V8 Vantage - 4.3 vs 4.7
Discussion
Considering my next car and one I keep coming back to is the V8V. Budget allows a decent selection of 4.3 models and a few 4.7s. Aside from the obvious ~400cc, what are the other key changes - anything in the chassis? Any difference between the manual and Sportshift transmissions between cars with each engine? To my relatively untrained eye it looks like the interior got some nips and tucks with the new engine, or does that actually indicate addition of optional interior upgrades at the point of original order?
In general terms, what is the Sportshift like to live with, both during enthusiastic driving and around town, motorways etc.? Any particular maintenance considerations with this transmission?
In general terms, what is the Sportshift like to live with, both during enthusiastic driving and around town, motorways etc.? Any particular maintenance considerations with this transmission?
I'm far from an expert but have placed a deposit on a 4.7 Sportshift today.
Did quite a bit of research and having driven both 4.3 and 4.7 decided that the 4.7 had more sides to its character than the 4.3.
Also preferred the revised centre console design of the post 2008 4.7 models, just looked and felt a bit more modern.
If budget had not stretched to the 4.7 I have bought then would have been happy with a 4.3 - suppose the difficult area is when a budget goes to a nice 4.3 or a leggy / lower spec / not pristine 4.7
Did quite a bit of research and having driven both 4.3 and 4.7 decided that the 4.7 had more sides to its character than the 4.3.
Also preferred the revised centre console design of the post 2008 4.7 models, just looked and felt a bit more modern.
If budget had not stretched to the 4.7 I have bought then would have been happy with a 4.3 - suppose the difficult area is when a budget goes to a nice 4.3 or a leggy / lower spec / not pristine 4.7
As the owner of a 4.3 Manual, I bought what I thought was the best car within my budget. I could have chosen the lower end of the 4.7 market, but ended up with a 4.3 with decent mileage and in great condition. That was 4 years ago and I have no regrets. The interior was not a concern and still isn't, nor is the difference in BHP, although I did subsequently have Bamford Rose manifolds & cats fitted, so it makes even less difference.
The difference between a manual and a Sportshift is entirely personal. You do need to try both as the Sportshift does not suit everyone and there is plenty of comment here on the forum about it and also in other media. Ultimately, it's an Aston Martin and they are just special cars. Good luck with your search!
The difference between a manual and a Sportshift is entirely personal. You do need to try both as the Sportshift does not suit everyone and there is plenty of comment here on the forum about it and also in other media. Ultimately, it's an Aston Martin and they are just special cars. Good luck with your search!
I would avoid sports shift, i say this only for the reason that the system will be less reliable than the manual and add even more weight to an already slightly bloated car.
Anecdotally reliability of the 4.3 seems a bit better, but as its older body, rear frame frilliness etc will probably be a bit worse (car for car).
Engine wise the 4.3 is more like an BMW M or Honda product, it needs a lot of rpm to get the best from it, the 4.7 is less so. As such it depends what your used to, if you like a high revving engine that needs to be kept on the boil then a 4.3 will probably stir your tea, if you want something with more accessible low down torque a 4.7 is likely your bag.
I think the best bet is to drive a few over a weekend and see what you like. What is for absolute certain is that unless you dont mind taking it to bits yourself, anything wrong will carry some cost, probably considerable so get one that you are comfortable with the condition, or get a shed and a socket set and pocket the difference
Anecdotally reliability of the 4.3 seems a bit better, but as its older body, rear frame frilliness etc will probably be a bit worse (car for car).
Engine wise the 4.3 is more like an BMW M or Honda product, it needs a lot of rpm to get the best from it, the 4.7 is less so. As such it depends what your used to, if you like a high revving engine that needs to be kept on the boil then a 4.3 will probably stir your tea, if you want something with more accessible low down torque a 4.7 is likely your bag.
I think the best bet is to drive a few over a weekend and see what you like. What is for absolute certain is that unless you dont mind taking it to bits yourself, anything wrong will carry some cost, probably considerable so get one that you are comfortable with the condition, or get a shed and a socket set and pocket the difference
Edited by IainWhy on Tuesday 8th November 09:42
Firstly, to add to the SS v manual debate, I started out looking for a manual. I ended up buying a SS! I wouldn't go to a manual now. I find the automated clutch to be very capable once you've got 'used' to it. In 18 months plus I've never even tried the auto mode and drive the car exclusively on the paddles.
Only down side is hill starts when, unless you're suitably brutal, roll back is inevitable. This plus high gearing for reverse (uphill reversing) adds to increased clutch wear which, in a manual, you could probably manage better. Having said that it seems generally accepted that a V8V clutch has a ~40k mile life but the opportunity to abuse a SS clutch is greater because the car is not aware of attitude (pointing uphill for example).
