Newbie with some questions V8V vs. V8Vs
Discussion
Greetings to all fortunate V8 Vantage owners and enthusiasts from a 'newbie' aspiring to join the ranks soon!
Seems a bit weird being a Newbie again as I've been active on the different forums for quite a few years now. Still active concerning my Mk2 RS2000 and a recently completed Stag, but no longer active at the upper end of the bhp scale since selling my pristine F348GTS about a year ago after 11 years ownership.
Having looked at potential successors, the choice seems to be narrowing down to a Vantage V8 and I hope someone might excuse any blunders I make in asking possibly "dumb" questions!
Specifically at the moment I have two pre-owned's in my sights, both MY2016 ex-demonstrators, one a Vantage and one a Vantage S; both Sportshift II. I've test driven the Vantage S but not the non-S. Despite trawling the Interweb, I've not really got the answers I need to pin the choice down. The Vantage ticks all of the options boxes that I want, but the 'S' beckons too. The Vantage salesman says the difference to the 'S' is negligible, the 'S' salesman obviously highlights the differences, notably louder exhaust note, quicker shifts, tighter handling, more torque etc.
To be honest, my Track Day years are behind me so I'm not looking for ultimates in terms of shifts and handling, but a raspy exhaust note is obligatory - the more the merrier!
Maybe someone who knows the differences intimately can help out?
Thanks in advance
Cheers
Drew
Seems a bit weird being a Newbie again as I've been active on the different forums for quite a few years now. Still active concerning my Mk2 RS2000 and a recently completed Stag, but no longer active at the upper end of the bhp scale since selling my pristine F348GTS about a year ago after 11 years ownership.
Having looked at potential successors, the choice seems to be narrowing down to a Vantage V8 and I hope someone might excuse any blunders I make in asking possibly "dumb" questions!
Specifically at the moment I have two pre-owned's in my sights, both MY2016 ex-demonstrators, one a Vantage and one a Vantage S; both Sportshift II. I've test driven the Vantage S but not the non-S. Despite trawling the Interweb, I've not really got the answers I need to pin the choice down. The Vantage ticks all of the options boxes that I want, but the 'S' beckons too. The Vantage salesman says the difference to the 'S' is negligible, the 'S' salesman obviously highlights the differences, notably louder exhaust note, quicker shifts, tighter handling, more torque etc.
To be honest, my Track Day years are behind me so I'm not looking for ultimates in terms of shifts and handling, but a raspy exhaust note is obligatory - the more the merrier!
Maybe someone who knows the differences intimately can help out?
Thanks in advance
Cheers
Drew
Welcome and have fun shopping 
Re the S vs non S thing. To me this would depends on price differential. The S has a few nice upgrades worthwhile, not just the 10bhp. The exhaust note is worth a grand alone if you try to fix the non S
Buy the guide here and read up
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Definitive-Guide-Gaydon-A...
Re the S vs non S thing. To me this would depends on price differential. The S has a few nice upgrades worthwhile, not just the 10bhp. The exhaust note is worth a grand alone if you try to fix the non S
Buy the guide here and read up
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Definitive-Guide-Gaydon-A...
Fast reply!
I pressed the button on the guide purchase yesterday after reading about it here. regarding the exhaust, the non 'S' dealer did actually say that, if I were desperate, he can fit the 'S' system at a price. Is it simply that straightforward? I see that the easy way to more exhaust crackle is fuse 15?
Drew
I pressed the button on the guide purchase yesterday after reading about it here. regarding the exhaust, the non 'S' dealer did actually say that, if I were desperate, he can fit the 'S' system at a price. Is it simply that straightforward? I see that the easy way to more exhaust crackle is fuse 15?
Drew
Pulling the fuse is free and easy to do (and reverse). Swapping exhausts is far more costly, but yes they're a direct swap.
If you don't care about the benefits of the S, then I'd say save your money and get a standard one. If you want more noise, pull the fuse and call it a day.
You'll need to watch other things aside from the purchase price. The S has a bunch of carbon where the standard car has plastic. Definitely important on the front lip, which is vulnerable and expensive to replace on the S if you ruin it.
Just my opinion, of course.
If you don't care about the benefits of the S, then I'd say save your money and get a standard one. If you want more noise, pull the fuse and call it a day.
You'll need to watch other things aside from the purchase price. The S has a bunch of carbon where the standard car has plastic. Definitely important on the front lip, which is vulnerable and expensive to replace on the S if you ruin it.
Just my opinion, of course.
Good point about the carbon bits. The irony is that the 'S' is a bit cheaper than the non-S. It's 6 months older but that's not a problem. Both are Ultramarine and the 'S' has a black interior which makes the whole thing just a bit too 'Darth Vader' for my liking. The non-S has a light grey leather interior and SWMBO likes that!
