Subtle differences between 2017 and 2019

[BB125]

Back home in the pony stable, I have a 2017 GT Premium California Special coup manual. On vacation this week my wife and I rented a 2019 GT convertible automatic to get around Phoenix.

I know there is some engine difference and front/rear styling differences but I noticed a few other things that I didn't expect. I wanted to know if I was imagining things.

First thing I noticed was the steering wheel. The one in the 2019 seems more padded and nicer. It is leather-feeling material. The 2017 at home, while a premium, seems to be made of a more plastic-feeling material. Did the steering wheel get upgraded between model years? (Planning to upgrade to a GT350R wheel anyway but curious.)

Second thing I noticed was the exhaust sound. Sounds louder in the 2019. Did that get upgraded or does it just sound louder in a soft top?

Last thing is something quirky with the 2019 radio volume control. The up/down on the right side of the wheel adjusts the radio volume on mine but only seems to change the dash display mode. Unlike the other two items, this seems like a step backwards.

Anyone have experience with both model years that could confirm or set me straight?

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[Nagare]

Steering wheel was one of the big things mentioned when the 18s came out, unfortunately for you they aren't swappable between the 15-17 and 18+ because of different air bags.

18+ are much louder and better sounding exhausts.

The 18+ also swapped the controls from either side of the steering wheels. They now match with what most other manufacturers have which is volume on the left.

 

[Elvis66]

The steering wheel is nicer but the horn on a 18/19 is lacking..also to me my 19 seats feel more comfortable than my 15 did. Can see better over the stock hood better 18/19 then the 15/17 and the headlights are brighter and better in 18/19 because there full LED .18/19 definitely louder also has a better intake manifold.

 

[NoVaGT]

.....the steering wheel. The one in the 2019 seems more padded and nicer. It is leather-feeling material.......
Second thing I noticed was the exhaust sound. Sounds louder in the 2019. Did that get upgraded or does it just sound louder in a soft top?......The up/down on the right side of the wheel adjusts the radio volume on mine but only seems to change the dash display mode.....

-New, softer/thicker steering wheel. Yes.
-Yes, the 2018+s are louder.
-The switches were flipped from one side to the other. Takes some getting used to.

 

[accel]

Front grille 15-17 is matte black plastic, ones I saw at car show last month ('20?) were gloss black plastic.

Inside door panels and between front seats tunnel plastic in 17, but soft in cars at autoshow.

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