Suspension and Steering Differences in Regular V8 Vantage

[klee168168]

I am looking at a regular V8 Vantage years 2010+. Not the S or the V12 but the regular V8 Vantage in a 6 speed manual. 3 pedals.

I am trying to understand what is the difference in the suspension and steering on the 2012.25 + vs the pre 2012.25 models.

STEERING QUESTION
I read that made the steering ratio better in the 2012.25 + models, causing the steering to be more responsive, but also heavier. I test drove a 2011 model today and it didn't feel loose to me. It was responsive but I am not sure about the 2012.25 model. People swear that the 2012.25 steering is SO MUCH better than the older ones, but for normal driving, is it worth the extra money to get the newer models? I am probably the only one that hates the plastic front bumper and rear diffusers on the newer models.

SUSPENSION QUESTION
I know in 2009-2010 they have the sport package. Most people got it for the 5 spoke rims. Those were really nice but also added a firmer suspension. I am not sure what happened in 2011-2012. The window stickers I have seen does not say "sport package" or "sport suspension" so did they get rid of the sport suspension in the 2011-2012 models? Do the 2011-2012 models only have regular suspension?
Can someone confirm that starting in 2012.25+ all the V8 Vantage got the sport suspension as standard and thus regular suspension was no longer offered?

I'd like to hear people's opinions on comfort vs sport suspension. It's been a long time since I have driven one, but now in the market. But it seems like all the ones I am looking at doesn't specify "sport suspension" or "regular suspension"

[mikey k]

I replied to your thread on 6 speed
Only thing I can add is you need to drive both
Personally I love the updates on my S, even though I prefer the look of the older car especially with the original sport pack alloys

[Jon39]

klee168168 said:

I am probably the only one that hates the plastic front bumper and rear diffusers on the newer models.

No you are not the only one. The later cars also lost that lovely curved line (view from the rear), when the height of the tailgate lip was raised in the centre.

klee168168 said:

I'd like to hear people's opinions on comfort vs sport suspension. It's been a long time since I have driven one, but now in the market. But it seems like all the ones I am looking at doesn't specify "sport suspension" or "regular suspension"

My opinion is that for UK potholed road use, the ordinary suspension is hard enough for me. The 5 spoke wheels do look much more modern ( I have seen the 20 spoke on some Ford Focus models), but can of course be fitted afterwards.

Good luck in finding a car, they are wonderful. You are wise to research the details.

[Grant3]

Steering - in essence the more direct steering makes you feel more connected with the car as turn-in is sharper and direction changes are quicker.. the car just feels more responsive, but it's not night and day and sometimes you don't miss what you haven't had, so try both. As mentioned in your other thread there were other changes at this time that add value to the extra cost of a newer car.

With regards to suspension, the Sports Suspension package is an optional extra on standard V8V, it used to include lightweight wheels as well as more dynamic dampers/springs etc. From the 12.25 MY the S.S. package kept the standard alloys and simply offered an uprated springs/dampers package. At that time it also became standard-fit on the Roadster (with slightly softer setting) but was/is still an option on the Coupe.

Hope this helps

[hashluck]

You really need to buy Grant's book which explains most of this in easy to digest detail.

The plastic front splitter and rear diffuser are a bit naff but probably to force an upgrade to the gorgeous carbon fibre items fitted as standard to the S model

As for suspension, Roadster you get what you get. Standard Coupe from MY12.5 could be upgraded to Sports Suspension for £995. I suspect this did not happen very often hence nothing is mentioned in listings. Vantage S got Sports as standard. It is firm but not harsh. I think the Bridgestone tyres do not help and will be swapping mine for Michelin Pilots when the time comes.