Aston Martin Vantage V12 specs and prices

[TopQ1967-2]

Hi

I am looking to buy an AM Vantage V12 LHD.

I see a wide price span and it is difficult for me to see the differences.

Currently I am looking at a MY12 "Carbon Edition" manual - Euro 110.000,- and compare it to a MY17 AMR V12 manual at 210.000,-

I am looking for an overview of changes (updates / upgrades) of the model during its production period and Pricelists.

Any comment to help me to make the right decision is welcome too as wel as links to useful information.

My goal is to drive the car on a regular basis.

Previous car was a Lotus Exige 260 Cup spec car, but sold it as it was terrible to get in (due to its rollcage). Wife wants a more comfortable car for longer trips.

For hardcore driving I have a Caterham K-Series R400 spec car.

Thank you in advance

[anonymous-user]

There is a book you can buy with all the answers:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I didnt buy the book, I just bought the best car I could get for my budget. I am no expert but I think that I am right in saying that the AMR is arguably the pinnacle of the V12V lineup, so get that one if you have the budget, end of.

[dbs2000]

The changes I can remember off the top of my head:

6sp vs 7sp dog leg manual options
Sportshift 2 vs Sportshift 3 "automatic" options
None adaptive vs adaptive suspension
DBS console vs Vanquish console
510bhp vs 580?bhp

Later cars also got carplay.

I'm sure a fellow forum member has a definite and complete list

[TopQ1967-2]

Both thank you for your reply

Book will be a good source, so will order it.

There are some changes, but don't see them as significant. (but I haven't driven both so my be wrong)

the difference in price at the end in say 5 years) will be perhaps 20-30K so the later cars have to depreciate at least 50K against the older models.

For the difference i could buy a V8 to put the mileage on..

[dbs2000]

The difference for me is a great car and a really great car. The latter models do feel a little better screwed together and the adaptive suspension makes the ride a little more compliant. Have a read of the book, try both - there is no way to lose here at all.

[hornbaek]

I had a MY 2009 V12 Vantage (Hammerhead / Black) and drove it until 2015. The sole reason why i did not change it for a “last of the line” V12V was that the price difference (almost 100k) did not merit the change. The newer car is better (particularly the suspension) but otherwise there is not a 100k difference in value between the two. As a previous poster has said, the newer car has much further to fall so buy on condition but not on the (actual) age of the car. Good hunting.

[Phil57DBS]

You said :
Wife wants a more comfortable car for longer trips.

you need the adaptative piloted suspension ...
The best of both worlds

[cayman-black]

The Carbon Edition 2012 model would be my choice, excellent value.

[Big Ry]

Having sold a 2013 V12 coupe to get a 2017 V12S Roadster Manual, the cars in my personal opinion are like chalk and cheese.

I absolutely loved my V12 Coupe and it was a real wrench to part with it, but I have to admit it always felt a handful to drive. Heavy steering (at low speed) and the suspension was certainly on the firmer side.

I was quite nervous as I'd never even driven a 7 speed V12S when I done the deal, but from the second I pulled off of the forecourt at Works I knew I'd done the right thing. The steering feels much lighter at low speed (but still responsive), the adaptive suspension is a god send and the 7 speed is ace (all personal opinion of course). The car without doubt does feel far better screwed together, however perhaps some of that is down to it being 18 months old as opposed to 5 years.

I have to say if I had the money I'd still have an original V12 in the garage too as I love,that car, and maybe one day I will, but if I had to pick then it would be the V12S hands down. It's just a natural evolution of the car, and I also really like the updated centre console, much easier to use. As for Apple Car Play......tried to work that out on day one, confused the st out of me so never tried again

So my advice to the OP would be, go out and drive all variations you can, but if your budget allows then go for an V12S, because if nothing else, your wife will thank you for the adaptive suspension..!

I quite like the SS3 and don't understand the slating it gets to be honest, as others have said, once you actually learn it then it's great. The issue is people not taking to the time to understand how it works, or god forbid treating it like an automatic

I've never driven an AMR so I can't comment on those, however for me, I just can't get on with the go faster stripe and accents, so I wouldn't even if I could........tin hat at the ready

[AdamV12V]

Big Ry said:

I was quite nervous as I'd never even driven a 7 speed V12S when I done the deal, but from the second I pulled off of the forecourt at Works I knew I'd done the right thing. The steering feels much lighter at low speed (but still responsive), the adaptive suspension is a god send and the 7 speed is ace (all personal opinion of course). The car without doubt does feel far better screwed together, however perhaps some of that is down to it being 18 months old as opposed to 5 years.

So my advice to the OP would be, go out and drive all variations you can, but if your budget allows then go for an V12S...

I quite like the SS3 and don't understand the slating it gets to be honest, as others have said, once you actually learn it then it's great. The issue is people not taking to the time to understand how it works, or god forbid treating it like an automatic

This ^^
I also had a V12V before, well 2 before in fact - but the V12VS is just much better in 101 areas that all add up to quite a big step up overall. The improved power, the better sound, and I love the dogleg gearbox - amazing and engaging to use.

oh - and make sure you get one with lightweight bucket seats - soooooo much better than the fatter sport seats, and enhance the V12V(S) experience even futher!

Either way you can't lose - both epic cars in their own right!

[Mako V12V]

As a Big Ry has said, the original V12V can be “a handful to drive”. I’d like to rephrase this as.....a great driver’s car!

Try both and see what tickles you the most

[Gettoff]

dbs2000 said:

The difference for me is a great car and a really great car. The latter models do feel a little better screwed together and the adaptive suspension makes the ride a little more compliant. Have a read of the book, try both - there is no way to lose here at all.

Probably a fair summation, but that would apply to any car that was perhaps up to 9 years newer. Agree on the suspension though.

[Gettoff]

hornbaek said:

The sole reason why i did not change it for a “last of the line” V12V was that the price difference (almost 100k) did not merit the change. The newer car is better (particularly the suspension) but otherwise there is not a 100k difference in value between the two.

Pretty much my feelings on the difference, but I guess it depends on how much the best part of £100k is worth to you OP. For me at least it was far more than I could justify for the slight improvements.

[nn7man]

Just bought one of the very last V12S manuals, registered March 2018 which has sat around unsold all year. It has the AMR performance pack (595HP, full Ti exhaust etc) AMR body kit, AMR wheels and every carbon interior option.The dealer had ticked almost all the other options too. Onyx black with black and red highlights. I'm in love!

[RobDown]

nn7man said:

Just bought one of the very last V12S manuals, registered March 2018 which has sat around unsold all year. It has the AMR performance pack (595HP, full Ti exhaust etc) AMR body kit, AMR wheels and every carbon interior option.The dealer had ticked almost all the other options too. Onyx black with black and red highlights. I'm in love!

Congrats!

But rules are rules - photos please!