V8 Vantage to V12 - do you miss anything?
Discussion
For those who previously upgraded from a 4.7 V8 Vantage to a 2013+ Sport Shift V12 Vantage S... do you miss the balance, feedback or other aspects of the V8?
I’m having to consider trading in my manual 2014 V8 Vantage for an equivalent Sport Shift example due to a problematic left arm. Bit gutting but I’d rather tickle flappy paddles than be without.
Now I have experience of a Vantage I have an ideal spec seat, noise, hifi and other-wise. But when I look around there’s a possibility I can upgrade from a V8 to 2014 V12S for not much more (relatively) than a slightly later V8S Sport Shift. I have test-driven a new example V12S at Bristol even though at that time I was considering sticking to manual. My impression was that it was actually too quick for a manual... which surprised me.
The sound of a V12 is glorious, but I also really love my de-cat’d V8. Different noises, but the V8 holds its own.
It’s the wonderful balance, feedback, all weather ability and delicacy I wonder I’d lose when adding 4 cylinders.
All thoughts appreciated!
I’m having to consider trading in my manual 2014 V8 Vantage for an equivalent Sport Shift example due to a problematic left arm. Bit gutting but I’d rather tickle flappy paddles than be without.
Now I have experience of a Vantage I have an ideal spec seat, noise, hifi and other-wise. But when I look around there’s a possibility I can upgrade from a V8 to 2014 V12S for not much more (relatively) than a slightly later V8S Sport Shift. I have test-driven a new example V12S at Bristol even though at that time I was considering sticking to manual. My impression was that it was actually too quick for a manual... which surprised me.
The sound of a V12 is glorious, but I also really love my de-cat’d V8. Different noises, but the V8 holds its own.
It’s the wonderful balance, feedback, all weather ability and delicacy I wonder I’d lose when adding 4 cylinders.
All thoughts appreciated!
I can't comment on the gearbox but I went from a 4.7 to a V12V. They are both brilliant cars, the V12 has more of a sense of occasion but the V8 is actually probably more usable and balanced.
If you're looking at the S variant then I think you're on to a winner. Only other considerations are the slightly more expensive servicing for the V12, carbon pads, more oil, more plugs / coils etc.
If you're looking at the S variant then I think you're on to a winner. Only other considerations are the slightly more expensive servicing for the V12, carbon pads, more oil, more plugs / coils etc.
dbs2000 said:
I can't comment on the gearbox but I went from a 4.7 to a V12V. They are both brilliant cars, the V12 has more of a sense of occasion but the V8 is actually probably more usable and balanced.
If you're looking at the S variant then I think you're on to a winner. Only other considerations are the slightly more expensive servicing for the V12, carbon pads, more oil, more plugs / coils etc.
Thanks!If you're looking at the S variant then I think you're on to a winner. Only other considerations are the slightly more expensive servicing for the V12, carbon pads, more oil, more plugs / coils etc.
"V8 is actually probably more usable and balanced" is what is in my head. Cost is obviously a consideration, but running costs for either are moderate considering the car.
I went from a manual SP10 ( V8S ) to a V12S with SS3.
Both were / are used pretty much as a daily.
The V12 with its automated manual paddles is much nicer when sat in traffic ( never use D ) and in terms of suspension ride I much prefer the V12 over the 8.
Fuel consumption more but that is academic.
If you want even more noise then get the V12 secondary decat.
Both were / are used pretty much as a daily.
The V12 with its automated manual paddles is much nicer when sat in traffic ( never use D ) and in terms of suspension ride I much prefer the V12 over the 8.
Fuel consumption more but that is academic.
If you want even more noise then get the V12 secondary decat.
Bincenzo said:
V8 to V12, balance is different. Obviously heavier on the nose given the lump that resides under the bonnet. Made up for by increased power and torque, noise, and the ability to tell people you have a V12 n/a car. That’s the best bit. Get on with it. 
LOL! Thanks Bincenzo 
I should quality I actually use mine on B rounds and country lanes a lot as well as fast A roads and occasional motorway miles. Getting up to a non-life-threatening speed is never an issue on small roads in a V8
The image thing is not really the bit that does it for me. Nobody's got a bad word for the Aston, but only car nuts can really quickly tell the difference between a 2005 4.3 Vantage and a 2018 V12VS. And they can both be loud enough for the neighbours on start up
alscar said:
I went from a manual SP10 ( V8S ) to a V12S with SS3.
Both were / are used pretty much as a daily.
The V12 with its automated manual paddles is much nicer when sat in traffic ( never use D ) and in terms of suspension ride I much prefer the V12 over the 8.
Fuel consumption more but that is academic.
If you want even more noise then get the V12 secondary decat.
Yep - that would be loud! Both were / are used pretty much as a daily.
The V12 with its automated manual paddles is much nicer when sat in traffic ( never use D ) and in terms of suspension ride I much prefer the V12 over the 8.
