Vantage V8 or V12? S or not?
Discussion
Well you won't go far wrong with any of them but there are lots of options/variants to decide between.
Having owned a Sports Pack 2009 4.7 V8 for a couple of years I test drove all the others and ended up with a manual V8VS with Lightweight seats which is perfect for me (now it's been modded/enhanced by BR) and is a keeper.
The V12V is fantastic and I very nearly ended up in one but I didn't because, at the time, the step in price was greater and I have anxieties about longterm high mileage ownership of a car on which the brake discs cost well over £10K to replace. But when I thought about what really felt different between my V8V and the V12 Vantages I test drove, for me, it mostly came down to the lightweight seats and the feel/interaction with the gearbox/clutch. So when my V8VS with Lightweight seats became available I didn't hesitate and snapped it up. BR clutch/flywheel sorted out that bit and other modifications make it even better still and I love it. For a little more info on my AM journey see the video Mike at BR posted yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWc7dP4Pegs&t=...
One thing I would say when test driving V8's and V12's is don't underestimate how much the tyres affect how the car feels. Most/all V12's you drive will be on good tyres (P Zeros or P Zero Corsas) but nearly all the V8's will be on the woeful OEM Bridgestones which really are terrible (poor grip in all conditions, poor ride, noisy etc.). Don't let this make you think the V12 handles much better than the V8 because it doesn't. A V8 on Michelin PS4S tyres is even better than a V12 on Pirellis.
So my advice would be to test drive lots of different ones, analyse what you like and what you don't and then get into one of these wonderful cars that represent amazing value at the moment.
Having owned a Sports Pack 2009 4.7 V8 for a couple of years I test drove all the others and ended up with a manual V8VS with Lightweight seats which is perfect for me (now it's been modded/enhanced by BR) and is a keeper.
The V12V is fantastic and I very nearly ended up in one but I didn't because, at the time, the step in price was greater and I have anxieties about longterm high mileage ownership of a car on which the brake discs cost well over £10K to replace. But when I thought about what really felt different between my V8V and the V12 Vantages I test drove, for me, it mostly came down to the lightweight seats and the feel/interaction with the gearbox/clutch. So when my V8VS with Lightweight seats became available I didn't hesitate and snapped it up. BR clutch/flywheel sorted out that bit and other modifications make it even better still and I love it. For a little more info on my AM journey see the video Mike at BR posted yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWc7dP4Pegs&t=...
One thing I would say when test driving V8's and V12's is don't underestimate how much the tyres affect how the car feels. Most/all V12's you drive will be on good tyres (P Zeros or P Zero Corsas) but nearly all the V8's will be on the woeful OEM Bridgestones which really are terrible (poor grip in all conditions, poor ride, noisy etc.). Don't let this make you think the V12 handles much better than the V8 because it doesn't. A V8 on Michelin PS4S tyres is even better than a V12 on Pirellis.
So my advice would be to test drive lots of different ones, analyse what you like and what you don't and then get into one of these wonderful cars that represent amazing value at the moment.
I agree entirely with Pete's comments.
Having had a V8, V8S, V12 and V12S over the years, I'm pretty confident in saying that all of them are very capable, and that I don't think you would be disappointed with any of them.
The V12 options are somewhat special, although as I've said before if I were looking for something to drive everyday I would choose a V8S manual. It's more car than you'll ever need and very usable on a day to day basis. If you're after a weekend warrior then it would be the V12 all day long, especially given the exceptional value these currently represent (in the UK at least). I don't think the running costs have really been any different at all between the 8 and the 12 (servicing is about £100 more), although as Pete has mentioned, the CCM brakes on the 12 will be eye watering should you be unfortunate enough to have to replace them.
With regards to whether the increased cost of a V12 over a V8 is worth it, I would say yes (the adapted suspension in the S alone for me), however again I think it depends on how you intend to use the car.
If the extra spend isn't a concern, then I would go for the V12. If however it is a driving factor, then go for the newest V8S you can afford.
Either way you won't be disappointed
Having had a V8, V8S, V12 and V12S over the years, I'm pretty confident in saying that all of them are very capable, and that I don't think you would be disappointed with any of them.
The V12 options are somewhat special, although as I've said before if I were looking for something to drive everyday I would choose a V8S manual. It's more car than you'll ever need and very usable on a day to day basis. If you're after a weekend warrior then it would be the V12 all day long, especially given the exceptional value these currently represent (in the UK at least). I don't think the running costs have really been any different at all between the 8 and the 12 (servicing is about £100 more), although as Pete has mentioned, the CCM brakes on the 12 will be eye watering should you be unfortunate enough to have to replace them.
