V8 Vantage performance
Discussion
Overtook a V8 Vantage at the weekend at legal speed on the motorway, he then waited a while, then came up on me fast on the outside lane, you can guess the rest, I was in fifth gear at the time of the event.
What are the performance figures like up against a 4.0S Mk2 from rolling at say 50mph who outguns who?
What are the performance figures like up against a 4.0S Mk2 from rolling at say 50mph who outguns who?
Off the top of my head a V8 Vantage is either 380 or 420bhp depending on which version it was (4.3 or 4.7), with around 330ft lb of torque or thereabouts (a little less or a little more depending on version again).
Weight is around 1600kg, technically the TVR *should* have it, but I've been in several Tuscans and all fail to feel as quick as I think they should given the weight/power ratio. Don't forget the Aston will probably have closer gears as it is a six-speed box and it also revs a bit harder than the Tuscan I think. If it was a sportshift there would obviously be a bit of a difference there as they can change up much quicker than you can.
All in, the Tuscan *should* still be a lot quicker - everything else being equal. Whether it is or not, I don't know. Obviously you'll need a private road to find out properly.
Weight is around 1600kg, technically the TVR *should* have it, but I've been in several Tuscans and all fail to feel as quick as I think they should given the weight/power ratio. Don't forget the Aston will probably have closer gears as it is a six-speed box and it also revs a bit harder than the Tuscan I think. If it was a sportshift there would obviously be a bit of a difference there as they can change up much quicker than you can.
All in, the Tuscan *should* still be a lot quicker - everything else being equal. Whether it is or not, I don't know. Obviously you'll need a private road to find out properly.
I test drove a V8V and a DB9 back to back just 2 weeks ago. The V8V was very disappointing and didn't feel quick at all. The Tuscan was much much quicker. DB9 was a different story. Epic performance and every bit as quick as the Tuscan (Tuscan probably has a slight edge though). I was so impressed with it I traded in the Tuscan there and then and took delivery of the Aston just 4 days later 
jayemm89 said:
Off the top of my head a V8 Vantage is either 380 or 420bhp depending on which version it was (4.3 or 4.7), with around 330ft lb of torque or thereabouts (a little less or a little more depending on version again).
Weight is around 1600kg, technically the TVR *should* have it, but I've been in several Tuscans and all fail to feel as quick as I think they should given the weight/power ratio. Don't forget the Aston will probably have closer gears as it is a six-speed box and it also revs a bit harder than the Tuscan I think. If it was a sportshift there would obviously be a bit of a difference there as they can change up much quicker than you can.
All in, the Tuscan *should* still be a lot quicker - everything else being equal. Whether it is or not, I don't know. Obviously you'll need a private road to find out properly.
Revs harder? Really? more than a SP6? Weight is around 1600kg, technically the TVR *should* have it, but I've been in several Tuscans and all fail to feel as quick as I think they should given the weight/power ratio. Don't forget the Aston will probably have closer gears as it is a six-speed box and it also revs a bit harder than the Tuscan I think. If it was a sportshift there would obviously be a bit of a difference there as they can change up much quicker than you can.
All in, the Tuscan *should* still be a lot quicker - everything else being equal. Whether it is or not, I don't know. Obviously you'll need a private road to find out properly.
Statistics. A 3.6 should beat it, the car weighs half a tonne more, that's where it counts!
Cliffedge said:
A comment from Laser Sag is required I believe......Kev are you there?
Hi Cliff, long time no see, hope you are well.Tuscan is quicker but not by as much as the figures would seem to suggest. It would also depend on whether the Vantage was a 4.3, 4.7 or 4.7S, incremental increases in each version. The TVR feels quicker especially with the noise it makes whereas the Vantage insulates you from the speed to a large extent.
Have been surprised that with only 40BHP more than the Tuscan/Sag but weighing at least 400KG more the Vantage doesn't feel that much slower.
Not that we got much chance to get going too well last time we were out together but I didn't think the Vantage did too badly especially as it seems to be regarded as a pipe and slippers motor by many TVR owners
Not a very scientific view but just my feelings since getting my old man car
NTEL said:
I test drove a V8V and a DB9 back to back just 2 weeks ago. The V8V was very disappointing and didn't feel quick at all. The Tuscan was much much quicker. DB9 was a different story. Epic performance and every bit as quick as the Tuscan (Tuscan probably has a slight edge though). I was so impressed with it I traded in the Tuscan there and then and took delivery of the Aston just 4 days later
Different to my feelings, Tuscan quicker yes but much much never.ShiDevil said:
Statistics. A 3.6 should beat it, the car weighs half a tonne more, that's where it counts!
My experience here is mostly based on a drive in a Tamora, which I felt did NOT go anywhere near as quick as the numbers would suggest.I've been out in a few Tuscans, but none of them have been driven hard enough to make me feel they are quick. Anyone that wants to demonstrate to me just how quick they are is welcome to do so
However, the Aston I drove (a 4.7) was very lethargic under about 4,000 rpm - disappointingly so. It needs to be revved more than the Tuscan does - which is probably a result of the weight difference more than the engine.
NTEL said:
Laser Sag said:
Different to my feelings, Tuscan quicker yes but much much never.
To be fair it was a 4.3L V8V. It really was a lot "slower" than the Tuscan. Even the AM salesman had to admit it after he drove the Tuscan (It is a particularly spicy Tuscan but not mine anymore) Dave
I think a lot of these things do come down to perception though, the V12s do seem to have a fair bit more torque and as such probably feel quicker lower down the rev range.
Edited by Laser Sag on Tuesday 29th April 21:22
jayemm89 said:
I've been out in a few Tuscans, but none of them have been driven hard enough to make me feel they are quick. Anyone that wants to demonstrate to me just how quick they are is welcome to do so
My old Tuscan was properly quick. Once rebuilt to S spec, it felt more rapid than either my 4.2 or 4.5 litre Cerberas. NTEL said:
I test drove a V8V and a DB9 back to back just 2 weeks ago. The V8V was very disappointing and didn't feel quick at all. The Tuscan was much much quicker. DB9 was a different story. Epic performance and every bit as quick as the Tuscan (Tuscan probably has a slight edge though). I was so impressed with it I traded in the Tuscan there and then and took delivery of the Aston just 4 days later
A few years ago, I was driving the M4 just East of the bridge and I overtook a V8V in my Chim 450 and pulled into lane 2 a few cars ahead.The Aston came up on the outside, passenger looking at the Chim and accelerated away. I pulled out behind - mainly out of curiosity, and felt that the Chim was not totally outclassed by the in-gear acceleration.
I pulled in to the services soon afterward. The V8 followed me in and the driver started chatting - he was quite impressed with the TVR! Definitely more 'toys' on the Aston though!
Nick
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