Vantage V12 and V12s - what are the differences?
Discussion
Hey guys
I'm seriously considering upgrading my manual V8 Vantage Roadster to a V12. I'll be honest I haven't even driven one yet but if it's as good as my V8 but with very appealing more power, more toys and imo some lovely exterior improvements then I know I'll like it.
I know I need to decide if I like the Sportshift, I'm hankering after a lazier drive so I am considering it, but I'm also fully aware it's not an auto. So need to sort some drives I know. But it's not the manual vs SS that's my issue, it's the 510bhp vs 565bhp. I want the 565....obviously.
So, how difficult is it to take the 510 upto 565?
And what other differences are there between the V12 and the V12s?
I'm seriously considering upgrading my manual V8 Vantage Roadster to a V12. I'll be honest I haven't even driven one yet but if it's as good as my V8 but with very appealing more power, more toys and imo some lovely exterior improvements then I know I'll like it.
I know I need to decide if I like the Sportshift, I'm hankering after a lazier drive so I am considering it, but I'm also fully aware it's not an auto. So need to sort some drives I know. But it's not the manual vs SS that's my issue, it's the 510bhp vs 565bhp. I want the 565....obviously.
So, how difficult is it to take the 510 upto 565?
And what other differences are there between the V12 and the V12s?
Upping the power from 510 up to around 550-560bhp is relatively easy I believe with manifolds and cats, possibly cams. Clearly the same could be done with an 'S' as well for even more.
I've not driven a SS 'S' so can't comment on that but you'll find with the extra torque of the V12, a lazier drive is easy enough in the manual car as you won't need to change gear as much to maintain decent progress. That said, drive it like a V8 and it's plenty fun.
As for the rest of the car, much is similar but you will get adjustable suspension in the 'S' I believe, and greater selection of colours over the largely monochrome choice of the early manuals. Saying that, some of these newer colours are a bit marmite for me and with the black wheels and other 'styling' tweaks would be enough to put me off, at least. If you like that kind of thing though and get on with SS then the later car maybe the one. There are plenty to choose from it seems, plus prices have started to crossover on 2013 cars.
Happy hunting!
I've not driven a SS 'S' so can't comment on that but you'll find with the extra torque of the V12, a lazier drive is easy enough in the manual car as you won't need to change gear as much to maintain decent progress. That said, drive it like a V8 and it's plenty fun.
As for the rest of the car, much is similar but you will get adjustable suspension in the 'S' I believe, and greater selection of colours over the largely monochrome choice of the early manuals. Saying that, some of these newer colours are a bit marmite for me and with the black wheels and other 'styling' tweaks would be enough to put me off, at least. If you like that kind of thing though and get on with SS then the later car maybe the one. There are plenty to choose from it seems, plus prices have started to crossover on 2013 cars.
Happy hunting!
Coming from a V8, you likely won't be able to tell the difference between the 510 / 565. The latter feels stronger between 3k-4K revs - both are rocket ships after 4k, completely limited by traction. The larger difference is the 6 speed (manual) vs the 7 speed (SSIII). You have to shift the latter (too) often, but this keeps you higher in the rev range in 2,3,4th. And there are the softer dynamic rear dampers on the S which temper the original's raw behavior a bit, but arguably make it less fun.
Well, I think I may be able to comment on this one 
having one of each - Roadster version. What I can say is that you cannot go wrong with either - just make sure you choose the one that you like best.
Whilst they may look the same they are very different and it is only by driving both versions that you see just how different they are. The S obviously has SS, which I really like, adaptive suspension which I just leave in normal except when abroad on the smoother roads, and a soundtrack even better than than the manual thanks to the smaller back box. The manual sounds fantastic by the way.
Without doubt you can drive the S faster than the manual as you don't have to take your hand off the wheel to change gear. I drive the S as a manual with a slight lift of the accelerator as you flick the paddle and there is no way the manual can compete.
The fascia on our two are the same but the S has lightweight seats which I far prefer. How they would have worked on the manual not too sure but wish I had specced them. It is probably the only change I would have made to how I specced the manual.
Given the limited numbers of the V12VR it will probably keep it's value better than an S and if you are thinking about the car as a keeper that may be important to you.
The manual is a real classic whereas our S is a real standout thatnks to its colour combos - as I said different cars!
I could go on and on...... If you want to get in touch to discuss more just PM me.
having one of each - Roadster version. What I can say is that you cannot go wrong with either - just make sure you choose the one that you like best.Whilst they may look the same they are very different and it is only by driving both versions that you see just how different they are. The S obviously has SS, which I really like, adaptive suspension which I just leave in normal except when abroad on the smoother roads, and a soundtrack even better than than the manual thanks to the smaller back box. The manual sounds fantastic by the way.
Without doubt you can drive the S faster than the manual as you don't have to take your hand off the wheel to change gear. I drive the S as a manual with a slight lift of the accelerator as you flick the paddle and there is no way the manual can compete.
The fascia on our two are the same but the S has lightweight seats which I far prefer. How they would have worked on the manual not too sure but wish I had specced them. It is probably the only change I would have made to how I specced the manual.
Given the limited numbers of the V12VR it will probably keep it's value better than an S and if you are thinking about the car as a keeper that may be important to you.
The manual is a real classic whereas our S is a real standout thatnks to its colour combos - as I said different cars!
I could go on and on...... If you want to get in touch to discuss more just PM me.
Owned a '12 V12V coupe, now have a '15 S coupe. Agree with most of the above comments, but disagree re: the power. There is a noticeable difference, not only because of the true gain in hp/torque but also because of the SS3, which adds to the sensation with its 7 gears (instead of 6) and faster shifts.
The S has noticeably better traction due to its revised and adjustable shocks.
The S has revised power steering. It is lighter and quicker, although TBH I preferred the 'manlier' feel of the original and thought it suited the nature of the car better.
The S has noticeably better traction due to its revised and adjustable shocks.
The S has revised power steering. It is lighter and quicker, although TBH I preferred the 'manlier' feel of the original and thought it suited the nature of the car better.
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