I agree, they are quieter, quite a bit too. I did not expect to notice it that much but it was obvious straight away. Although it us early days I also feel the car is more compliant, it seems to be easier to steer where you want it to go (so opposite to what you found martin) . The car seems to be better planted on the road too. There is a sharp bend near where I live which slopes away as you turn, which I was always very cautious of as I felt the car lose grip several times before, but it takes it with ease now, so I am feeling much more confident. It may be slightly less firm too, not by very much, but just enough to be noticeable. No heavy rain or snow yet, in fact we may not see snow this year in the south. So as I say early days, but so far so good.