V12V Lightweight Seats vs Regular

[controlz]

I test drove a V12V at the weekend with regular seats and really liked them - I haven't yet tried the lightweight's but the dealer kind of put me off by saying the back isn't adjustable and they're a little less comfortable. I'm 5"9 so I don't know if that's a problem. Perhaps it was just a sales trick from the dealer to get me to buy that one!

How do both seats compare?

Edited by controlz on Monday 9th June 18:40

[Jon1967x]

controlz said:

I test drove a V12V at the weekend with regular seats and really liked them - I haven't tried the lightweight's but the dealer kind of put me off by saying the back isn't adjustable and their a little less comfortable. I'm 5"9 so I don't know if that's a problem. Perhaps it was just a sales trick from the dealer to get me to buy that one!

How do both seats compare?

Many swear by them, some don't get on with them. I find the back rest to seat base angle makes them a bit upright for my taste but I'm 6'3" and have had a lifetime slumpt in cars to fit in (its close in a Vantage for me) so I prefer a more relaxed position.

The usual downsides of the lightweights are:
- gear change in a manual can be a problem due to restricted arm movement - some seem fine, some don't so its probably a function of the drivers shape
- pretty sure they're not heated
- no side airbag
- not so easy to get in and out of the car

...but thats because of the good bit - they are more supportive and hold you in more and once in, I think they're every bit as comfortable (based on what I've read by those that fit).

They're certainly a bit more hard core so an acquired taste.

[ajr550]

I have recently tested 2 V12V's.One had regular seats in leather the other had lightweight seats part Alcantara.
I'm six foot four and now would not contemplate the regular seats.Lightweights created more room in cabin and IMHO suited car better.

[Jon1967x]

ajr550 said:

I have recently tested 2 V12V's.One had regular seats in leather the other had lightweight seats part Alcantara.
I'm six foot four and now would not contemplate the regular seats.Lightweights created more room in cabin and IMHO suited car better.

You must be a different shape to me! I couldn't sit upright in them (I do have a long back though)

[ajr550]

So the answer is try them and see.Personal preference depending on body shape !

[SFO]

controlz said:

I haven't yet tried the lightweight's but the dealer kind of put me off by saying the back isn't adjustable and they're a little less comfortable.

not strictly true. the backrest is fixed but you can tilt the whole seat (front and back) so you can adjust the seat back angle indirectly.

I love the lightweight seats .. but you need to try them for yourself.

[ajr550]

Adverts say lightweights are 6 way adjustable.Maybe unbolting and putting back in again count as 2 !

[Gettoff]

My V12V has the lightweights with alcantara centre sections, my previous V8V had the sports seats in all-leather. Previously I thought, great, as much adjustment as was needed and the heated option was there too. With that said, the lightweights are a step up for holding you in position and support when cornering. Over longer distances I can only say that the sports seats were great after a 400 mile/6 hour trip, I haven't covered as many miles in the lightweights, the longest stint being around 2 hours, but they were without fault dealing with that.

As others have said, I think it does depend on your body shape, size and physique as to which offers the best option for you personally, you really need to try both to make sure you can get comfortable. A happy medium could be a car with sports seats that has the alcantara inserts - it is more grippy than leather, so less sliding about during cornering. I'm not sure on how many cars were specced like this but worth keeping an eye out nonetheless.

Overall, I'm glad I have the lightweight option, the heated element(excuse the pun)hasn't been missed - I probably only used it 3 times in 18 months and the alcantara has a warmer feel anyway, if that makes sense. The side airbag thing hasn't even registered as a concern for me and I think they suit the character of the car also.

Try both and go for what is comfortable and works for you, after all, you'll be the one sat there all the time, so you need to be enjoying it.

[Jockman]

Pretty sure Mikey K was working on a mechanism to put heating into the lightweight seats - wonder how that progressed

[Gettoff]

Jockman said:

Pretty sure Mikey K was working on a mechanism to put heating into the lightweight seats - wonder how that progressed

Hopefully he wasn't waiting for parts.. we could be some time..