Drew
Drew
With a price advantage for the V8VS and the given color combinations, that would be a no-brainer for me. Light grey sounds at least very old, if not ugly...
I think the AM sport exhaust for the V8V is GBP 2k or so.
I think the AM sport exhaust for the V8V is GBP 2k or so.
Edited by TKP on Monday 7th November 21:16
Edited by TKP on Monday 7th November 21:17
I guess whether colour combinations look old or ugly is probably a matter for the individual beholder. The price of the 'official' AM sports exhaust sounds - relatively seen - almost reasonable.
Apart from the exhaust, 10bhp and wavy lined stitching on the 'S' seats, are there any 'S' differences which I'd notice on a Friday afternoon on the M25 at Heathrow?
Cheers
Drew
Apart from the exhaust, 10bhp and wavy lined stitching on the 'S' seats, are there any 'S' differences which I'd notice on a Friday afternoon on the M25 at Heathrow?
Cheers
Drew
I have recently changed from a 4.7 sportshift to a 4.7 S.......and I think the difference is very noticeable!
The car is better looking with the carbon, the slightly lager wheels gives it a more 'sporty' look and the noise on start up is magnificent!
On the road it's a lot more positive in all aspects, much quicker steering, firmer suspension but certainly not unpleasant and the larger brakes are very very good.
The performance despite being only a claimed 10 BHP more feels much quicker than my previous 4.7, it will put a huge smile on your face each time you give it a tickle. I think that Aston say there is 40 changes from the normal 4.7 to the S and in my humble opinion they have done a cracking job, just wish I had changed earlier.....brilliant motor car!
Ian.
The car is better looking with the carbon, the slightly lager wheels gives it a more 'sporty' look and the noise on start up is magnificent!
On the road it's a lot more positive in all aspects, much quicker steering, firmer suspension but certainly not unpleasant and the larger brakes are very very good.
The performance despite being only a claimed 10 BHP more feels much quicker than my previous 4.7, it will put a huge smile on your face each time you give it a tickle. I think that Aston say there is 40 changes from the normal 4.7 to the S and in my humble opinion they have done a cracking job, just wish I had changed earlier.....brilliant motor car!
Ian.
dasadrew said:
Hi Ian,
which model year were/are your Vantages? It seems that the normal and 'S' have been getting nearer and nearer over the last years.
Drew
I was initially after an S, but in the end settled on a nice non S. The non S I found had nice 19" wheels, carbon everywhere (front lip, rear where the exhaust is and inside) and had lovely white stitching inside with the AM Logo on the headrestswhich model year were/are your Vantages? It seems that the normal and 'S' have been getting nearer and nearer over the last years.
Drew
I know the S would have had sharper handling plus other stuff but it was a compromise I was willing to make.
Re exhaust I pulled the fuse and am happy
If the non-S has the Sports Pack, then it has the same suspension as the S (unless the S has Comfort suspension). If one went from 6-spd Sport Shift to 7-spd Sport Shift when changing from non-S to S, then there would be a very noticeable difference. Otherwise, IMO, the difference between them is very slight. They both sound superb.
My experience is with slightly older models, but i believe the differences are the same as the cars you are looking at.
The facelift v8 carried 'most' of the changes that were brought in with the 's' model.
I recently bought a 2012.25 model year or whatever you call it V8. I was told the only different was the s stitching on the seats, the carbon instead of plastic diffuser / splitter, airbox which gives another 10hp when running on 99 octane fuel, and the exhaust note.
The power difference i couldnt tell, though the increase in noise may make it feel a little quicker, though im really not sure anyone could tell 420 or 430 hp.
The main point of note for me was the sharper steering and brakes over the earlier 4.7 ltr vantage models, but that has no relation to 's' or 'non s'.
I think it comes down to the spec of the individual car really, as both 's' and 'non s' can be specced up or down in sportyness.
I went for a non s in the end, due to the spec and price of the cars available. My car is on comfort suspension, which i initially thought i would find lacking, i dont, its perfect for spirited road use and a big step up from earlier models i think.
The facelift v8 carried 'most' of the changes that were brought in with the 's' model.
I recently bought a 2012.25 model year or whatever you call it V8. I was told the only different was the s stitching on the seats, the carbon instead of plastic diffuser / splitter, airbox which gives another 10hp when running on 99 octane fuel, and the exhaust note.
The power difference i couldnt tell, though the increase in noise may make it feel a little quicker, though im really not sure anyone could tell 420 or 430 hp.
The main point of note for me was the sharper steering and brakes over the earlier 4.7 ltr vantage models, but that has no relation to 's' or 'non s'.
I think it comes down to the spec of the individual car really, as both 's' and 'non s' can be specced up or down in sportyness.