As for 4.3 v 4.7, I went for the 4.7. Search Bamford Rose on Youtube to see some comment on the differences. I'll be honest and say even the 4.7 needs some generous right foot above 3k rpm to get the most out of it but I'm comparing to my sweet Alfa Busso 3l V6 which just spins up beautifully from 2k rpm. (Apparently dual plate upgrade with lightened flywheel for both 4.3 and 4.7 changes the dynamic considerably).
Only down side is hill starts when, unless you're suitably brutal, roll back is inevitable. This plus high gearing for reverse (uphill reversing) adds to increased clutch wear which, in a manual, you could probably manage better. Having said that it seems generally accepted that a V8V clutch has a ~40k mile life but the opportunity to abuse a SS clutch is greater because the car is not aware of attitude (pointing uphill for example).
As for 4.3 v 4.7, I went for the 4.7. Search Bamford Rose on Youtube to see some comment on the differences. I'll be honest and say even the 4.7 needs some generous right foot above 3k rpm to get the most out of it but I'm comparing to my sweet Alfa Busso 3l V6 which just spins up beautifully from 2k rpm. (Apparently dual plate upgrade with lightened flywheel for both 4.3 and 4.7 changes the dynamic considerably).
Former XKR owner here too. The V8V won’t have the torque.
However I bought a 4.3 manual almost 4 years ago. Was a nice one with the 2007 revisions(seats)
Been great and I’m happy with it.
Never driven a 4.7 so can’t compare but I’m happy with the performance of the ‘3
Compared to my other cars it’s a responsive drive and hits the spot when required. Mines on 20” wheels too, which when fitted with Michelin tyres gives as good a ride as the 19” mine came with.
Gratuitous pic lol
However I bought a 4.3 manual almost 4 years ago. Was a nice one with the 2007 revisions(seats)
Been great and I’m happy with it.
Never driven a 4.7 so can’t compare but I’m happy with the performance of the ‘3
Compared to my other cars it’s a responsive drive and hits the spot when required. Mines on 20” wheels too, which when fitted with Michelin tyres gives as good a ride as the 19” mine came with.
Gratuitous pic lol
It's an old question 4.3 v 4.7 .... I ended up taking the approach that I buy the best car I could afford as close to the spec I wanted. In the end I was able to find a car 2 years newer than I was looking at, albeit a 4.3 registered in 2009.
I've been incredibly happy with it, spent a little on upgrades that didn't really need doing but wanted something more reliable/driveable so now it has more power and has been completely reliable.
Will say the lightened flywheel that comes with fitting a twin plate clutch really does help the 4.3 spin up and makes it feel more like a 4.7 for lower down response.
I've been incredibly happy with it, spent a little on upgrades that didn't really need doing but wanted something more reliable/driveable so now it has more power and has been completely reliable.
Will say the lightened flywheel that comes with fitting a twin plate clutch really does help the 4.3 spin up and makes it feel more like a 4.7 for lower down response.
The timing cover leak wasnt sorted for the 4.7 but Aston do improve there cars over time and noticeably so. The newer cars all have the potential to be just that little bit more ironed out. 56 plate cars and newer seen to be worth searching out and then 2009.
A 4.3 will have the earliest Sportshift and they were improved several times in later years.
I think the 4.3 sounds the best and I never felt lacking in performance. There is a perceivable difference though. I think I've seen 4.3 with the newer dash in 2008 cars so there's another choice.
In summary, newer may be better, condition is king and lower mileage is likely a good thing.
You'll like any iteration because they are just fab British beauties.
A 4.3 will have the earliest Sportshift and they were improved several times in later years.
I think the 4.3 sounds the best and I never felt lacking in performance. There is a perceivable difference though. I think I've seen 4.3 with the newer dash in 2008 cars so there's another choice.
In summary, newer may be better, condition is king and lower mileage is likely a good thing.
You'll like any iteration because they are just fab British beauties.
Greathey said:
I believe the 4.3 is prone to timing cover gasket oil leak that requires an engine out job. Not a massive leak I actually live with it but too common.
The SS2 is also modified for the 4.7
The front grille is different, the wing mirrors and the wheels
The engine doesn't need to come out to fix the front cover oil leak. It's still a labour intensive job though. The SS2 is also modified for the 4.7
The front grille is different, the wing mirrors and the wheels
Cold said:
Greathey said:
I believe the 4.3 is prone to timing cover gasket oil leak that requires an engine out job. Not a massive leak I actually live with it but too common.
