Underwhelmed with a V8 Vantage
Discussion
I’ve recently been l thinking about what options I’ve got as a replacement for my F80 M3 and have always loved the design of the V8 Vantage.. after a lot of reading about them, a well specced manual 4.7 popped up for sale fairly local to me, so I went for a look and drive yesterday.
Although they’re both standard I’m sensible enough to realise that there was going to be a difference in performance between my current car and the Vantage but I was pretty underwhelmed after driving it. After getting back into the F80 it felt like an absolute missile in comparison.
My main disappointment was with the lazy performance and lack of induction/exhaust noise from the inside. It has also been fitted with the V12V clutch upgrade recently, which had a light pedal but what felt like a higher than ideal biting point.
It seemed very well built, with everything working as it should and no annoying trim rattles. There was a slight graunch/friction-type sound when turning, I assumed that it possibly required a diff inspection/service unless that’s a characteristic of these cars.
This was the first one I’ve driven and I plan to drive another if/when the opportunity arises to give me a more complete view of them.. but I’ve not felt as deflated after a test drive as I did driving home yesterday; which is a shame because, well, just look at it!!
Although they’re both standard I’m sensible enough to realise that there was going to be a difference in performance between my current car and the Vantage but I was pretty underwhelmed after driving it. After getting back into the F80 it felt like an absolute missile in comparison.
My main disappointment was with the lazy performance and lack of induction/exhaust noise from the inside. It has also been fitted with the V12V clutch upgrade recently, which had a light pedal but what felt like a higher than ideal biting point.
It seemed very well built, with everything working as it should and no annoying trim rattles. There was a slight graunch/friction-type sound when turning, I assumed that it possibly required a diff inspection/service unless that’s a characteristic of these cars.
This was the first one I’ve driven and I plan to drive another if/when the opportunity arises to give me a more complete view of them.. but I’ve not felt as deflated after a test drive as I did driving home yesterday; which is a shame because, well, just look at it!!
The Aston is slightly slower in acceleration terms, not really noticeable in normal road conditions. Difference can be attributed to the extra torque from the forced induction and the fact that an Aston is 'refined' rather than performance oriented. Two totally different styles of performance.
I think it is fuse 20 that closes the exhaust valve, remove that for the wonderful soundtrack all the time.
I think it is fuse 20 that closes the exhaust valve, remove that for the wonderful soundtrack all the time.
MustangGT said:
The Aston is slightly slower in acceleration terms, not really noticeable in normal road conditions. Difference can be attributed to the extra torque from the forced induction and the fact that an Aston is 'refined' rather than performance oriented. Two totally different styles of performance.
I think it is fuse 20 that closes the exhaust valve, remove that for the wonderful soundtrack all the time.
I think I went in with pretty sensible expectations regarding the difference in performance/feel between the F80 and the V8V.I think it is fuse 20 that closes the exhaust valve, remove that for the wonderful soundtrack all the time.
I also have an E90 M3 just now, which has similar bhp to the Aston yet feels much more urgent with a far more characterful engine.
I took the V8V right up the rev range a couple of times yesterday in search of some ‘zing’ and to open the exhaust flaps to hear the note change above 4,000rpm which I’d read about.. but didn’t find either to be honest.
LimaDelta said:
M3 designed to provide drama and excitement to differentiate it from cooking variety 3-series. Vantage more a grand tourer, and meant to be a more relaxing experience. Very different cars, for very different buyers IMHO.
Yep, a few people I’ve talked to about yesterday have said that to me.. maybe it’s just a step too far into the ‘GT cruiser’ realm for me at present.I’m looking for something which I open the garage and smile at.. a box that the Aston ticks massively. But I also want that smile to remain when I’m driving it.. which unfortunately the Aston didn’t do yesterday.
hungry_hog said:
I've driven the V8V and felt the same, I had a 996C4s at the time and the V8V felt a bit slower, since then I've had the F80 like you and now in a C63
You may need the V12 I think
Yep, the V12 might give me the fizz which I thought was missing from the V8… but it’s at a level I’m uncomfortable being on a limited use weekend car just now.You may need the V12 I think
The others I’d put on my list to consider alongside the V8V are:
R8 V8
997.2 Carrera/Carrera S
Evora S
Cayman GTS
Boxster GTS
If I set fire to the man maths calculator then an Evora 400 or R8 V10 might be possible.. but it would have to be an exceptional car/deal for that to happen.
The exhaust valves can get stuck, either open if someone has had the fuse out for quite a time, or closed if it hasn't been used for a while. Easy fix to free them off. There should be a noticeable difference in sound when they open.
Never driven a V8 (have a V12S) so can't comment on performance or the sound of a V8.
If it still has them the secondary cats need to be replaced with a straight pipe
Never driven a V8 (have a V12S) so can't comment on performance or the sound of a V8.
If it still has them the secondary cats need to be replaced with a straight pipe
I have read before that they are a bit underwhelming to drive as well. Twin Turbo engines also spoil you I reckon, and I always feel a bit unimpressed with the performance of an NA engine when I've been used to Turbos to be fair.
