Anyone gone TVR to AM Vantage and back to TVR?
Discussion
After 22 years and 100,000 miles in my Griff, I am getting quite seriously tempted by changing to an Aston Martin 4.7 V8 Vantage manual convertible. My recent 3,000 mile European road trip in the Griff has left me wanting to repeat it, but for it to be enjoyable for my wife we would need air conditioning, a bit more refinement and predictable windows.
The Aston will be slower and less sporty but the combination of the 4.7 litre engine, a manual box and convertible will help to preserve some of the theatre that you get in the Griff. The TVR does long distance GT driving surprisingly well but I think the Aston will be better.
Having searched for and read all of the threads I can find, I am interested in anyone who made the switch from TVR to Aston and then decided to switch BACK to TVR. If so, why?
The Aston will be slower and less sporty but the combination of the 4.7 litre engine, a manual box and convertible will help to preserve some of the theatre that you get in the Griff. The TVR does long distance GT driving surprisingly well but I think the Aston will be better.
Having searched for and read all of the threads I can find, I am interested in anyone who made the switch from TVR to Aston and then decided to switch BACK to TVR. If so, why?
I have never had the pleasure of driving a TVR, but a manual 4.7 Vantage is my delight.
A much heavier car, so even with 420 bhp, you will presumably notice a difference in performance, although full throttle can only be a brief pleasure now on UK roads (0 to 100mph to 0 in 15 secs.). Comfort and equipment is clearly better, as is probably the steering feel, with front mid-mounted engine, rear transmission and a virtually equal front/rear weight balance.
The ideal for you, to have more equal TVR punch, would be a V12 Vantage Roadster (510 bhp). A limited edition of 101 cars. They are all 6 speed manuals.
I never found the 4.3 to be ‘slow’. If I’d wanted a faster car there are others out there that would be faster - something like a BMW M4. But the Aston always felt special. I could never believe it was mine and got as much pleasure from just seeing it in the garage as I did driving it. That’s why it would be a great car to have alongside something like a Tuscan, as they do such different jobs.
I never tried the 4.7 but have had the 4.3 makes a better noise? If you already have a TVR for speed then I think the 4.3 would be a good model to have, rather than try to get a faster Aston.
Mine was also totally reliable, the service was very reasonable even at a main dealer.
I never tried the 4.7 but have had the 4.3 makes a better noise? If you already have a TVR for speed then I think the 4.3 would be a good model to have, rather than try to get a faster Aston.
Mine was also totally reliable, the service was very reasonable even at a main dealer.
Thanks all!
I think people look for different things from a weekend car. When I bought the Griff, I did so because it was the fastest thing I could afford at the time - it was only AFTER I bought it that I discovered what makes a great sports car. I still think the Griff/Chim are the best sports cars but my needs have changed recently into a sporty GT.
I don't want to clutter the TVR forum with too much Aston discussion, but I've ruled out the V12 on the basis of additional cost and not really benefiting from the extra power - 4.3 vs 4.7 is more difficult and takes into consideration speed, reliability (4.7 crank bearings), noise, cost and availability. Convertible and manual I think are both key features for me.
I'm not in a rush to decide and have some things to do to the Griff over winter (new carpets) which may influence the decision.
I think people look for different things from a weekend car. When I bought the Griff, I did so because it was the fastest thing I could afford at the time - it was only AFTER I bought it that I discovered what makes a great sports car. I still think the Griff/Chim are the best sports cars but my needs have changed recently into a sporty GT.
I don't want to clutter the TVR forum with too much Aston discussion, but I've ruled out the V12 on the basis of additional cost and not really benefiting from the extra power - 4.3 vs 4.7 is more difficult and takes into consideration speed, reliability (4.7 crank bearings), noise, cost and availability. Convertible and manual I think are both key features for me.
I'm not in a rush to decide and have some things to do to the Griff over winter (new carpets) which may influence the decision.
I've had my Griffith 500 & V8 Vantage coupe alongside each other in the garage at the same time.
What I would say is that they are both great cars but very different in character and the AM is generally much more expensive to run (this is assuming your TVR has been properly looked after and used, not locked up in storage for months at a time). A clutch on a Vantage is £3.5k plus, lights do sometimes fog up and are expensive to repair or replace and some parts of the chassis on a 2009 car need to be looked at - rear subframe for example).
The AM is a superb long distance car and is a quality item which is hard to beat.
The Griffith probably provides me with a bigger fun factor and I like open top motoring.
A V8 Vantage roadster sounds tempting but imho they don't look as special as the coupe.
If you go for the AM it MUST be a manual.
What I would say is that they are both great cars but very different in character and the AM is generally much more expensive to run (this is assuming your TVR has been properly looked after and used, not locked up in storage for months at a time). A clutch on a Vantage is £3.5k plus, lights do sometimes fog up and are expensive to repair or replace and some parts of the chassis on a 2009 car need to be looked at - rear subframe for example).
