ANYONE regret going V8V to V12V

[outofstepuk]

Ok, so I know everyone that has got a V12V sings the virtues. I've been round Castle Combe with Simon T in his V12V, so am very very clear of how good they are (also of how much better a driver Simon is than me).

I keep getting the urge, but I'm also quite attached to my V8V. It's been a damn good car to me, and I almost feel guilty when I think of getting rid of it. I was toying with the idea of keeping both, but whilst I could do it, it's a bit of a financial stretch, and therefore probably not too wise.

My current car is the first decent car I've had, so maybe I'm just being a little emotionally attached to it! Also I guess I know that the mileage is an issue for most buyers when I come to sell it. I didn't really worry about it, because I thought I'd just keep it.

So, anyone with a V12V miss their V8V, or does the V12V completely remove all memories!

Will await the MTFU replies

[michael gould]

outofstepuk said:

Ok, so I know everyone that has got a V12V sings the virtues. I've been round Castle Combe with Simon T in his V12V, so am very very clear of how good they are (also of how much better a driver Simon is than me).

I keep getting the urge, but I'm also quite attached to my V8V. It's been a damn good car to me, and I almost feel guilty when I think of getting rid of it. I was toying with the idea of keeping both, but whilst I could do it, it's a bit of a financial stretch, and therefore probably not too wise.

My current car is the first decent car I've had, so maybe I'm just being a little emotionally attached to it! Also I guess I know that the mileage is an issue for most buyers when I come to sell it. I didn't really worry about it, because I thought I'd just keep it.

So, anyone with a V12V miss their V8V, or does the V12V completely remove all memories!

Will await the MTFU replies

I suspect its a bit like when you were a kid ....and your first girlfriend....having a V8V can be compared to getting to 1st base or perhaps 2nd base in the case of a 4.7 V8V.........now having a V12V is like going "all the way"

does that help ?

[V12woollie]

I thought I would miss my V8V, especially as I had gotten to know it very well during the JLC trip. I was very comfortable pushing it and understood its capabilities.

However, the V12V is in an altogether different league compared to my 07 4.3 V8V. Easier to drive, addictive torque, gorgeous sound (although I like the V8 sound very much) and massive grip (well so far as I've only used it on dry roads in warm weather on the Corsas). I'm starting to get to understand the limits and I am sure I am nowhere near them at the moment. I haven't been over 5,000 RPM yet as I wanted to get 500-1,000 miles on the clock first, but even reigning it back it is still too much performance for most roads unless they are empty. I can't wait to enter warp speed

I'm sure if people were coming form a 4.7 with Sportspack then maybe the difference wouldn't be so marked, but from my 4.3 it is so obviously a better car.


PS. Just to clarify the 'easier to drive' comment. The clutch is lighter, the gear change seems more fluid and less notchy and, because of the torque, it pulls like a train from very low speeds in 6th gear, so for motorway driving it is much more relaxing when overtaking and less gear changes are required to get speed up.

Edited by V12woollie on Monday 10th June 15:07

[outofstepuk]

michael gould said:

I suspect its a bit like when you were a kid ....and your first girlfriend....having a V8V can be compared to getting to 1st base or perhaps 2nd base in the case of a 4.7 V8V.........now having a V12V is like going "all the way"

does that help ?

Then to Bamford Rose, so it's all the way and she's filthy?

Sounds like a good argument.

[outofstepuk]

V12woollie said:

I thought I would miss my V8V, especially as I had gotten to know it very well during the JLC trip. I was very comfortable pushing it and understood its capabilities.

However, the V12V is in an altogether different league compared to my 07 4.3 V8V. Easier to drive, addictive torque, gorgeous sound (although I like the V8 sound very much) and massive grip (well so far as I've only used it on dry roads in warm weather on the Corsas). I'm starting to get to understand the limits and I am sure I am nowhere near them at the moment. I haven't been over 5,000 RPM yet as I wanted to get 500-1,000 miles on the clock first, but even reigning it back it is still too much performance for most roads unless they are empty. I can't wait to enter warp speed

I'm sure if people were coming form a 4.7 with Sportspack then maybe the difference wouldn't be so marked, but from my 4.3 it is so obviously a better car.


PS. Just to clarify the 'easier to drive' comment. The clutch is lighter, the gear change seems more fluid and less notchy and, because of the torque, it pulls like a train from very low speeds in 6th gear, so for motorway driving it is much more relaxing when overtaking and less gear changes are required to get speed up.

Edited by V12woollie on Monday 10th June 15:07

Yes, I think with me also being in an 07 V8V (all be it perked up by BR) I'm sure I'd notice quite a difference. Easier to drive is good to know, as I would look to it as a daily driver (subject to seasonal tyre changes!)

I'm going to start giving my V8 disapproving looks in preparation. Only joking, I couldn't do that.

[Cockernee]

outofstepuk said:

michael gould said:

I suspect its a bit like when you were a kid ....and your first girlfriend....having a V8V can be compared to getting to 1st base or perhaps 2nd base in the case of a 4.7 V8V.........now having a V12V is like going "all the way"

does that help ?