With regards to whether the increased cost of a V12 over a V8 is worth it, I would say yes (the adapted suspension in the S alone for me), however again I think it depends on how you intend to use the car.
If the extra spend isn't a concern, then I would go for the V12. If however it is a driving factor, then go for the newest V8S you can afford.
Either way you won't be disappointed
Went from manual 4.7 V8 Roadster to SSIII V12S Roadster. The extra weight of the V12 is noticeable but the adaptive suspension is very very good. I don't miss the manual and quite often feel I need both hands on the wheel when the V12 wakes up. For every day chucking around I suspect the V8S is more than enough but the V12 is something special. And the noise......
V8V Pete said:
For a little more info on my AM journey see the video Mike at BR posted yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWc7dP4Pegs&t=...
Good stuff Pete, you`re quite the natural in front of the lens, looking forward to part the second!Have a MY16 V12 Vantage S SS3 Coupe with Performance Pack, Titanium exhaust and AMi III upgrades, and test drove a couple roadsters I'd been considering the other week. I'll be honest I wasn't a huge fan of the SS3 box at first, but it has grown on me a lot once I got used to how to use it at low speed.
I also drove my dad's V8 Vantage S Roadster a few times in the past, with the SS2 box.
First was a MY17 V12 Vantage S Roadster manual - had a fairly long test drive and couldn't really get on with the gearbox in the lower gears, including once managing to accidentally get 1st gear from 4th (fortunately at relatively low speed!) and found myself looking at the gear indicator before I dared to lift the clutch which isn't really what you want in a 595bhp car! Perhaps I'd get used to it in time, but at £53k to make the change that was a gamble I wasn't willing to take, and it would definitely put my wife off driving it.
The second was a 2009 V8 Vantage 4.7 Roadster - pre-facelift car and it was really lovely. Sounds good, rides FAR better than the V8 Vantage S my dad had (which to me was always a bit fidgety) and although the clutch is much heavier than the 7-speeds it was a delight to work away through the gears. Ultimately I decided it felt like a bit too much of a downgrade coming from the later dash style and V12 to a significantly older car, but it was a close run thing.
I'm probably going to wait a couple years as I've got a few things I want to do in the current car and then see what's out there and if I can get what I think would be my ideal car based on my experiences so far now - a V12 Vantage S Roadster MY16/17 with the SS3 gearbox.
I also drove my dad's V8 Vantage S Roadster a few times in the past, with the SS2 box.
First was a MY17 V12 Vantage S Roadster manual - had a fairly long test drive and couldn't really get on with the gearbox in the lower gears, including once managing to accidentally get 1st gear from 4th (fortunately at relatively low speed!) and found myself looking at the gear indicator before I dared to lift the clutch which isn't really what you want in a 595bhp car! Perhaps I'd get used to it in time, but at £53k to make the change that was a gamble I wasn't willing to take, and it would definitely put my wife off driving it.
The second was a 2009 V8 Vantage 4.7 Roadster - pre-facelift car and it was really lovely. Sounds good, rides FAR better than the V8 Vantage S my dad had (which to me was always a bit fidgety) and although the clutch is much heavier than the 7-speeds it was a delight to work away through the gears. Ultimately I decided it felt like a bit too much of a downgrade coming from the later dash style and V12 to a significantly older car, but it was a close run thing.
I'm probably going to wait a couple years as I've got a few things I want to do in the current car and then see what's out there and if I can get what I think would be my ideal car based on my experiences so far now - a V12 Vantage S Roadster MY16/17 with the SS3 gearbox.
I have a V8 4.7 SSII non-S Coupe. Bought it in March just gone - low mileage, one owner..
Here was my logic (other opinions and budgets may vary).
I ruled out a V12 on the basis I could get a much newer V8 for my budget, don't particularly need a bonkers car that can light up the tyres in any gear and that, with the OEM tyres fitted carried an aquaplaning warning .
I ruled out a roadster after driving one and realising that the rear-quarter vision with the hood up is appalling. Also the boss would not have liked a convertible for reasons.
I ruled out a 4.3 as I found the engine particularly gutless at low revs for such a large engine. The 4.7 is better.