Fuel consumption more but that is academic.
If you want even more noise then get the V12 secondary decat.
I have comfort suspension on my V8 which I find is very well suited to country A and B roads in the UK. The different suspension modes on the V12 makes things more complex (likely to need some attention at one point compared to passive suspension) but could be interesting. Haven't really thought about that bit...
Bincenzo said:
V8 to V12, balance is different. Obviously heavier on the nose given the lump that resides under the bonnet. Made up for by increased power and torque, noise, and the ability to tell people you have a V12 n/a car. That’s the best bit. Get on with it.
Pretty much that. The turn in is not quite as sharp, but then on the straights its devastatingly quick. And I can see where you're coming from with the comment about the car almost being too quick for the manual gear-box, it accelerates so fast from 2nd that you're left grabbing for the next gear almost straight awayBut net net, i doubt you will miss the V8 if you "step up", Indeed I suspect you would have the reverse if you bought the V8S, you would always be thinking "should i have bought the V12..."
Thanks Rob and alscar! I am obviously battling against the inevitable
Still looking around as I can't see an ideal car out there. Looking for AM dealer stock, coupe, sports seats, 700W or B&O HiFi, up to 15k miles, not too high a price difference compared to a 2016 V8S and something other than monochrome outside and inside. 90% of all Astons seem to be silver.
Price-wise, these are showing it's a logical route even if they aren't the spec I'm looking for:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Like this but a cheaper example (a few more miles, year older?), I'd be interested:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
OK - calls should be made and test drives arranged.
Thanks all for the advice!
Still looking around as I can't see an ideal car out there. Looking for AM dealer stock, coupe, sports seats, 700W or B&O HiFi, up to 15k miles, not too high a price difference compared to a 2016 V8S and something other than monochrome outside and inside. 90% of all Astons seem to be silver.
Price-wise, these are showing it's a logical route even if they aren't the spec I'm looking for:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Like this but a cheaper example (a few more miles, year older?), I'd be interested:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
OK - calls should be made and test drives arranged.
Thanks all for the advice!
I started with a V8 in 2008, moved to a V12V in 2012 and now have a V12VS (since 2014).
There is absolutely no contest IMO. The V12's are far better cars, and the V12VS is a considerable improvement over the original V12, with respect to the engine, traction and ride.
No offence to V8 owners on the forum, but I really found the 4.7L engine a let down - not particularly pleasant in sound except at high revs, not very responsive, and underwhelming in power/torque. The V12's really make the Vantage platform shine, and turn a 'meh' car into a very special car.
The SS3 transmission certainly divides opinion. You absolutely must approach this transmission as a manual without a clutch pedal, and drive it as such. If you expect it to behave like a dual clutch or a torque converter auto (as so many journalists and buyers seem to), you are guaranteed to be disappointed. I think it is wonderful, and it really complements the old school/analogue feel of the car.
As a final point, I found the build quality in the V12's to be a step up from my V8, although my V8 was a 2009, and the later models might be different.
There is absolutely no contest IMO. The V12's are far better cars, and the V12VS is a considerable improvement over the original V12, with respect to the engine, traction and ride.
No offence to V8 owners on the forum, but I really found the 4.7L engine a let down - not particularly pleasant in sound except at high revs, not very responsive, and underwhelming in power/torque. The V12's really make the Vantage platform shine, and turn a 'meh' car into a very special car.
The SS3 transmission certainly divides opinion. You absolutely must approach this transmission as a manual without a clutch pedal, and drive it as such. If you expect it to behave like a dual clutch or a torque converter auto (as so many journalists and buyers seem to), you are guaranteed to be disappointed. I think it is wonderful, and it really complements the old school/analogue feel of the car.
As a final point, I found the build quality in the V12's to be a step up from my V8, although my V8 was a 2009, and the later models might be different.
I went from a 2013 V8VS to a 2014 V12VS (both were three month old dealer spec cars).
I don't miss a single aspect of the V8. V12 is superior in every respect.
Standard setting on the adaptive suspension on the V12 is better than the sports suspension I had on the V8.
Lightweight seats in the V12 are a billion times better than the sports seats in the V8. (for me)
Sound from the V12 once de-catted is just about the best there is.
SSIII on the V12 is a big step up from SSII on the V8. I love SS, much better to have both hands on the wheel all the time......
Buy one before they're all snapped up!
I don't miss a single aspect of the V8. V12 is superior in every respect.
Standard setting on the adaptive suspension on the V12 is better than the sports suspension I had on the V8.
Lightweight seats in the V12 are a billion times better than the sports seats in the V8. (for me)
Sound from the V12 once de-catted is just about the best there is.
SSIII on the V12 is a big step up from SSII on the V8. I love SS, much better to have both hands on the wheel all the time......
Buy one before they're all snapped up!
alscar said:
Nick , I like the Flugplatz Blue one and that has the lightweight seats ( personally prefer ).