Then to Bamford Rose, so it's all the way and she's filthy?

Sounds like a good argument.

I have one regret....... I should have done it sooner

[Lunablack]

I must be one of the few guys that given the chance wouldn't want a V12V....

That doesn't mean I don't like them etc etc, as I do..... But I have no desire to own one...

Now a 4.7S coupe with manual box....... Yes please.....

[michael gould]

Lunablack said:

I must be one of the few guys that given the chance wouldn't want a V12V....

That doesn't mean I don't like them etc etc, as I do..... But I have no desire to own one...

Now a 4.7S coupe with manual box....... Yes please.....

I think the box comment is normally referred to as "3rd base"

[outofstepuk]

I certainly considered an SP10, but (depending on discounts when they get out), with a few boxes ticked for lightweights, OTR costs etc, they are touching six figures. I'd be looking at an early V12V, so quite a bit less than that.

Also, as I don't see myself as a driving god, I just like the idea of something that throws me back in my seat, even if a V8S might be as quick/quicker round a track.

[M4YBO]

michael gould said:

I suspect its a bit like when you were a kid ....and your first girlfriend....having a V8V can be compared to getting to 1st base or perhaps 2nd base in the case of a 4.7 V8V.........now having a V12V is like going "all the way"

does that help ?

Not really! Can you provide another analogy as I'm still 'intact' and don't understand.

[CPBRI]

Went straight for the V12V and skipped over the V8.

[michael gould]

CPBRI said:

Went straight for the V12V and skipped over the V8.

Dirty dirty man ......missed 1st 2nd and 3rd base !!!

[erics]

CPBRI said:

Went straight for the V12V and skipped over the V8.

+1

[jonby]

I've never felt an emotion as strong as something I'd describe as regret over the change - the only -ve for me is that the fuel consumption and the range, from a financial & practicality perspective respectively, really has been a big jump going from V8 to V12

I was at Coworth Park in Ascot yesterday and on the way home, 180 or so miles, I managed to use not much over half a tank being VERY restrained. On the way down, including quite a few A roads and a slightly longer journey, I used not far off a full tank - that really is shocking ! You can actually see the fuel gauge needle move whilst you're driving.....

[yeti]

jonby said:

I was at Coworth Park in Ascot yesterday and on the way home, 180 or so miles, I managed to use not much over half a tank being VERY restrained. On the way down, including quite a few A roads and a slightly longer journey, I used not far off a full tank - that really is shocking ! You can actually see the fuel gauge needle move whilst you're driving.....

Roof up or down?

Woolders and I filled up at the same time in our BR500+ Volantes in France, I had the roof off as I'm all man, Woolders had his up as he's a red trouser-wearing golfer

Filled up 2hrs later, I think I used an extra 20 litres, and that's bearing in mind my manual 6th gear is longer than his auto 6th gear. Shocking, the difference it made.

[outofstepuk]

yeti said:

Roof up or down?

Woolders and I filled up at the same time in our BR500+ Volantes in France, I had the roof off as I'm all man, Woolders had his up as he's a red trouser-wearing golfer

Filled up 2hrs later, I think I used an extra 20 litres, and that's bearing in mind my manual 6th gear is longer than his auto 6th gear. Shocking, the difference it made.

phew, glad I'm only considering the frugal coupe

[J12MOC]

Lunablack said:

I must be one of the few guys that given the chance wouldn't want a V12V....

That doesn't mean I don't like them etc etc, as I do..... But I have no desire to own one...

Now a 4.7S coupe with manual box....... Yes please.....

Luna I guess I'm another weirdo as I agree. Just bought an SP10 whereas I could have got a V12V R. If I'd really stretched the funds. Car is off to BR for suspension and then I'll get the manifolds etc done later. 450 + brake in a well balanced V8 with a manual box is my heaven and there's the 5l pistons etc for the future if that's not enough. Dry stumped, better weight distribution........why would I want for more? And yes I have driven the V12 and its a fantastic car...I just felt more comfortable and part of the V8S. Probably lack of talent I guess!

[ripley500]

I loved my 4.3 V8V but absolutely no regrets about changing - the whole package is a massive improvement. I deliberately didn't even test drive a 4.7 before changing as I new the 4.7 would be better than 4.3 and didn't want to confuse myself because I could have bought a brand new 4.7 for the price I paid for a used V12V.

I recently had a 4.7 loan car and whilst the extra torque on this is noticeable over the 4.3, it's a long way from the V12.

I guess a good guide would be could I go back to a 4.3? Simple answer - yes. The Aston is about so much more than just performance and if I had to tighten my belt then I would be very happy to own another 4.3. I do find myself taking the V12 for a 'drive' more often than I did my 4.3 though as it's a more addictive car to drive - as a result I seem to average 12mpg (17mpg in my old 4.3) and as others have said, the fuel gauge visibly moves when pressing on

[Little Donkey]

I found out the other day that I used to own a V8...........apparently.

[V12woollie]

J12MOC said:

Dry stumped, better weight distribution.....

I'm pretty sure the V8 and the V12 have the same 51/49 f/r weight distribution.