F Type V8 - AM Vantage V8 manual
Discussion
Hi all,
I m currently in a 2015 Jaguar F-Type V8 and thinking about switching to a 2010 manual 4.7 V8 Vantage as my daily, doing around 6k miles per year.
For those who ve driven or owned both (or daily a Vantage), would love to hear:
How they compare day-to-day chassis feel, steering, ride quality in traffic/commute
Manual gearbox experience in the Vantage engaging and usable, or a handful in town?
Build quality and practicality for regular use
Ownership bits reliability, common quirks,
Anything you d miss from the F-Type (or things the Aston absolutely wins at)
I m not chasing track times more interested in character, engagement and a daily that still feels special.
The cars are of a similar design language but i find myself not using the Jags power very often (too fast?) - but i love the burble at any revs & thought the Vantage would replicate this with lower power to use a little more of when appropriate
any feedback welcomed!
I m currently in a 2015 Jaguar F-Type V8 and thinking about switching to a 2010 manual 4.7 V8 Vantage as my daily, doing around 6k miles per year.
For those who ve driven or owned both (or daily a Vantage), would love to hear:
How they compare day-to-day chassis feel, steering, ride quality in traffic/commute
Manual gearbox experience in the Vantage engaging and usable, or a handful in town?
Build quality and practicality for regular use
Ownership bits reliability, common quirks,
Anything you d miss from the F-Type (or things the Aston absolutely wins at)
I m not chasing track times more interested in character, engagement and a daily that still feels special.
The cars are of a similar design language but i find myself not using the Jags power very often (too fast?) - but i love the burble at any revs & thought the Vantage would replicate this with lower power to use a little more of when appropriate
any feedback welcomed!
Right. I'm going to stick my neck out here:
OP, everything you say you want can be found in spades in an Evora. Burble - check (changes to a howl on demand), something special - check, practical - check, reliable check, low servicing costs check.
There are Evora daily drivers out there. For 12 months I did use it and a bicycle as my only form of transport. Went camping in it, eveything (see pic for luggage capacity, it all went in plus passenger).
Please - do not immediately dismiss what I am saying. Go drive one, then tell me I'm wrong.
OP, everything you say you want can be found in spades in an Evora. Burble - check (changes to a howl on demand), something special - check, practical - check, reliable check, low servicing costs check.
There are Evora daily drivers out there. For 12 months I did use it and a bicycle as my only form of transport. Went camping in it, eveything (see pic for luggage capacity, it all went in plus passenger).
Please - do not immediately dismiss what I am saying. Go drive one, then tell me I'm wrong.
ST270 said:
Manual gearbox experience in the Vantage engaging and usable, or a handful in town?
I ran a Vantage for about 4 years - albeit a 2007 4.3. Manual gearbox is fine but the clutch gets very heavy as they age which becomes a pain. And - because they cost about £3-4k to replace, a lot of them are running with very heavy clutches - so watch out for that.
Overall, mine was a fairly painless experience. It was a mostly daily - I had a few other cars, but it was the main one I used at the time.
bobsavage789 said:
I have nothing useful to add, I m afraid.
I m considering both a V8 F Type and a V8 Vantage (albeit 4.3) for my next fun car, so am just here for information-gathering!
I liked mine a lot - I enjoyed the experience of driving it. But I would struggle to call it fun. I m considering both a V8 F Type and a V8 Vantage (albeit 4.3) for my next fun car, so am just here for information-gathering!
The 4.3 engine is.......a bit crap really. It has no urge at all - there is no feeling of acceleration out of corners. It isn't a slow car - if you look at the speedo, it accelerates quickly enough - but it really doesn't feel like it does.
I believe the 4.7 is much better. I'd rather have a 4.3 than no Aston, but make sure you drive one before you buy. I loved mine, but even then wouldn't have described it as a "fun" car.
davek_964 said:
ST270 said:
Manual gearbox experience in the Vantage engaging and usable, or a handful in town?