If I jump out of the M4(Twin Turbo) and go straight into the 370Z(NA)...the 370 almost feels like it actually doesn't have an engine under its bonnet if you know what I mean. You have performance on tap with a Turbo, whereas you have to work really hard to get the performance with an NA engine I think.
The Vantage is a lovely looking thing for sure though.
If I jump out of the M4(Twin Turbo) and go straight into the 370Z(NA)...the 370 almost feels like it actually doesn't have an engine under its bonnet if you know what I mean. You have performance on tap with a Turbo, whereas you have to work really hard to get the performance with an NA engine I think.
The Vantage is a lovely looking thing for sure though.
hungry_hog said:
I've driven the V8V and felt the same, I had a 996C4s at the time and the V8V felt a bit slower, since then I've had the F80 like you and now in a C63
You may need the V12 I think
When i was looking for a Vantage, i was looking at V8`s, one morning contemplating over what i was doing, i thought to myself, if i get a V8 and am not happy with it, i should go and try a V12 first. I did and bought it, its a weapon, the V12S @565bhp.You may need the V12 I think
You need to try a V12..
OP - remember your name from ages ago on here.... I had your old E46 M3 after you a few years back....
I’m now in a 4.3 Vantage (even slower than the 4.7!)
They properly grow on you and get under your skin, trust me..... a little like M3s.
Lots of things can be done to extract more from them and make them “Revvier,” exhaust manifolds, various cat options etc. They are heavy but I’ve not been disappointed with my lowly 4.3 at all.
I drive it like a sports car not a GT car though
. I don’t think they’re particularly GT-ish anyway, in the same way a DB9 is.
I’m now in a 4.3 Vantage (even slower than the 4.7!)
They properly grow on you and get under your skin, trust me..... a little like M3s.
Lots of things can be done to extract more from them and make them “Revvier,” exhaust manifolds, various cat options etc. They are heavy but I’ve not been disappointed with my lowly 4.3 at all.
I drive it like a sports car not a GT car though
. I don’t think they’re particularly GT-ish anyway, in the same way a DB9 is.Edited by Krhuangbin on Sunday 2nd July 23:42
LimaDelta said:
M3 designed to provide drama and excitement to differentiate it from cooking variety 3-series. Vantage more a grand tourer, and meant to be a more relaxing experience. Very different cars, for very different buyers IMHO.
I think this is very true, these cars are not really aimed at the same demographic, M3 for balls out stuff, AM for more mature touring stuff I would suggestI have an M2CS DCT which is a considerable upgrade on a non CS F80. I also have a MY18 V8 Vantage AMR manual.
The CS has more low down torque, but you can’t really use all of it unless you want the traction control blipping on and off or just want to go sideways everywhere. Maybe you like this though? It can be fun.
At the top end, the Vantage is probably more fun as it just keeps building and building power. It also requires you to work. Again, when I am in the mood I like that more but I am not always in the mood.
Sound. There’s just no comparison. The Vantage is ridiculously loud and produces one of the greatest sounds I’ve ever heard. It does have a different Aston back box to the one that you drove, plus I did the secondary cat delete.
Handling. Not much in it. The Vantage is more neutral. The CS may have higher limits. Hard to say. You’d never get near the limits in either car on a public road. Both loads of fun.
Steering, both amazing. The CS is leagues above the F80 M3. But the Vantage hydraulic system just brings that little bit more joy.
Interior quality of materials. The Aston is in another league. They both have similar infotainment with a very slight edge to the CS. Ergonomics slight edge to CS. Overall I love them both as they are in the sweet spot of interior development. Both have CarPlay.
The Vantage is my go to for when I want a special experience. I’m not always in the mood for that but when I am nothing comes close. I would not recommend it as a daily driver though. It’s a mental health tool.
Maybe you just drove a dodgy example?
The CS has more low down torque, but you can’t really use all of it unless you want the traction control blipping on and off or just want to go sideways everywhere. Maybe you like this though? It can be fun.
At the top end, the Vantage is probably more fun as it just keeps building and building power. It also requires you to work. Again, when I am in the mood I like that more but I am not always in the mood.
Sound. There’s just no comparison. The Vantage is ridiculously loud and produces one of the greatest sounds I’ve ever heard. It does have a different Aston back box to the one that you drove, plus I did the secondary cat delete.
Handling. Not much in it. The Vantage is more neutral. The CS may have higher limits. Hard to say. You’d never get near the limits in either car on a public road. Both loads of fun.
Steering, both amazing. The CS is leagues above the F80 M3. But the Vantage hydraulic system just brings that little bit more joy.
Interior quality of materials. The Aston is in another league. They both have similar infotainment with a very slight edge to the CS. Ergonomics slight edge to CS. Overall I love them both as they are in the sweet spot of interior development. Both have CarPlay.
