Just thought I'd share my experience for what it's worth... After driving my new '21 for 6 months, I offer the following observations:

- turbo delay MUCH more pronounced (and VERY annoying) on the '21
- PCM much worse on '21, for example Apple CarPlay is practically un-usable while car is in motion (beyond annoying)
- transmission shifts much sooner/quicker on '21
- exhaust sound is much less pronounced on '21 (I prefer the more pronounced sound)
- ride seems to be stiffer (same tires/pressures as '17) on the '21 however this may be due to break-in
- otherwise the cars are pretty identical

I still have the '17 and while I've always rated it a 10+++, due to the the turbo delay and PCM issues on the '21 (both big issues for me), I can only rate the '21 a 7.

 

On the plus side

- Oil stays inside the engine

Many of the other points you raise go away in Sport+ mode. If your S isn't equipped with Sport Chrono, it could be worth investigating an aftermarket upgrade, or at least a tune.

 

most, if not all of those issues were addressed in the 2022 S. The 2.9L is far more responsive and has a better sounding exhaust. The different PASM modes allow for the suspension firmness to be customized to be softer. The only thing I am not sure on is how well the PCM works.

 

Pedal commander is a worthwhile upgrade for the throttle response (and turbo delay) issue, sorry about the PCM/CarPlay, maybe have the dealer look at it?

 

can you elaborate on the oil issue?

 

Perhaps the potential timing chain cover leak on the 3.0 V6 versus the newer 2.9 V6 was being referenced.