997 to V12 Vantage?
Discussion
Has anyone done this change? I've had a couple 911's and I've never had an Aston....tempted to have a look at a DBS or V12 Vantage as a day to day car. They sound very nice but I'm thinking I'll miss the technical competency of the 997.
I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out.
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out.
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
kbf1981 said:
Has anyone done this change? I've had a couple 911's and I've never had an Aston....tempted to have a look at a DBS or V12 Vantage as a day to day car. They sound very nice but I'm thinking I'll miss the technical competency of the 997.
I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
M8 of mine binned a V12 vantage for a GT3 997. I don't think he ever looks back I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
kbf1981 said:
Has anyone done this change? I've had a couple 911's and I've never had an Aston....tempted to have a look at a DBS or V12 Vantage as a day to day car. They sound very nice but I'm thinking I'll miss the technical competency of the 997.
I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
M8 of mine binned a V12 vantage for a GT3 997. I don't think he ever looks back I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
I went from bolster to 997 cabriolet to v8 vantage. Vantage isn't as responsive as 997 and doesnt handle quite as well. However. The Aston oozes style, elegance, quiet purpose, presence and makes an exhaust sound that no porsche that I've heard comes close to. That said, I old my v8v because I decided that I need back seats (can't beat a 911 for that!) so currently weighing up the options.
I had these cars (997.2 turbo) back to back for a day, 300 miles and some twisty Cotswold A roads. Wonderful! Both excellent cars in their own way.
The Aston Martin V12V is absolutely stunning especially in slate grey setting off the carbon vents and rear and front carbon splitters. That v12 sound at full revs is a glorious symphony of noise. The cabin is well appointed and for me (6ft 1) the driving position is just right in the carbon buckets seats for gear changes and wheel, though toe/healing is not great. It's by far the best Aston they have produced to date.
So why did I buy the porsche instead? Driving the Aston V12V was excellent but the car never felt hooked up to the road and would annoyingly understeer when pushed. Damp A roads continually meant reining in the very nervous backend. Good at first then tiring. If I had bought this car the corsa cut slicks would have to be binned, if there was any chance of using the V12V on English sunshine days! The quality of the Porsche cabin and layout is in a different league. Both cars were rentals, both had done around 40k, Aston's seats, gear lever etc were starting to look tired. The porsche interior looked like new. In terms of running costs i got around 15mpg and 20mpg for the porsche. At the time, some internet digging gave the warranty cost over three years from warranty wise for the porsche at around £1900, and the Aston was £5900! V12V parts and/or reliability not its good points then. Further hunting revealed that nice bonnet is £6+k unpainted and front splitter is £2kish. Hmm better not have front/scenery interface then. You may think opc servicing prices are bad, ask your local Aston Martin what to expect on your yearly service - at least the 997 is every two years if you keep the mileage below 20k and only a major every other one! Of course both lose money faster than borrowing from wonga.com
So the final nail in V12V coffin for me was getting the girls in the back, seating position for the better half and not requiring Valium for my nerves and hemiroId cream for my clenched buttocks while Carol drives!!
But would I have the Aston V12V if I could afford it, had the space and could keep the Porsche? Hell yeah!
The Aston Martin V12V is absolutely stunning especially in slate grey setting off the carbon vents and rear and front carbon splitters. That v12 sound at full revs is a glorious symphony of noise. The cabin is well appointed and for me (6ft 1) the driving position is just right in the carbon buckets seats for gear changes and wheel, though toe/healing is not great. It's by far the best Aston they have produced to date.