The Vantage is my go to for when I want a special experience. I’m not always in the mood for that but when I am nothing comes close. I would not recommend it as a daily driver though. It’s a mental health tool.
Maybe you just drove a dodgy example?
I also have a 4.7 and came out of Porsches and similar more 'urgent' stuff. A trip to Bamford Rose for sports cats, 3-way exhaust switch, new air boxes and a re-map and I have all the urgency and exhaust sound I need, but can still do more relaxed driving if I prefer. I'd actually slightly disagree with the Grand Tourer comment - for me that is the DB9. With really very little in the way of upgrading (and simply getting used to a different driving style) I now find my V8V as quick, fun and well handling as the stuff I had before. But with Aston looks and 'that' smile when I open the garage door!
No surprise. OP is comparing a mid noughties n/a sports car with a much newer twin turbo BMW.
Once you are used to a turbo car, almost any n/a car is going to feel a bit lacking. I drove the most powerful ever version of Astons storming 6 litre n/a V12, the 595hp Vanquish S, after a year of DB11 V12 ownership, and it felt, to me, ‘gutless’.
The n/a Vantage always subjectively felt a bit slow, that was mainly due to the weight, though there were other reasons. BUT, and here’s the thing, objectively, it was not slow for its time. When tested by TG, even the original, bog standard exhaust-strangled 4.3 was faster over the mountain part of the IoM TT circuit that the BMW M6 of same era, and nobody called the 501hp V10 M6 slow.
Good Astons stay in production a long time, so whatever it’s age, remember the design of a V8 Vantage hails from the mid noughties and should be compared to the E92 M3. Same general size, weight, front engine RWD config and similar power. While a 4.3 might struggle a tad without a brave driver, there is no way a decent 4.7 (especially if on sports suspension and good tyres) will be ‘slower’ than an E90/92. I used to regularly run my own V8S (with the V12 clutch, BR manifolds and switchable Bilstiens) against a mates E92 and my slightly modified, slightly reduced mass V8S would easily outpace the high revving flat plane Beemer. It was quicker through the bends with better balance and steering and about half a second quicker to 60. As others have said, with the V8 Vantage, a few small tweaks can make a lot of difference to the overall feel of the car.
While it’s true that all these mid noughties cars have been left behind by the march of forced induction ‘progress’ there are still many, many reasons they appeal to so many, looks and near zero depreciation being just a couple.
Once you are used to a turbo car, almost any n/a car is going to feel a bit lacking. I drove the most powerful ever version of Astons storming 6 litre n/a V12, the 595hp Vanquish S, after a year of DB11 V12 ownership, and it felt, to me, ‘gutless’.
The n/a Vantage always subjectively felt a bit slow, that was mainly due to the weight, though there were other reasons. BUT, and here’s the thing, objectively, it was not slow for its time. When tested by TG, even the original, bog standard exhaust-strangled 4.3 was faster over the mountain part of the IoM TT circuit that the BMW M6 of same era, and nobody called the 501hp V10 M6 slow.
Good Astons stay in production a long time, so whatever it’s age, remember the design of a V8 Vantage hails from the mid noughties and should be compared to the E92 M3. Same general size, weight, front engine RWD config and similar power. While a 4.3 might struggle a tad without a brave driver, there is no way a decent 4.7 (especially if on sports suspension and good tyres) will be ‘slower’ than an E90/92. I used to regularly run my own V8S (with the V12 clutch, BR manifolds and switchable Bilstiens) against a mates E92 and my slightly modified, slightly reduced mass V8S would easily outpace the high revving flat plane Beemer. It was quicker through the bends with better balance and steering and about half a second quicker to 60. As others have said, with the V8 Vantage, a few small tweaks can make a lot of difference to the overall feel of the car.
While it’s true that all these mid noughties cars have been left behind by the march of forced induction ‘progress’ there are still many, many reasons they appeal to so many, looks and near zero depreciation being just a couple.
Edited by Calinours on Monday 3rd July 08:58
i moved over from a Cayman R (335bhp and 200kg lighter) to the V8V and got to say i expected it to feel a bit lardy and lazy in comparison but didnt mind so much as think of the Aston as a proper Grand Tourer and more refined. But have to say, when i did get around to some proper spirited driving in sport mode its an absolute animal and had me whooping in delight! I have got the SP10 so maybe that has the edge but it feels very alive and very capable of exciting driving. Am smitten and hooked in.
RS Grant said:
There was a slight graunch/friction-type sound when turning, I assumed that it possibly required a diff inspection/service unless that’s a characteristic of these cars.
My DB9 started doing this last November. It was intermittent, sometimes fine, sometimes very noticeable. New diff oil (the old oil would have been 15) made it more consistent and additive made it go away. The chap who did it wasn't overly concerned and said LSDs do that sort of thing. RS Grant said:
This was the first one I’ve driven and I plan to drive another if/when the opportunity arises to give me a more complete view of them.. but I’ve not felt as deflated after a test drive as I did driving home yesterday; which is a shame because, well, just look at it!!
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