I went for a non s in the end, due to the spec and price of the cars available. My car is on comfort suspension, which i initially thought i would find lacking, i dont, its perfect for spirited road use and a big step up from earlier models i think.
Edited by gibbon on Tuesday 8th November 08:52
Edited by gibbon on Tuesday 8th November 09:43
gibbon said:
My experience is with slightly older models, but i belief the differences are the same as the cars you are looking at.
The facelift v8 carried 'most' of the changes that were brought in with the 's' model.
I recently bought a 2012.25 model year or whatever you call it V8. I was told the only different was the s stitching on the seats, the carbon instead of plastic diffuser / splitter, airbox which gives another 10hp when running on 99 octane fuel, and the exhaust note.
The power difference i couldnt tell, though the increase in noise may make it feel a little quicker, though im really not sure anyone could tell 420 or 430 hp.
The main point of note for me was the sharper steering and brakes over the earlier 4.7 ltr vantage models, but that has no relation to 's' or 'non s'.
I think it comes down to the spec of the individual car really, as both 's' and 'non s' can be specced up or down in sportyness.
I went for a non s in the end, due to the spec and price of the cars available. My car is on comfort suspension, which i initially thought i would find lacking, i dont, its perfect for spirited road use and a big step up from earlier models i think.
Good post. The sales guy trying to tell youl all the differences between S and non S cars is telling porkies for a MY16 car since they are largely identical now. The facelift v8 carried 'most' of the changes that were brought in with the 's' model.
I recently bought a 2012.25 model year or whatever you call it V8. I was told the only different was the s stitching on the seats, the carbon instead of plastic diffuser / splitter, airbox which gives another 10hp when running on 99 octane fuel, and the exhaust note.
The power difference i couldnt tell, though the increase in noise may make it feel a little quicker, though im really not sure anyone could tell 420 or 430 hp.
The main point of note for me was the sharper steering and brakes over the earlier 4.7 ltr vantage models, but that has no relation to 's' or 'non s'.
I think it comes down to the spec of the individual car really, as both 's' and 'non s' can be specced up or down in sportyness.
I went for a non s in the end, due to the spec and price of the cars available. My car is on comfort suspension, which i initially thought i would find lacking, i dont, its perfect for spirited road use and a big step up from earlier models i think.
Edited by gibbon on Tuesday 8th November 08:52
All that said I would still have the S especially if it is cheaper (keep in mind the £10K price difference new). I could not have a Vantage without the nicer interior and especially the CF splitter and diffuser (now an option even on the S I believe but should be fitted as standard to the one you are considering). Also buyers down the line will know what they are getting with the S and it is only the S you csn buy new now so you will be more 'current'.
I went for the S based on the colour, spec & the fact that whilst it was a 2011 model (demonstrator) it has all the S-type goodies (less the 2012 refresh of Garmin sat nag etc). I test drove a standard V8V prior to purchase but you really can't tell with the sales rep sitting with you.
I have no idea what it'll be worth in a few years time & don't really care, just enjoying the whole experience!
I have no idea what it'll be worth in a few years time & don't really care, just enjoying the whole experience!
Hi Drew
Yes they are definitely getting closer, my previous one was a 2009 (sportshift 1) and the current one is 2012 with the later sportshift 2.....which is a big difference. This is my third Vantage and I honestly feel the S is a fantastic car and for me anyway a great upgrade.
But whichever one you choose it will make you smile!
Ian.
Yes they are definitely getting closer, my previous one was a 2009 (sportshift 1) and the current one is 2012 with the later sportshift 2.....which is a big difference. This is my third Vantage and I honestly feel the S is a fantastic car and for me anyway a great upgrade.
But whichever one you choose it will make you smile!
Ian.
Thanks for all the replies so far. I managed to find these pages from Aston Martin by going via Google - couldn't find them by navigating Aston Martin website direct.
Unfortunately, it doesn't give any clues as to whether there are country-specific differences, but the pages do show the closing of the gap between S and non-S. Steering the same, drive ratios the same, wheels the same etc.
http://www.astonmartin.com/en-us/cars/the-vantage-...
http://www.astonmartin.com/en-us/cars/the-vantage-...
It mentions that he 'S' has a sports exhaust with different valve mapping. Sounds a bit like techno-babble for "the exhaust flaps open earlier, Brian!"
Interesting also the pages on original accessories like the sports exhaust:
http://www.astonmartin.com/en/accessories/v8-vanta...
If you refresh the page in your browser, the price in £ incl. VAT appears for a second before getting hidden again!
It looks like I don't have to be too afraid of buying a lame duck with the non-S in the 2016 version!
Any views on Ultramarine? I imagine it looks very subtly sparkling in sunlight but there ain't much of that around at the moment here!