The SS2 is also modified for the 4.7
The front grille is different, the wing mirrors and the wheels
The engine doesn't need to come out to fix the front cover oil leak. It's still a labour intensive job though. The SS2 is also modified for the 4.7
The front grille is different, the wing mirrors and the wheels
simontdo said:
The other thing to bear in mind is that the 4.7 has improved suspension, with Bilstein dampers.
You can always retrofit them to a 4.3, but it's something to think about.
Also worth noting if you already have a 4.3 or are considering one. The Dynamic dampers will eventually leak however, there are plenty of options out there not just from Bilstein and most are more cost effective than the OEM replacements.You can always retrofit them to a 4.3, but it's something to think about.
You could look out for a 4.3 with some or all of the Prodrive upgrades. Mine has the engine and exhaust one. Power up from 380 to 425BHP and torque from 302 to 325ft/lbs. I have never felt that I needed more! Prodrive also did bodywork and suspension (including wheels) packages. I drove one with all 3 at McGurks, but found the firmer suspension setting too firm, so, as I had no track aspirations I left it. I then bought 'mine' in a private sale and have been delighted with it, although, due to lack of use (where have I heard that before?) I am considering selling it.
krisdelta said:
Recommend you buy a copy of the Definitive guide, there is a sticky at the top. It covers every change to the vantage over time. Ultimately, buy the best you can afford and keep a little back for covering any niggles you find once you get it home.
Kris, I still have your old Vantage.. 7 years now 
Not too sure if this is good value but it seems cheap to me...
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2006-aston-mar...
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2006-aston-mar...
By this stage, my advice would be to not fret too much of 4.3 or 4.7 and buy on condition and whether the car has been looked after, maintained and upgraded.
A 4.3 with a long maintenance record (which does not mean an annual dealer stamp oil change), lots of fat receipts, upgraded suspension, unmarked body and wheels, recent brake components, V12 twin plate clutch, upgraded exhaust components etc and that has very clearly been really looked after and cherished by the previous owner/s will be a very sweet thing indeed.
Then your choice is just colour preference and manual or sportshift, remembering that even one of the early sportshift 1 systems with twin plate clutch, lightened flywheel and with an ASM controller remapped by one of the specialists (eg BR) will be a very significant improvement on a standard set up - it’s why so many owners come to love their quirky and unusual sportshift cars. There is something quite satisfying when you’ve improved then mastered that system; it really can be quite good and genuinely does make the car faster, there is something quite satisfying the way it can smash through an upshift at 7000rpm with a wide open throttle in hypershift mode!
Many dwell on the perceived risks and downsides of what is actually a fairly simple and incredibly reliable and robust F1 developed magnetti marelli system, nodding dog syndrome (almost eliminated with upgrades), clumsy low speed behaviour (can be removed with combination of upgrades and learning how to use the system), and the potential for being stranded with a worn clutch (just a software function which can be disabled)….
As well as making the car faster, being quite funky and damn food fun, and having the ability to measure actual clutch wear, there is another huge benefit of sportshift which quite curiously is almost never mentioned….
…the risk of a missed gear and over revved engine event having happened at some point doesn’t exist. All sportshift owners can rest easy that the system has never inadvertently selected 3rd instead of 5th at 7000rpm
A 4.3 with a long maintenance record (which does not mean an annual dealer stamp oil change), lots of fat receipts, upgraded suspension, unmarked body and wheels, recent brake components, V12 twin plate clutch, upgraded exhaust components etc and that has very clearly been really looked after and cherished by the previous owner/s will be a very sweet thing indeed.
Then your choice is just colour preference and manual or sportshift, remembering that even one of the early sportshift 1 systems with twin plate clutch, lightened flywheel and with an ASM controller remapped by one of the specialists (eg BR) will be a very significant improvement on a standard set up - it’s why so many owners come to love their quirky and unusual sportshift cars. There is something quite satisfying when you’ve improved then mastered that system; it really can be quite good and genuinely does make the car faster, there is something quite satisfying the way it can smash through an upshift at 7000rpm with a wide open throttle in hypershift mode!
Many dwell on the perceived risks and downsides of what is actually a fairly simple and incredibly reliable and robust F1 developed magnetti marelli system, nodding dog syndrome (almost eliminated with upgrades), clumsy low speed behaviour (can be removed with combination of upgrades and learning how to use the system), and the potential for being stranded with a worn clutch (just a software function which can be disabled)….
As well as making the car faster, being quite funky and damn food fun, and having the ability to measure actual clutch wear, there is another huge benefit of sportshift which quite curiously is almost never mentioned….
…the risk of a missed gear and over revved engine event having happened at some point doesn’t exist. All sportshift owners can rest easy that the system has never inadvertently selected 3rd instead of 5th at 7000rpm
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