Mileage pretty low for the year too.
Yeah... I do like but it would have to nudge down on price to make the man maths work for me. I ideally want to keep saving funds for a more special purchase next year... Mileage pretty low for the year too.
quench said:
I started with a V8 in 2008, moved to a V12V in 2012 and now have a V12VS (since 2014).
There is absolutely no contest IMO. The V12's are far better cars, and the V12VS is a considerable improvement over the original V12, with respect to the engine, traction and ride.
No offence to V8 owners on the forum, but I really found the 4.7L engine a let down - not particularly pleasant in sound except at high revs, not very responsive, and underwhelming in power/torque. The V12's really make the Vantage platform shine, and turn a 'meh' car into a very special car.
The SS3 transmission certainly divides opinion. You absolutely must approach this transmission as a manual without a clutch pedal, and drive it as such. If you expect it to behave like a dual clutch or a torque converter auto (as so many journalists and buyers seem to), you are guaranteed to be disappointed. I think it is wonderful, and it really complements the old school/analogue feel of the car.
As a final point, I found the build quality in the V12's to be a step up from my V8, although my V8 was a 2009, and the later models might be different.
Thanks quench for your thoughts! No offense at all. The V12 is definitely a more "exciting" car with its speed. When that acceleration and speed can be deployed on UK roads is another matter.There is absolutely no contest IMO. The V12's are far better cars, and the V12VS is a considerable improvement over the original V12, with respect to the engine, traction and ride.
No offence to V8 owners on the forum, but I really found the 4.7L engine a let down - not particularly pleasant in sound except at high revs, not very responsive, and underwhelming in power/torque. The V12's really make the Vantage platform shine, and turn a 'meh' car into a very special car.
The SS3 transmission certainly divides opinion. You absolutely must approach this transmission as a manual without a clutch pedal, and drive it as such. If you expect it to behave like a dual clutch or a torque converter auto (as so many journalists and buyers seem to), you are guaranteed to be disappointed. I think it is wonderful, and it really complements the old school/analogue feel of the car.
As a final point, I found the build quality in the V12's to be a step up from my V8, although my V8 was a 2009, and the later models might be different.
My personal preference is quality of feedback over outright speed. That's not to say the V12 is lacking in that department either.
And fully agree about the gearbox philosophy. It's one of the reasons I'm perversely thinking it would be a good match to a V12VS.
Phil74891 said:
I went from a 2013 V8VS to a 2014 V12VS (both were three month old dealer spec cars).
I don't miss a single aspect of the V8. V12 is superior in every respect.
Standard setting on the adaptive suspension on the V12 is better than the sports suspension I had on the V8.
Lightweight seats in the V12 are a billion times better than the sports seats in the V8. (for me)
Sound from the V12 once de-catted is just about the best there is.
SSIII on the V12 is a big step up from SSII on the V8. I love SS, much better to have both hands on the wheel all the time......
Buy one before they're all snapped up!
Cheers Phil!I don't miss a single aspect of the V8. V12 is superior in every respect.
Standard setting on the adaptive suspension on the V12 is better than the sports suspension I had on the V8.
Lightweight seats in the V12 are a billion times better than the sports seats in the V8. (for me)
Sound from the V12 once de-catted is just about the best there is.
SSIII on the V12 is a big step up from SSII on the V8. I love SS, much better to have both hands on the wheel all the time......
Buy one before they're all snapped up!
I don't think that V8's ever got SSIII? What's the difference between SSII and SSIII? (Will have to refer to the AM bible back home)
I went from a V8S (SP10) to a V12V (not the S) and the difference is night and day.
The manual V12 is pretty brutal to drive to be honest, it's proper old fashioned driving I think......take your eye off the ball and you'll stack it trust me
I find the V12S a bit easier all round (SS, not driven then dogleg), and if I were looking for a daily then I'd go for the V12S. As mine is a "toy" I quite like the fact that it needs to be tamed a bit to get the most out of it.
Running costs, I can't say I've noticed any difference between the 8 and 12. About a hundred quid more for a service but that's about it.
If you go for an 8S, you'll always be wondering why you didn't get the 12.....and by that point you might kick yourself as there might not be many about.
FWIW, I'd go for the Flugplatz one that's available.
The manual V12 is pretty brutal to drive to be honest, it's proper old fashioned driving I think......take your eye off the ball and you'll stack it trust me
I find the V12S a bit easier all round (SS, not driven then dogleg), and if I were looking for a daily then I'd go for the V12S. As mine is a "toy" I quite like the fact that it needs to be tamed a bit to get the most out of it.
Running costs, I can't say I've noticed any difference between the 8 and 12. About a hundred quid more for a service but that's about it.
If you go for an 8S, you'll always be wondering why you didn't get the 12.....and by that point you might kick yourself as there might not be many about.
FWIW, I'd go for the Flugplatz one that's available.
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