Has anyone owned both a W12 and V8 Continental?

[So]

I had a deal fall through on a V8 prior to lockdown and therefore need to start again afterwards. I've driven the V8 but not the W12.

Now that I have a bit more time, should I consider the 12?

The articles I have read seem to suggest that it's a more agile car, but does the 12 have anything going for it that's lacking in the 8?

Many thanks

[TonyF]

Had a 2012 V8 gtc and now I have a 2019 W12.
The V8 was a better car imo over the equivalent w12 back then as for me the front end on the 8 was lighter over the front axle being the smaller engine so in turn handled a lot better. The 12 was noticeably quicker if that matters to you.
The latest version I have is again for me night and day over the previous model so depends what your looking for really.
Good luck with your search.

[So]

TonyF said:

Had a 2012 V8 gtc and now I have a 2019 W12.
The V8 was a better car imo over the equivalent w12 back then as for me the front end on the 8 was lighter over the front axle being the smaller engine so in turn handled a lot better. The 12 was noticeably quicker if that matters to you.
The latest version I have is again for me night and day over the previous model so depends what your looking for really.
Good luck with your search.

Thanks Tony

I liked the V8 and it was plenty quick enough. The exhaust was quite raspy though, with lots of pops and bangs. From what I have seen, the W12 engine is a bit quieter / smoother.

It will be a 2018 car or earlier, because I cannot justify the new car. I am sure the new one is epic though.

[TonyF]

The V8 for me had more than enough power for the type of car it is but when I ordered the new shape I just went for the W12 as the reports I read and subsequently extended demo by my supplying dealer made my mind up.
To date I have no regrets at all, my wife absolutely loves the car albeit it’s not our daily driver.
Whichever one you decide on I’m sure you won’t be disappointed as they are very capable cars indeed.

[So]

TonyF said:

The V8 for me had more than enough power for the type of car it is but when I ordered the new shape I just went for the W12 as the reports I read and subsequently extended demo by my supplying dealer made my mind up.
To date I have no regrets at all, my wife absolutely loves the car albeit it’s not our daily driver.
Whichever one you decide on I’m sure you won’t be disappointed as they are very capable cars indeed.

Did you find the V8 exhaust noisy with the roof down?

Edited to add that I was assuming that you had a convertible, which may not be the case.

Edited by So on Saturday 25th April 13:16

[Saweep]

I'm not convinced the V8 is fast enough.

It's a lovely car to drive but, ridiculously, for such high BHP, never felt really quick.

[Lockhouse]

I've driven both round a track at pace (2016 cars, a V8S and a GT Speed).

The V8 is the better handling car by far - it's so good, really, really good and that's why you do hear people say it "doesn't feel that quick" as the facts would dispute that. I would say it's actually too good - I couldn't fault it. An absolute pleasure to drive.

And that's why I prefer the W12. It's front heavy, when you throw it about, you know you're throwing about a heavy car. When you brake, you can feel the force applied. When you put your foot down, it's like that guy from Star Trek saying "Engage". There's nothing quite like it and it puts a smile on my face. Which is why I've got one.

[Jack-flash]

V8 all day everyday
Sound better
Better residual
And the margin that there slower than the w12 is not even worth mentioning

[So]

Jack-flash said:

V8 all day everyday
Sound better
Better residual
And the margin that there slower than the w12 is not even worth mentioning

It's the sound that concerns me somewhat. The V8 has a lot of pops and bangs going on and I am not buying a Bentley for it to be raucous.

[TonyF]

So said:

Yes it was a convertible V8 I had, I did have it remapped by dms that took the power to over 700 bhp so was faster than the W12.
I quite liked the raspy exhaust note but if its smooth and quiet your after then it's got to be the W12. A 2018 car should get you an early new shape budget depending. Having said that there are some mega used deals out there right now.
Happy hunting. 👍

Did you find the V8 exhaust noisy with the roof down?

Edited to add that I was assuming that you had a convertible, which may not be the case.

Edited by So on Saturday 25th April 13:16

[Robotron-2084]

I’ve had both, currently have a V8s, it’s quite gruff, especially on start-up and does give the odd pop, but it’s a pleasant sound.

I always felt the 12 sounded loud, but not in a nice way and it seemed very nose heavy.

I’d take the V8s again when I look to change.

[So]

Robotron-2084 said:

I’ve had both, currently have a V8s, it’s quite gruff, especially on start-up and does give the odd pop, but it’s a pleasant sound.

I always felt the 12 sounded loud, but not in a nice way and it seemed very nose heavy.

I’d take the V8s again when I look to change.

When I think about what I will and won't use the car for I wonder whether the W12 may be worth a look.