The AM is a superb long distance car and is a quality item which is hard to beat.
The Griffith probably provides me with a bigger fun factor and I like open top motoring.
A V8 Vantage roadster sounds tempting but imho they don't look as special as the coupe.
If you go for the AM it MUST be a manual.
I've had a t350 and a two 4.7 V8V (one a roadster.
I absolutely loved the T350, the drama the noise the rarity. Pretty terrible to actually drive, but it's one of the only cars I really still miss and regret selling. It's came up for sale a few times but at almost double the price I sold it for, and just don't want to ruin the good memories.
The Vantages are very similar I'd say, lovely noise, I wouldn't say better but different. Much more refined to drive, but still not that great to actually drive quickly. But as something to do what you want I'd say it's about perfect. I'd go for the 4.7 as a minimum, possibly an S, or N420, or even V12 after any TVR.
I liked the Vantages, but not in a rush to go back to one.
I absolutely loved the T350, the drama the noise the rarity. Pretty terrible to actually drive, but it's one of the only cars I really still miss and regret selling. It's came up for sale a few times but at almost double the price I sold it for, and just don't want to ruin the good memories.
The Vantages are very similar I'd say, lovely noise, I wouldn't say better but different. Much more refined to drive, but still not that great to actually drive quickly. But as something to do what you want I'd say it's about perfect. I'd go for the 4.7 as a minimum, possibly an S, or N420, or even V12 after any TVR.
I liked the Vantages, but not in a rush to go back to one.
Had four TVR's over a 17 year period, two 500 Griffiths, a T350T and a Chimaera of which I modified considerably. I then went Vantage V8 4.7. Just beautiful from any angle inside or out. Not what I call a 'fast' car by any means, more of a comfortably quick GT and no less for it, such presence and a wonderful place to be in and the fit and finish was superb. Unfortunately it spent more time at dealers with big end failure, gearbox, another engine etc and I fell out of love with it and already having my eye on something really special as replacement of which I still have. I look occasionally at classifieds of both Astons and TVR's as you do and would indeed have both again even with my bad luck with the Aston (feckin lying main dealer who sold it to me). They get under your skin. Good luck, we are all indeed privaleged to drive these things after all.
ecs0set said:
I don't want to clutter the TVR forum with too much Aston discussion, but I've ruled out the V12 on the basis of additional cost and not really benefiting from the extra power - 4.3 vs 4.7 is more difficult and takes into consideration speed, reliability (4.7 crank bearings), noise, cost and availability. Convertible and manual I think are both key features for me.
Many TVR owners have moved to AM, either as replacement or as well as, so hopefully a little AM chat might be accepted/useful here.
4.3 vs 4.7 - The extra 40 bhp does provide 10% more power, but what is most noticeable is 15% more torque.
When pootling, the 4.7 can go along happily at lower revs and still accelerate away. 4.3 in the same situation, may need dropping a gear.
Neither are slouches. Passengers still mumble, after their heads hit the seat back following unexpected acceleration.
Noise - little difference. Identical exhaust system up to some point in 2010, when regulations required additional catalysts to be fitted in the manifolds (so they will heat more quickly following a cold start).
Easy to liven up the orchestra (pre-2010), by making an 'adjustment' to the cats, where each exhaust branch cannister contains two separate cell 'bricks' 400 and 900 cells. The cats remain looking OEM. Are you with me? All systems have valves for the back box, so providing a 3 way choice if a switch is fitted.
The waterfall consoles are different and the 4.7 does not have the (usual at the time) steering lock ignition key.
The bodywork remained original design, until model year 2012.25.
Fewer 4.7 cars around than 4.3. Production was slowed significantly at the time of the change over, by the onset of the financial crisis.
There was a long list of changes when the 4.7 was introduced. One big improvement were Bilstein dampers, which 4.3 owners find quite pricey, when they want to upgrade their cars.
Hope that might be helpful.
Edited by Jon39 on Tuesday 18th October 17:01
"I liked the Vantages, but not in a rush to go back to one."
This appears to be a common theme which is the reason behind my post. We all look for different things in a weekend car, I'm keen to find out why people have moved on from a Vantage and aren't that bothered about going back.
4.3 vs 4.7 - I've always gone for MORE power but I am minded that much fun can be had in a less powerful car that you can push for longer without getting to silly speeds - a bit like the hire car theory. The tales of major engine failures (main bearing shells) on the 4.7 are a concern. Bilstein dampers also noted.
Interiors are all nicer than they look in the photos. The 4.7 dash is a bit more modern and as mentioned, has the ECU to replace the key. Not so keen on the 3rd variant of the dash with the touch buttons.