So why did I buy the porsche instead? Driving the Aston V12V was excellent but the car never felt hooked up to the road and would annoyingly understeer when pushed. Damp A roads continually meant reining in the very nervous backend. Good at first then tiring. If I had bought this car the corsa cut slicks would have to be binned, if there was any chance of using the V12V on English sunshine days! The quality of the Porsche cabin and layout is in a different league. Both cars were rentals, both had done around 40k, Aston's seats, gear lever etc were starting to look tired. The porsche interior looked like new. In terms of running costs i got around 15mpg and 20mpg for the porsche. At the time, some internet digging gave the warranty cost over three years from warranty wise for the porsche at around £1900, and the Aston was £5900! V12V parts and/or reliability not its good points then. Further hunting revealed that nice bonnet is £6+k unpainted and front splitter is £2kish. Hmm better not have front/scenery interface then. You may think opc servicing prices are bad, ask your local Aston Martin what to expect on your yearly service - at least the 997 is every two years if you keep the mileage below 20k and only a major every other one! Of course both lose money faster than borrowing from wonga.com
So the final nail in V12V coffin for me was getting the girls in the back, seating position for the better half and not requiring Valium for my nerves and hemiroId cream for my clenched buttocks while Carol drives!!
But would I have the Aston V12V if I could afford it, had the space and could keep the Porsche? Hell yeah!
Edited by tjlees on Saturday 26th May 23:10
Proper post.
tjlees said:
I had these cars (997.2 turbo) back to back for a day, 300 miles and some twisty Cotswold A roads. Wonderful! Both excellent cars in their own way.
The Aston Martin V12V is absolutely stunning especially in slate grey setting off the carbon vents and rear and front carbon splitters. That v12 sound at full revs is a glorious symphony of noise. The cabin is well appointed and for me (6ft 1) the driving position is just right in the carbon buckets seats for gear changes and wheel, though toe/healing is not great. It's by far the best Aston they have produced to date.
So why did I buy the porsche instead? Driving the Aston V12V was excellent but the car never felt hooked up to the road and would annoyingly understeer when pushed. Damp A roads continually meant reining in the very nervous backend. Good at first then tiring. If I had bought this car the corsa cut slicks would have to be binned, if there was any chance of using the V12V on English sunshine days! The quality of the Porsche cabin and layout is in a different league. Both cars were rentals, both had done around 40k, Aston's seats, gear lever etc were starting to look tired. The porsche interior looked like new. In terms of running costs i got around 15mpg and 20mpg for the porsche. At the time, some internet digging gave the warranty cost over three years from warranty wise for the porsche at around £1900, and the Aston was £5900! V12V parts and/or reliability not its good points then. Further hunting revealed that nice bonnet is £6+k unpainted and front splitter is £2kish. Hmm better not have front/scenery interface then. You may think opc servicing prices are bad, ask your local Aston Martin what to expect on your yearly service - at least the 997 is every two years if you keep the mileage below 20k and only a major every other one! Of course both lose money faster than borrowing from wonga.com
So the final nail in V12V coffin for me was getting the girls in the back, seating position for the better half and not requiring Valium for my nerves and hemiroId cream for my clenched buttocks while Carol drives!!
But would I have the Aston V12V if I could afford it, had the space and could keep the Porsche? Hell yeah!
The Aston Martin V12V is absolutely stunning especially in slate grey setting off the carbon vents and rear and front carbon splitters. That v12 sound at full revs is a glorious symphony of noise. The cabin is well appointed and for me (6ft 1) the driving position is just right in the carbon buckets seats for gear changes and wheel, though toe/healing is not great. It's by far the best Aston they have produced to date.
So why did I buy the porsche instead? Driving the Aston V12V was excellent but the car never felt hooked up to the road and would annoyingly understeer when pushed. Damp A roads continually meant reining in the very nervous backend. Good at first then tiring. If I had bought this car the corsa cut slicks would have to be binned, if there was any chance of using the V12V on English sunshine days! The quality of the Porsche cabin and layout is in a different league. Both cars were rentals, both had done around 40k, Aston's seats, gear lever etc were starting to look tired. The porsche interior looked like new. In terms of running costs i got around 15mpg and 20mpg for the porsche. At the time, some internet digging gave the warranty cost over three years from warranty wise for the porsche at around £1900, and the Aston was £5900! V12V parts and/or reliability not its good points then. Further hunting revealed that nice bonnet is £6+k unpainted and front splitter is £2kish. Hmm better not have front/scenery interface then. You may think opc servicing prices are bad, ask your local Aston Martin what to expect on your yearly service - at least the 997 is every two years if you keep the mileage below 20k and only a major every other one! Of course both lose money faster than borrowing from wonga.com
So the final nail in V12V coffin for me was getting the girls in the back, seating position for the better half and not requiring Valium for my nerves and hemiroId cream for my clenched buttocks while Carol drives!!