I tried a Coupe S and I found the suspension just a tad too firm for some of the rubbish roads around where I live. The non-S is not exactly wallowy and I liked the extra comfort for cruising distance (having owned a Vantage for a few months I might reconsider this now)
The manual vs SportShift was trickier. I loved them both but I found, being over 6' 3", that my clutch leg was a little awkward. Also, blipping up and down the SS box is a joy, particularly when you learn to lift slightly when you change up and drive around its very bad low-speed manners. Finally, I went for a two-tone interior (Winter Wheat over Obsidian Black) as I found it made the interior a lighter, more pleasant place than the all-black trim cars I tried.
I would have liked a non-black paint colour, but you can't be too choosy when buying pre-owned.
Also, with an SSII car you have to understand that the "D" button stands for "Don't ever press this", unless you feel nostalgic and want to re-experience the gearchanges you used to make when you were first learning to drive a manual.
Very, very happy with the car I have
Edited to correct the interior colour name, tweak the SSII comment and add the comment about the "D" button
Here was my logic (other opinions and budgets may vary).
I ruled out a V12 on the basis I could get a much newer V8 for my budget, don't particularly need a bonkers car that can light up the tyres in any gear and that, with the OEM tyres fitted carried an aquaplaning warning .
I ruled out a roadster after driving one and realising that the rear-quarter vision with the hood up is appalling. Also the boss would not have liked a convertible for reasons.
I ruled out a 4.3 as I found the engine particularly gutless at low revs for such a large engine. The 4.7 is better.
I tried a Coupe S and I found the suspension just a tad too firm for some of the rubbish roads around where I live. The non-S is not exactly wallowy and I liked the extra comfort for cruising distance (having owned a Vantage for a few months I might reconsider this now)
The manual vs SportShift was trickier. I loved them both but I found, being over 6' 3", that my clutch leg was a little awkward. Also, blipping up and down the SS box is a joy, particularly when you learn to lift slightly when you change up and drive around its very bad low-speed manners. Finally, I went for a two-tone interior (Winter Wheat over Obsidian Black) as I found it made the interior a lighter, more pleasant place than the all-black trim cars I tried.
I would have liked a non-black paint colour, but you can't be too choosy when buying pre-owned.
Also, with an SSII car you have to understand that the "D" button stands for "Don't ever press this", unless you feel nostalgic and want to re-experience the gearchanges you used to make when you were first learning to drive a manual.
Very, very happy with the car I have
Edited to correct the interior colour name, tweak the SSII comment and add the comment about the "D" button
Edited by LTP on Thursday 12th December 12:12
Edited by LTP on Thursday 12th December 12:21
Great advice above as usual, ie test drive a few and see what appeals to YOU, although I would add that you probably won’t like Sportshift on first try, but it’s fun when you get used to it. Of course there is also the small matter of budget. I try and avoid personal as we each want different things, but I have grown to love the Roadster models....ideally a V8S for the special interior, awesome exhaust note, etc, that’s my personal pick. On the other hand Aston’s awesome V12 engine is rare and unique in the high end sports scene and it is wonderful. I’d go coupe in this case and try S and non-S, the adaptive dampers are a nice addition (there were lots of other upgrades ...see the guide 
) on the S due to traction issues putting all that V12 grunt to the tarmac. Looking and trying is all part of the enjoyment
) on the S due to traction issues putting all that V12 grunt to the tarmac. Looking and trying is all part of the enjoyment I’ve driven all four and used to own a V8S and now a V12S for the last five years.
It depends mainly on your budget. If you can stretch to a V12 then that’s the one to have.
I’d say both the S models are a good step up on the non S.
I much prefer SS to a traditional box for many reasons. You need to test drive both and go with what you prefer.
The other thing I would consider essential is the lightweight seats in either car. Massive improvement over the sports seats - but again, try them both and you’ll know.
I seem to recall that the SP10 V8 was a V8S with lightweight seats, in ceramic grey. If I was going back to a V8, that would be the one I would look for.
It depends mainly on your budget. If you can stretch to a V12 then that’s the one to have.
I’d say both the S models are a good step up on the non S.
I much prefer SS to a traditional box for many reasons. You need to test drive both and go with what you prefer.
The other thing I would consider essential is the lightweight seats in either car. Massive improvement over the sports seats - but again, try them both and you’ll know.
I seem to recall that the SP10 V8 was a V8S with lightweight seats, in ceramic grey. If I was going back to a V8, that would be the one I would look for.
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