V12 Vantage roadster

[Ex Boy Racer]

I am looking for a bit of advice if possible.
Tested a V12Vantage S Roadster and loved it completely apart from the gearbox. I'm now about to try a Vantage V12 roadster manual; one of the limited editions from 2012/13.
My questions are:
The older car is quite expensive compared to a V12S - the new car is really not that much more expensive. I'm told that this is because it's a cult car and therefore holds its value. Is this true, do you think, and what's your opinion going forward/
Secondly, is the newer car better in any major way? Yes, I know it's a bit faster/more powerful and has adaptive this and that, but is the drive markedly different? Are there any substantial changes that I should know about?
I am going to own one of these soon; just after wisdom as to which is best for me.
Thanks for any help you can give.

[Ex Boy Racer]

Thanks for the thoughts. Useful to consider. And lovely cars you have there Ian!
Maybe it's my age, but I like the looks of the earlier car - cleaner and a bit more classy.
I guess the message is that the early car is more expensive relatively for a reason, and that will be reflected should I ever sell.
I will be putting miles on mine - I had a 458 before and hated the prevailing wisdom that driving them was wrong... What's the point in having if you don't use?
I have driven an S and loved it, so I'll test a manual and decide then.
Once again, thanks!

[Ex Boy Racer]

Thanks to everybody for taking the time to respond.
I went for the manual in the end.

[Ex Boy Racer]

I bought the one at Aston Martin Exeter. Beautiful car and lovely people to deal with.

Hopefully picking up next week - I'll put some pictures on.

Last nice car I had was a Ferrari 458. I can honestly say that the Aston is nicer in every way!

[Ex Boy Racer]

IanV12VR said:

Who ever you are dealing with, Lloyd or Jamie, they are both great guys. I have bought four cars from Lloyd - say hello from me when you pick it up.

You have got a lot of car for your money when you compare it with other V12VR's that are available. Never really understood their pricing policy on these and felt they price them too low. Your gain undoubtedly.

Azurite is a fabulous colour. Given what the weather has been like not sure if you have seen it with the sun on it but it just transforms it. Enjoy.

It was Lloyd. Nice chap and easy to deal with. I'll say hi for you - are you from that area?

Their car certainly seemed cheaper than others out there. And I got some money off it. Hopefully it will turn out to be a good purchase; I could do with it after my Ferrari!

The car was in the showroom and Azurite looked great under their lights. Really quite a complex colour if that makes sense. TBH, the whole car was beautiful; quite knocked me out!

[Ex Boy Racer]

Zod said:

I'd also be interested on your views of the comparison with the R8. There was a poll on that question in another, smaller, forum recently that just came out in favour of the Audi, but I suspect few had driven both. I've driven the V8 Audi and wrote a comparison on here a while ago (trying to take into account the power difference).

I'll update when I have driven the AM for a bit longer...
Initial thoughts on your question; the Audi is a fantastic car and a superb drive. It looks exotic, sounds great and handles really well. I loved mine and actually preferred it the the 458 that followed it.
It doesn't feel as special as a thing to own as the Aston (or indeed the Ferrari). You can tell that it's more mass market, lower quality, not as classy.
So to drive, it matches anything else, but to own it's not quite up there, subjectively.
A bit like watches; a Casio does the job of keeping time as well as an Omega. But it's nice to have the latter on your wrist...
Having said that, if I had to win a road race from Lands End to John O'Groats using only normal roads I'd choose the R8 any day of the week. Just so fast in the real world where oppo isn't used on every bend.