But would I have the Aston V12V if I could afford it, had the space and could keep the Porsche? Hell yeah!
Edited by tjlees on Saturday 26th May 23:10
kbf1981 said:
Has anyone done this change? I've had a couple 911's and I've never had an Aston....tempted to have a look at a DBS or V12 Vantage as a day to day car. They sound very nice but I'm thinking I'll miss the technical competency of the 997.
I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out.
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
I've had several 997s ,I just bought a DBS although it was a coin toss between the DBS and v12v,I went with the DBS as it is better looking,more forgiving and a better gt car,the v12v is a bit rawer.I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out.
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
Epic cars,not really directly comparable with Porsche,much greater sense of occasion with the Aston,as with all these types of discussions ,there isn't a definitive right or wrong,just personal preference,drive them and see what you think.i never ever imagined myself in an Aston until I drove the v12v it is superb as is the DBS.
Oh and you get so much love from other motorists...huge difference in how people treat you.
franki68 said:
kbf1981 said:
Has anyone done this change? I've had a couple 911's and I've never had an Aston....tempted to have a look at a DBS or V12 Vantage as a day to day car. They sound very nice but I'm thinking I'll miss the technical competency of the 997.
I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out.
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
I've had several 997s ,I just bought a DBS although it was a coin toss between the DBS and v12v,I went with the DBS as it is better looking,more forgiving and a better gt car,the v12v is a bit rawer.I won't have it for long, would change into the 991 Turbo when that comes out.
Anyone tried them all and can give a quick idea as to what to expect? It's only an idea, hence why I don't just want to go down and get a test drive.
Epic cars,not really directly comparable with Porsche,much greater sense of occasion with the Aston,as with all these types of discussions ,there isn't a definitive right or wrong,just personal preference,drive them and see what you think.i never ever imagined myself in an Aston until I drove the v12v it is superb as is the DBS.
Oh and you get so much love from other motorists...huge difference in how people treat you.
kbf1981 said:
What would you say the biggest differences between the DBS and V12V were? I agree with you, the DBS is a better looking car but the V12V is going to feel a little faster. To be honest I've lost that "scary speed"" feel with many of these things after trying lots of 911's, turbos, lambos etc.
The v12v is abit wilder,I think the tyres and shorter wheelbase make it more likely to twitch,the tc systems in the Aston are quite unusual in they allow a fair bit of sideways fun if you want before they kick in.The DBS is a bit more composed ,but doesn't turn in as sharply,Honestly I had a 997 tt,r8v8,gallardo Spyder but this thing manages to make me get a bit scared when you floor it,imagine the low down pull of the 997 turbo but it doesn't tail off at the top end,it gets stronger ,accompanied by a magnificent soundtrack ,try one ...you may not like it,but better that than listen the opinion of people who haven't driven one.
franki68 said:
kbf1981 said:
What would you say the biggest differences between the DBS and V12V were? I agree with you, the DBS is a better looking car but the V12V is going to feel a little faster. To be honest I've lost that "scary speed"" feel with many of these things after trying lots of 911's, turbos, lambos etc.
The v12v is abit wilder,I think the tyres and shorter wheelbase make it more likely to twitch,the tc systems in the Aston are quite unusual in they allow a fair bit of sideways fun if you want before they kick in.The DBS is a bit more composed ,but doesn't turn in as sharply,Honestly I had a 997 tt,r8v8,gallardo Spyder but this thing manages to make me get a bit scared when you floor it,imagine the low down pull of the 997 turbo but it doesn't tail off at the top end,it gets stronger ,accompanied by a magnificent soundtrack ,try one ...you may not like it,but better that than listen the opinion of people who haven't driven one.
