more at home on smooth roads. The older S felt quite bad on bumpy roads and didn't have as urgent acceleration. The base model still felt quick, but lacked top-end power and I really noticed it when putting my foot down at higher speeds (like 4th gear). It did ride really well though and of course it's the best value.
Rob_RCF said:
Welcome! I currently have a GT on order and recently went through the exact same dilemma as you - believe me, I was torn between the S and GT. I can give a bit more background about my test drives and experiences of the different cars if you like, but I will say straight off the bat that it was very close between the newest S and GT.
Here's my experience:
The first one I drove was the GT. I didn't even plan for it really, I just popped into the Winchester branch one (rainy) day to have a look at the cars and they ended up handing me the keys to their new demonstrator which was a GT. I loved it, it put a huge smile on my face, I was so impressed at how it put power down even in the wet and how well it rode over any surface at speed. The noise was great, the car felt light and agile. I didn't jump in to a purchase or anything, but it stuck with me and over the next few days I realised I had fallen for the car and really wanted one, it was just a case of which one.
I went back a week later and drove a base car, this didn't impress me as much, it didn't sound as good, it didn't accelerate with the same urgency, it was still fun and rode really well, but it felt a bit lacklustre. I knew I wanted the extra power that I'd experienced in the GT.
Next I visited another dealership to look at some other cars and drove the A110 S, but the older version with the 320Nm. I did not get on as well with this car, it felt so unsettled at speed over bumpy road and it made me feel nervous pushing it hard. The acceleration also didn't feel as forceful as I remembered from the GT. I came away understanding what the journalists meant that it was a great track car, but too firm for the road, especially compared to the base model. I jumped straight out of that S into another GT and had the same great experience all over again. The more urgent acceleration from the 340Nm engine was back and the car had no trouble driving at speed over the same bits of road that I had just driven the S down.
Now here's where it gets interesting, Alpine Winchester (where I first drove the GT) emails me, they have a new A110 S in and it's ready for test drives. I turned up and tried the car. It was the most compelling version of the S for sure, it felt planted but not too firm like the previous S I'd driven. Cornering on smooth roads was great, and the acceleration had the same urgency as the GT. I drove the GT and the S back to back a couple of times and I was a little bit stumped. The S was "better" as in more capable, but the GT still definitely felt a bit smoother and flowed down the road better. I also liked how the comfort seats seemed to get me that tiny bit lower, even lower than the buckets on their lowest bolt setting. But the S definitely looked better and I'd already been speccing out my car on the configurator with white paint and all the orange accents.
In the end I decided to go with the GT. The thing that won me over was the seats seeming to go just a touch lower (I'm 6'4 so every mm of headroom counts). I wanted to like the buckets more, but every time I got back into the comfort seats I had this feeling of "that's better". Height adjustable is good too, my partner likes her seat raised up and I certainly didn't want to be messing around with a torx every time I had different passengers in the car. The other main thing that won me over was just the fact that the GT seemed more driveable day to day. I would never be nervous about taking it out in the rain as I already knew it was great, I knew it would handle bumpy roads better and it didn't really feel like there was much penalty, for road driving it was more than capable.
I sometimes think about the S again or even the base car, which can be a bit anxiety-inducing when you've already passed the cut-off (and don't even get me started on choosing options). But, every time I always come back to the GT. I'm sure I've made the right choice. Other people will have different preferences. I can absolutely see why people would choose the base car, or the S just as much.
Tldr; GT has the wow factor acceleration combined with the soft chassis and put a smile on my face every time I drove it. It was also the most comfortable to me personally (because I'm tall). The newer S was great as well with just as good acceleration, but definitely felt more at home on smooth roads. The older S felt quite bad on bumpy roads and didn't have as urgent acceleration. The base model still felt quick, but lacked top-end power and I really noticed it when putting my foot down at higher speeds (like 4th gear). It did ride really well though and of course it's the best value.
Hi Rob, thank you so much for taking the time to share this, it was super helpful and insightful listening to your journey through the test drives. Interesting that the older S was inferior for you, I think the upgrade from the 'pre' to 'post' 2022 A110 has been greatly underestimated, at least from an outsider's point of view. It seemed the difference was just a new naming system and the infamous Carplay - in fact, I think the differences/refinement are quite major! Here's my experience:
The first one I drove was the GT. I didn't even plan for it really, I just popped into the Winchester branch one (rainy) day to have a look at the cars and they ended up handing me the keys to their new demonstrator which was a GT. I loved it, it put a huge smile on my face, I was so impressed at how it put power down even in the wet and how well it rode over any surface at speed. The noise was great, the car felt light and agile. I didn't jump in to a purchase or anything, but it stuck with me and over the next few days I realised I had fallen for the car and really wanted one, it was just a case of which one.