The running costs are also worth considering. Clutch is a big one. Brakes I could do myself if needed. The 60,000 mile convertible I saw had noticable rust spots to the tops of both doors and the rear wing!
Food for thought, thanks for all the info!
This appears to be a common theme which is the reason behind my post. We all look for different things in a weekend car, I'm keen to find out why people have moved on from a Vantage and aren't that bothered about going back.
4.3 vs 4.7 - I've always gone for MORE power but I am minded that much fun can be had in a less powerful car that you can push for longer without getting to silly speeds - a bit like the hire car theory. The tales of major engine failures (main bearing shells) on the 4.7 are a concern. Bilstein dampers also noted.
Interiors are all nicer than they look in the photos. The 4.7 dash is a bit more modern and as mentioned, has the ECU to replace the key. Not so keen on the 3rd variant of the dash with the touch buttons.
The running costs are also worth considering. Clutch is a big one. Brakes I could do myself if needed. The 60,000 mile convertible I saw had noticable rust spots to the tops of both doors and the rear wing!
Food for thought, thanks for all the info!
ecs0set said:
"I liked the Vantages, but not in a rush to go back to one."
This appears to be a common theme which is the reason behind my post. We all look for different things in a weekend car, I'm keen to find out why people have moved on from a Vantage and aren't that bothered about going back.
4.3 vs 4.7 - I've always gone for MORE power but I am minded that much fun can be had in a less powerful car that you can push for longer without getting to silly speeds - a bit like the hire car theory. The tales of major engine failures (main bearing shells) on the 4.7 are a concern. Bilstein dampers also noted.
Interiors are all nicer than they look in the photos. The 4.7 dash is a bit more modern and as mentioned, has the ECU to replace the key. Not so keen on the 3rd variant of the dash with the touch buttons.
The running costs are also worth considering. Clutch is a big one. Brakes I could do myself if needed. The 60,000 mile convertible I saw had noticable rust spots to the tops of both doors and the rear wing!
Food for thought, thanks for all the info!
This appears to be a common theme which is the reason behind my post. We all look for different things in a weekend car, I'm keen to find out why people have moved on from a Vantage and aren't that bothered about going back.
4.3 vs 4.7 - I've always gone for MORE power but I am minded that much fun can be had in a less powerful car that you can push for longer without getting to silly speeds - a bit like the hire car theory. The tales of major engine failures (main bearing shells) on the 4.7 are a concern. Bilstein dampers also noted.
Interiors are all nicer than they look in the photos. The 4.7 dash is a bit more modern and as mentioned, has the ECU to replace the key. Not so keen on the 3rd variant of the dash with the touch buttons.
The running costs are also worth considering. Clutch is a big one. Brakes I could do myself if needed. The 60,000 mile convertible I saw had noticable rust spots to the tops of both doors and the rear wing!
Food for thought, thanks for all the info!
Possibly there is an explanation to, 'not in a rush to go back to one'.
That comment on this topic was by Justin, who now drives a McLaren.
As you say, 'we all look for different things in a weekend car', so I guess McLaren enthusiasts might value the more extreme performance of those cars.
'Rust' bubbles have occurred, mostly near door handles and mirrors. Those are alloy surfaces therefore not rust, but assumed to be mistakes at the pre-painting preparation stage, resulting much later in bubbles.
^ probably slightly unfair as the current car has no bearing on the next. In all honesty once I change from my Mac I'm not sure where I'll go next. For the OP the topic was about returning to a TVR, and that's a move I would definitely make. I'm just not as sure on the Vantage.
I'd love a Sagaris, just not for the current market values.
I think for me the Vantage was a great car to an own, I just didn't enjoy it as a 'drivers car', and admittedly I did have a few issues which tainted the ownership slightly but there just isn't much that would draw me back in, currently.
I'd love a Sagaris, just not for the current market values.
I think for me the Vantage was a great car to an own, I just didn't enjoy it as a 'drivers car', and admittedly I did have a few issues which tainted the ownership slightly but there just isn't much that would draw me back in, currently.
Stever said:
Jon39 said:
The ideal for you, to have more equal TVR punch, would be a V12 Vantage Roadster (510 bhp). A limited edition of 101 cars. They are all 6 speed manuals.
565 bhp too??Ah Ok a bit like the BMW SMG? If it's anything like that i too would stick with a proper manual it didn't make for a good daily in my V10 M6.
I have been looking at these as I haven't ticked a V12 box yet, and several road tests have suggested the manual isn't very good? Mind you they are often clueless youtubey people who probably stalled it! It would be good to hear from someone who has lived with it?
I have been looking at these as I haven't ticked a V12 box yet, and several road tests have suggested the manual isn't very good? Mind you they are often clueless youtubey people who probably stalled it! It would be good to hear from someone who has lived with it?
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