For V12V vs DBS, the latter I have only driven for two of hours, the DBS feels much bigger, slightly less focused but still old school hairy chest driving. Couldn't get on with the on/off clutch and kept stalling at junctions but probably me or the car's clutch on the way out. The brakes on the V12V are ceramic, very good and fade free. Seemed to be better outlay of power at mid to high with the V12V but this is nit picking since you probably would notice that much on a uk A road, and you are unlikely to track them at. 1.7+ tonne each.
In term of outright performance the Porsche turbo with sport plus, Pdk, Ptv etc will leave the DBS and V12V in the previous postcode especially if damp - but with the aston martins having lots of noisy sideways fun! And admiring glances
. Drive them, Take your pick, you will never be wrong! Only richer in experience and definitely poorer in the pocket
tjlees said:
Agreed. You need to drive them, and if possible back to back. I have always been 99.99% sure on what car I wanted until I drove them for a day. On paper is one thing, Internet armchair generals is another and actually getting inside driving, poking and trying on your favourite route is reality check.
For V12V vs DBS, the latter I have only driven for two of hours, the DBS feels much bigger, slightly less focused but still old school hairy chest driving. Couldn't get on with the on/off clutch and kept stalling at junctions but probably me or the car's clutch on the way out. The brakes on the V12V are ceramic, very good and fade free. Seemed to be better outlay of power at mid to high with the V12V but this is nit picking since you probably would notice that much on a uk A road, and you are unlikely to track them at. 1.7+ tonne each.
In term of outright performance the Porsche turbo with sport plus, Pdk, Ptv etc will leave the DBS and V12V in the previous postcode especially if damp - but with the aston martins having lots of noisy sideways fun! And admiring glances.
Drive them, Take your pick, you will never be wrong! Only richer in experience and definitely poorer in the pocket
Pretty spot on summary,and yes the clutch does take a lot of getting used to.after a week I'm still occasionally stalling it,getting less frequent though.the DBS has ceramics as well,best brakes I've ever used on a car.For V12V vs DBS, the latter I have only driven for two of hours, the DBS feels much bigger, slightly less focused but still old school hairy chest driving. Couldn't get on with the on/off clutch and kept stalling at junctions but probably me or the car's clutch on the way out. The brakes on the V12V are ceramic, very good and fade free. Seemed to be better outlay of power at mid to high with the V12V but this is nit picking since you probably would notice that much on a uk A road, and you are unlikely to track them at. 1.7+ tonne each.
In term of outright performance the Porsche turbo with sport plus, Pdk, Ptv etc will leave the DBS and V12V in the previous postcode especially if damp - but with the aston martins having lots of noisy sideways fun! And admiring glances
. Drive them, Take your pick, you will never be wrong! Only richer in experience and definitely poorer in the pocket
franki68 said:
kbf1981 said:
What would you say the biggest differences between the DBS and V12V were? I agree with you, the DBS is a better looking car but the V12V is going to feel a little faster. To be honest I've lost that "scary speed"" feel with many of these things after trying lots of 911's, turbos, lambos etc.
The v12v is abit wilder,I think the tyres and shorter wheelbase make it more likely to twitch,the tc systems in the Aston are quite unusual in they allow a fair bit of sideways fun if you want before they kick in.The DBS is a bit more composed ,but doesn't turn in as sharply,Honestly I had a 997 tt,r8v8,gallardo Spyder but this thing manages to make me get a bit scared when you floor it,imagine the low down pull of the 997 turbo but it doesn't tail off at the top end,it gets stronger ,accompanied by a magnificent soundtrack ,try one ...you may not like it,but better that than listen the opinion of people who haven't driven one.
kbf1981 said:
Thanks that's really helpful. I'll go have a pop down later in the week. I think the DBS is a prettier car but going off your description, I may prefer the lairiness of the V12V.
they are both pretty wild,proper drivers cars...im having to relearn some skills after 7 years of 4wd systems.I know it's not a Vantage but I was lucky enough to win a Virage for a week in a competition. I could not fault the car, amazing engine, super responsive, wonderful ride, planted properly on the road, very nicely put together, lovely interior, as others have said lots of positive comments from car nuts and non car nuts alike. Only 2 things to complain about and these were fuel consumption and the back seats which even my small 11 year old found uncomfortable.
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