Cheers
Drew
Unfortunately, it doesn't give any clues as to whether there are country-specific differences, but the pages do show the closing of the gap between S and non-S. Steering the same, drive ratios the same, wheels the same etc.
http://www.astonmartin.com/en-us/cars/the-vantage-...
http://www.astonmartin.com/en-us/cars/the-vantage-...
It mentions that he 'S' has a sports exhaust with different valve mapping. Sounds a bit like techno-babble for "the exhaust flaps open earlier, Brian!"
Interesting also the pages on original accessories like the sports exhaust:
http://www.astonmartin.com/en/accessories/v8-vanta...
If you refresh the page in your browser, the price in £ incl. VAT appears for a second before getting hidden again!
It looks like I don't have to be too afraid of buying a lame duck with the non-S in the 2016 version!
Any views on Ultramarine? I imagine it looks very subtly sparkling in sunlight but there ain't much of that around at the moment here!
Cheers
Drew
dasadrew said:
Thanks for all the replies so far. I managed to find these pages from Aston Martin by going via Google - couldn't find them by navigating Aston Martin website direct.
Unfortunately, it doesn't give any clues as to whether there are country-specific differences, but the pages do show the closing of the gap between S and non-S. Steering the same, drive ratios the same, wheels the same etc.
http://www.astonmartin.com/en-us/cars/the-vantage-...
http://www.astonmartin.com/en-us/cars/the-vantage-...
It mentions that he 'S' has a sports exhaust with different valve mapping. Sounds a bit like techno-babble for "the exhaust flaps open earlier, Brian!"
Interesting also the pages on original accessories like the sports exhaust:
http://www.astonmartin.com/en/accessories/v8-vanta...
If you refresh the page in your browser, the price in £ incl. VAT appears for a second before getting hidden again!
It looks like I don't have to be too afraid of buying a lame duck with the non-S in the 2016 version!
Any views on Ultramarine? I imagine it looks very subtly sparkling in sunlight but there ain't much of that around at the moment here!
Cheers
Drew
The big difference for the 's' when introduced in 2011 were larger, better brakes, wider wheels, a quicker steering rack, different airbox and exhaust back box, carbon trim and 's' stitching, different damping and spring rates.Unfortunately, it doesn't give any clues as to whether there are country-specific differences, but the pages do show the closing of the gap between S and non-S. Steering the same, drive ratios the same, wheels the same etc.
http://www.astonmartin.com/en-us/cars/the-vantage-...
http://www.astonmartin.com/en-us/cars/the-vantage-...
It mentions that he 'S' has a sports exhaust with different valve mapping. Sounds a bit like techno-babble for "the exhaust flaps open earlier, Brian!"
Interesting also the pages on original accessories like the sports exhaust:
http://www.astonmartin.com/en/accessories/v8-vanta...
If you refresh the page in your browser, the price in £ incl. VAT appears for a second before getting hidden again!
It looks like I don't have to be too afraid of buying a lame duck with the non-S in the 2016 version!
Any views on Ultramarine? I imagine it looks very subtly sparkling in sunlight but there ain't much of that around at the moment here!
Cheers
Drew
From the 2012 model year all but the airbox and stitching can be spec'd onto a non 's', so the rest is down to the specific car. This is true of the 2012 model year onwards, which before the infotainment and dash changes of this year, were the last model changes.
Edited by gibbon on Tuesday 8th November 20:39
Ultramarine Black goes from looking very black on a cloudy day to very blue under showroom lighting.
In some lights the blue looks almost like a flat paint (and by that I mean it looks good, different). When the sun shines it really comes alive and sparkles
It is overall more (dark) blue than black. I love it!
In some lights the blue looks almost like a flat paint (and by that I mean it looks good, different). When the sun shines it really comes alive and sparkles
It is overall more (dark) blue than black. I love it!
gibbon said:
The big difference for the 's' were larger, better brakes, wider wheels, a quicker steering rack, different airbox and exhaust back box, carbon trim and 's' stitching, different damping and spring rates.
All but the airbox and stitching can be spec'd onto a non 's', so the rest is down to the specific car. This is true of the 2012 model year onwards, which before the infotainment and dash changes of this year, were the last model changes.
Interesting. The Aston Martin sites above (click on TECHNICAL) show that steering, brakes and wheels are identical between S and non-S. It doesn't quote the build year of the Vanatges described, but the interior picks show the MY2016 centre console touch switches. It actually does look like the 2016 models all got the 'S' steering, brakes and tyres.All but the airbox and stitching can be spec'd onto a non 's', so the rest is down to the specific car. This is true of the 2012 model year onwards, which before the infotainment and dash changes of this year, were the last model changes.
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