Discussion
I've had my 2005 V8V for almost 3 years. I love it's looks but to be honest it isn't the best drivers car, my old Z4M Coupe was much more focused. So time to swap it is looming and the only thing I'm drawn to is a V12V. So, would a V12V feel the same but much more powerful.
My problem with the V8 is it feels a bit lazy and wallows over undulations. The old BMW was hard as nails and begged to be thrashed. I know I need to drive one, but the cost to change seems huge for essentially something that looks very similar.
I'm sure I know where this will end up though. Itch needs scratching.
My problem with the V8 is it feels a bit lazy and wallows over undulations. The old BMW was hard as nails and begged to be thrashed. I know I need to drive one, but the cost to change seems huge for essentially something that looks very similar.
I'm sure I know where this will end up though. Itch needs scratching.
V12V suspension is a completely different experience. No wallow, no float, no strange sensation of the front of the car damped differently than the back. I had a V8V sport pack and was disappointed with OEM suspension so tried H&R springs - better but still lacking. Went to the V12 and apart from a slightly excessive wheel-fender gap (why do all Astons seem to have this?), I am very happy. You mentioned the obvious engine upgrade but the brakes are a bonus, too! Good luck...
shunt said:
I've had my 2005 V8V for almost 3 years. I love it's looks but to be honest it isn't the best drivers car, my old Z4M Coupe was much more focused. So time to swap it is looming and the only thing I'm drawn to is a V12V. So, would a V12V feel the same but much more powerful.
My problem with the V8 is it feels a bit lazy and wallows over undulations. The old BMW was hard as nails and begged to be thrashed. I know I need to drive one, but the cost to change seems huge for essentially something that looks very similar.
I'm sure I know where this will end up though. Itch needs scratching.
If you drive it, you will buy it. Different beast (beast being the operative word) with suspension, power, brakes and just the general driving experience.My problem with the V8 is it feels a bit lazy and wallows over undulations. The old BMW was hard as nails and begged to be thrashed. I know I need to drive one, but the cost to change seems huge for essentially something that looks very similar.
I'm sure I know where this will end up though. Itch needs scratching.
I have said many times, I loved my V8V, but like you I needed to scratch that itch. I have not regretted 1 day of it. Lazy is not a word you would use to describe a V12V.... Focussed
They are such different cars. I guarantee you wouldn't regret the change. I would highly recommend the lightweight seats as they suit the car so well and help add to the difference from your 05 v8
When I changed from 07 v8 to a v12v I even ended up with the same colour and it did make me think if I was doing the right thing because when you change cars you normally want it to look and feel very different. I've not regretted it.
Everything about the car just is that little bit better and it all adds up to make a huge difference
When I changed from 07 v8 to a v12v I even ended up with the same colour and it did make me think if I was doing the right thing because when you change cars you normally want it to look and feel very different. I've not regretted it.
Everything about the car just is that little bit better and it all adds up to make a huge difference
Just to be my usual contrary self, I drove one at the V8 homecoming a while ago. And haven't had any irresistible urge to buy one.
Yes there's much more engine up front. And there was a difference in the way it handled. But I'm pretty sure that if you wanted the car to feel that way it would be easy to sort the suspension if taken to someone who knows what they're doing and, importantly, if you changed the seats - lightweight seats in the one I tried. On their own they'd make a big difference to feel IMO.
I went a few years ago and I reckon there'd be (and probably still is) a 50k cost to change. To me, if I was spending that sort of money I would want something more different.
That said, if I were in the market for a Vantage now and had 80k to spend, I'd definitely consider one over a younger S etc.
Yes there's much more engine up front. And there was a difference in the way it handled. But I'm pretty sure that if you wanted the car to feel that way it would be easy to sort the suspension if taken to someone who knows what they're doing and, importantly, if you changed the seats - lightweight seats in the one I tried. On their own they'd make a big difference to feel IMO.
I went a few years ago and I reckon there'd be (and probably still is) a 50k cost to change. To me, if I was spending that sort of money I would want something more different.
That said, if I were in the market for a Vantage now and had 80k to spend, I'd definitely consider one over a younger S etc.
I've been trolling the various used car websites here in the US as I've been jones-ing for a V12 Vantage for sometime now. Looking for the right combination of price/color/equipment. While I do love my 2007 V8 Vantage, I simply want more... plus the updates that come along with it. I can't imagine wanting more car as time goes on... perhaps it will be my last! I do know thats its a keeper.
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