Oh yeah, much better.

You know how coke kinda coats your tongue and has that one note cola heavy flavor? Back then, the coating thing didn't happen unless you chugged it. The flavor had depth, kinda like how a good root beer has layers of taste. Don't get me wrong, it was still very cola dominated, but it was like the difference between instant coffee and a decent bean you grind yourself. Or like going from budweiser to a good craft ale, if you're a beer drinker. Or maybe like Dr Pepper vs Mr Pibb

The original was a very yummy thing rather than a sugar bomb with a single flavor.

I do sometimes wonder if maybe the lens of memory into youth exaggerates the change, but I've met other people that have distinct memories of the taste as well.

I don't hate coke as it is today, but it used to be better for sure