I have another car to do sports car things. What I want is a refined convertible cruiser than can get a move on only very occasionally. I think the V8 moves the car more towards the sports end of things.

I imagine the W12 has bigger servicing bills, would I be right?

[Robotron-2084]

I didn’t have the v12 for long enough, it was an older model with a prehistoric dash and became a bit of a money pit so I managed to get it taken in p/x for a newer model still under main dealer warranty.

Even the newer V8s had to have a pair of batteries within 3 months that cost me over £600 that weren’t covered under warranty.

Not sure there’s a huge difference in service costs until you get to the point that the plugs are changed, circa £2k ish, it’s fixed price so get a quote and watch for any added ‘extras’.

[So]

Robotron-2084 said:

I didn’t have the v12 for long enough, it was an older model with a prehistoric dash and became a bit of a money pit so I managed to get it taken in p/x for a newer model still under main dealer warranty.

Even the newer V8s had to have a pair of batteries within 3 months that cost me over £600 that weren’t covered under warranty.

Not sure there’s a huge difference in service costs until you get to the point that the plugs are changed, circa £2k ish, it’s fixed price so get a quote and watch for any added ‘extras’.

Interesting you should mention the batteries.

I had a deal in place pre-lockdown which subsequently fell through, it was with a Bentley main dealer. The car was half way through a service and MOT interval and I was surprised that it only had one year warranty as standard. I was paying for year 2 and they eventually agreed to go halves on the service cost.

I can well imagine them dipping into your wallet at every opportunity and the service from the dealership in question was not what you'd hope for if you were buying a Vauxhall. Perhaps it's because most of their customers are footballers and easily overcharged / fobbed off.

[Robotron-2084]

The problem with my GTC is it’s a third car, it only gets a run every few weeks on average, not at all currently.

The dealer said the batteries were beyond repair due to me running them down to zero.

I got myself a Ctek charger and a cigarette lighter adaptor and leave it on trickle charge, both batteries get topped up as and when needed now.

I’ve only get 6 months warranty left and then I’ll probably use my local indie from there on.

[So]

Robotron-2084 said:

The problem with my GTC is it’s a third car, it only gets a run every few weeks on average, not at all currently.

The dealer said the batteries were beyond repair due to me running them down to zero.

I got myself a Ctek charger and a cigarette lighter adaptor and leave it on trickle charge, both batteries get topped up as and when needed now.

I’ve only get 6 months warranty left and then I’ll probably use my local indie from there on.

Interestingly, the car I was buying had to be charged before they could start it....

[Robotron-2084]

So said:

Interestingly, the car I was buying had to be charged before they could start it....

Then you have to reset the windows and the roof, although I think that depends on which battery is flat.

[LooneyTunes]

So said:

I have another car to do sports car things. What I want is a refined convertible cruiser than can get a move on only very occasionally. I think the V8 moves the car more towards the sports end of things.

What’s your sports car? We have a V8S as well as a few sportier numbers and I find it much more the relaxed cruiser than sports car.

Sound wise it’s at the bassier end of the spectrum, more of a rumble at idle and then growls when hard on the gas. When you’re settled into a cruise or gentle on the gas it calms back down and is very quiet. Double glazed too which helps cut out more noise when hood up.

Due to weight, 4wd, and turbo it feels solid and builds/holds speed in a way that never really excites me but is very agreeable for cruising.

There’s also a magnetic trickle charge port on the outside of the bootlid (just above number plate) so keeping it on a ctek is pretty straightforward. It’s possible to make an adapter From the mag port to ctek for about £20.

[Robotron-2084]

LooneyTunes said:

There’s also a magnetic trickle charge port on the outside of the bootlid (just above number plate) so keeping it on a ctek is pretty straightforward. It’s possible to make an adapter From the mag port to ctek for about £20.

I didn’t know that, thanks

[So]

LooneyTunes said:

So said:

I have another car to do sports car things. What I want is a refined convertible cruiser than can get a move on only very occasionally. I think the V8 moves the car more towards the sports end of things.

What’s your sports car? We have a V8S as well as a few sportier numbers and I find it much more the relaxed cruiser than sports car.

Sound wise it’s at the bassier end of the spectrum, more of a rumble at idle and then growls when hard on the gas. When you’re settled into a cruise or gentle on the gas it calms back down and is very quiet. Double glazed too which helps cut out more noise when hood up.

Due to weight, 4wd, and turbo it feels solid and builds/holds speed in a way that never really excites me but is very agreeable for cruising.

There’s also a magnetic trickle charge port on the outside of the bootlid (just above number plate) so keeping it on a ctek is pretty straightforward. It’s possible to make an adapter From the mag port to ctek for about £20.

It's a 911.

I am going to see if I can try a W12 and a V8 back to back after lockdown, I think.