[AdamV12V]

You need to try them both, but if you get on with the lightweight seats, then the one thing for sure is that they suit the nature of the V12V much better. That said as above they don't have heating or side airbags, although heating can be done with an aftermarket mod if required. The back is adjustable, but not in the same way as the Sports seats. With the lightweight seats you have to pull the back padding out and then can relocate 2 padded sacks (each differing in size) along two full length Velcro strips. The amount of variable lumbar adjustment you can get out of this simple process is quite surprising and really changes the comfort significantly

I have owned Vantages with both sports seats and lightweight seats, and despite the apparent lack of adjustment on the lightweights compared to the sports seats I have persononally only ever found them to be far more comfortable. You sit in the lightweight seats, whereas you sit on the sports seats! I'm 6ft and 12st 10lbs, so probably a little taller than average but medium framed/build but I always used to get back ache on long journeys in the sports seats and could never quite find that perfect setting where the seats felt totally comfortable. I have however always found the lightweight seats totally comfortable and have never once suffered with back ache on long journeys with them.

I am now 100% pro the lightweight seats, in fact not having them in a car is most definitely a deal breaker for me.

Finally and just to beat Nick to it, thought I might as well post a picture of the lightweight seats in my V12V

[mikey k]

controlz said:

I test drove a V12V at the weekend with regular seats and really liked them - I haven't yet tried the lightweight's but the dealer kind of put me off by saying the back isn't adjustable and they're a little less comfortable. I'm 5"9 so I don't know if that's a problem. Perhaps it was just a sales trick from the dealer to get me to buy that one!

How do both seats compare?

I've had both and wouldn't go back to standard sport seats
I've done over 450 miles in a day in my light weights, Mrs K feels the same.
Only two issues, no heated option and I've found even gears in a manual awkward as the shoulder can't move backwards
Go and try them on a decent drive

[mikey k]

ajr550 said:

Adverts say lightweights are 6 way adjustable.Maybe unbolting and putting back in again count as 2 !

They are
forward/back
up/down
tilt forward/back
(oh and manual lumber adjustment )

[mikey k]

Gettoff said:

Jockman said:

Pretty sure Mikey K was working on a mechanism to put heating into the lightweight seats - wonder how that progressed

Hopefully he wasn't waiting for parts.. we could be some time..

ironically I had the parts before the car
After investigating the covers it will need a professional to do it, so that's me out
Once Johnny's back I'll have another look at it this winter

[mikey k]

and finally if we are posting pics

Vantage S Collection 033 by mikey k V8VR, on Flickr

[Gettoff]

mikey k said:

ironically I had the parts before the car
After investigating the covers it will need a professional to do it, so that's me out
Once Johnny's back I'll have another look at it this winter

As long as you are on the case Mr K. The heated seats are more desirable for the roofless people out there, your fellow hat wearers will be following your progress .

How is Johnny? I've got a tenner on Robs' Hilux being borrowed and going to Europe .

[AMDBSNick]

AdamV12V said:

I soooooooo want those seats

[Jockman]

Looks like the carpet at Gopal's post-avinabarf

[Grant3]

I'm another fan of the lightweight seats, particularly on the hardcore V12V, they provide MUCH better lateral support for fast cornering and save a useful few kg .....alongside Phantom Grey carpets It is true they have less adjustment than the standard seats but there shouldn't be a problem finding a great driving position. As has been mentioned you do loose side airbags and the option of seat heating. But ultimately it depends on how much of a press on driver you are many are very happy with the standard seats so I would seek out any other dealer Vantage with the lightweights fitted and compare for yourself.

[ripley500]

If you can find a dealer with both types in the showroom then just be careful when trying them back to back. The sports seats initially seem more comfortable than lightweights as they have more padding, hence trying them at the same time may not give a truly objective impression - the lightweights I find exceptionally comfortble and to me really suit a V12V much better.

Next to colour they are the biggest choice to make - my preference is lightweights and I'm considering a change to V12VS and I'm surprised that most are speced with sports seats.