I went back a week later and drove a base car, this didn't impress me as much, it didn't sound as good, it didn't accelerate with the same urgency, it was still fun and rode really well, but it felt a bit lacklustre. I knew I wanted the extra power that I'd experienced in the GT.
Next I visited another dealership to look at some other cars and drove the A110 S, but the older version with the 320Nm. I did not get on as well with this car, it felt so unsettled at speed over bumpy road and it made me feel nervous pushing it hard. The acceleration also didn't feel as forceful as I remembered from the GT. I came away understanding what the journalists meant that it was a great track car, but too firm for the road, especially compared to the base model. I jumped straight out of that S into another GT and had the same great experience all over again. The more urgent acceleration from the 340Nm engine was back and the car had no trouble driving at speed over the same bits of road that I had just driven the S down.
Now here's where it gets interesting, Alpine Winchester (where I first drove the GT) emails me, they have a new A110 S in and it's ready for test drives. I turned up and tried the car. It was the most compelling version of the S for sure, it felt planted but not too firm like the previous S I'd driven. Cornering on smooth roads was great, and the acceleration had the same urgency as the GT. I drove the GT and the S back to back a couple of times and I was a little bit stumped. The S was "better" as in more capable, but the GT still definitely felt a bit smoother and flowed down the road better. I also liked how the comfort seats seemed to get me that tiny bit lower, even lower than the buckets on their lowest bolt setting. But the S definitely looked better and I'd already been speccing out my car on the configurator with white paint and all the orange accents.
In the end I decided to go with the GT. The thing that won me over was the seats seeming to go just a touch lower (I'm 6'4 so every mm of headroom counts). I wanted to like the buckets more, but every time I got back into the comfort seats I had this feeling of "that's better". Height adjustable is good too, my partner likes her seat raised up and I certainly didn't want to be messing around with a torx every time I had different passengers in the car. The other main thing that won me over was just the fact that the GT seemed more driveable day to day. I would never be nervous about taking it out in the rain as I already knew it was great, I knew it would handle bumpy roads better and it didn't really feel like there was much penalty, for road driving it was more than capable.
I sometimes think about the S again or even the base car, which can be a bit anxiety-inducing when you've already passed the cut-off (and don't even get me started on choosing options). But, every time I always come back to the GT. I'm sure I've made the right choice. Other people will have different preferences. I can absolutely see why people would choose the base car, or the S just as much.
Tldr; GT has the wow factor acceleration combined with the soft chassis and put a smile on my face every time I drove it. It was also the most comfortable to me personally (because I'm tall). The newer S was great as well with just as good acceleration, but definitely felt more at home on smooth roads. The older S felt quite bad on bumpy roads and didn't have as urgent acceleration. The base model still felt quick, but lacked top-end power and I really noticed it when putting my foot down at higher speeds (like 4th gear). It did ride really well though and of course it's the best value.
Your seat preference makes a lot of sense! I'm vertically challenged (5ft6) and slender/athletic in build, so the comfort seats were (ironically) uncomfortable for me, and the bucket seats were perfect for my size and build. People like you and myself (with our 'end of the spectrum' heights) probably have an easier time picking between the two seats, vs someone of average height and build who would probably fit both very comfortably. The buckets were wonderful for me, but I am very jealous of your adjustability/seat heating!!
As for my test drives, my two sessions of comparison so far (starting in a GT and moving to an S) have been largely measured through the subjective 'Smiles Per Gallon' unit. I will definitely keep your observations in mind for my test drives later this month. I'll be using this car as a daily driver as well, so I need to be sure that the S's 'dialed-in' nature isn't going to irritate me!
It's also worth noting that my previous cars have all been quite racey, with the most comfortable in recent years being a firm Golf GTI, so my preference was always likely to lean towards the S. This really shows that personal preference and driving taste is the biggest deciding factor, easily pushing us one way or the other.
From everything you've said, I'm absolutely certain you've made the right choices for yourself. There definitely isn't a wrong answer, but being safe in the knowledge that you "always come back to the GT"; well that's all the evidence you need, got to listen to those instincts.
When is your delivery date? Also, out of interest, how long before this date did you 'lock in' the spec?
All the best Rob, and congratulations on the new car!!
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