I ran a Vantage for about 4 years - albeit a 2007 4.3. Manual gearbox is fine but the clutch gets very heavy as they age which becomes a pain. And - because they cost about £3-4k to replace, a lot of them are running with very heavy clutches - so watch out for that.
Overall, mine was a fairly painless experience. It was a mostly daily - I had a few other cars, but it was the main one I used at the time.
bobsavage789 said:
I have nothing useful to add, I m afraid.
I m considering both a V8 F Type and a V8 Vantage (albeit 4.3) for my next fun car, so am just here for information-gathering!
I liked mine a lot - I enjoyed the experience of driving it. But I would struggle to call it fun. I m considering both a V8 F Type and a V8 Vantage (albeit 4.3) for my next fun car, so am just here for information-gathering!
The 4.3 engine is.......a bit crap really. It has no urge at all - there is no feeling of acceleration out of corners. It isn't a slow car - if you look at the speedo, it accelerates quickly enough - but it really doesn't feel like it does.
I believe the 4.7 is much better. I'd rather have a 4.3 than no Aston, but make sure you drive one before you buy. I loved mine, but even then wouldn't have described it as a "fun" car.
You make it sound like the massive running costs of the Vantage aren’t worth it…
I didn't find the running costs were massive. Obviously not Ford Fiesta costs, but nothing scary (I didn't pay for a clutch!).
I loved the car, and I enjoyed driving it - but if I wanted 'fun' it isn't a car I'd choose.
I suspect the 4.7 is better in that regard because I think it does feel faster.
Mine was great, but not a 'take it down a twisty road at the weekend' type car.
I guess the best summary is : I fully expect to own another Aston Martin, because I did like mine a lot.
I loved the car, and I enjoyed driving it - but if I wanted 'fun' it isn't a car I'd choose.
I suspect the 4.7 is better in that regard because I think it does feel faster.
Mine was great, but not a 'take it down a twisty road at the weekend' type car.
I guess the best summary is : I fully expect to own another Aston Martin, because I did like mine a lot.
Having driven the V8 Vantage (manual), but not the F-type; I think you might be a bit underwhelmed and disappointed to be honest.
The finish was alright, but not spectacular. I personally think the finish in my Jag is better (but it is 10 years newer). The power and sound were fun, certainly, but I can't imagine that taking a step down in power is really going to scratch any itches.
If it is driving feel and experience you're more after, a Maserati GT might be a better fit. Additionally I found the Audi R8 (V8) to be more than competent, quite fun, well built, even if just a touch on the side of lacking true excitement (You could always find a V10 instead?)
Alternatively a classic?
The finish was alright, but not spectacular. I personally think the finish in my Jag is better (but it is 10 years newer). The power and sound were fun, certainly, but I can't imagine that taking a step down in power is really going to scratch any itches.
If it is driving feel and experience you're more after, a Maserati GT might be a better fit. Additionally I found the Audi R8 (V8) to be more than competent, quite fun, well built, even if just a touch on the side of lacking true excitement (You could always find a V10 instead?)
Alternatively a classic?
Edited by Mr_Megalomaniac on Wednesday 4th February 23:38
TVRBRZ said:
Right. I'm going to stick my neck out here:
OP, everything you say you want can be found in spades in an Evora. Burble - check (changes to a howl on demand), something special - check, practical - check, reliable check, low servicing costs check.
There are Evora daily drivers out there. For 12 months I did use it and a bicycle as my only form of transport. Went camping in it, eveything (see pic for luggage capacity, it all went in plus passenger).
Please - do not immediately dismiss what I am saying. Go drive one, then tell me I'm wrong.
When I was looking to change my Evora, I considered a V8 vantage. Drove one, bought another Evora, never regretted that decision. OP, everything you say you want can be found in spades in an Evora. Burble - check (changes to a howl on demand), something special - check, practical - check, reliable check, low servicing costs check.
There are Evora daily drivers out there. For 12 months I did use it and a bicycle as my only form of transport. Went camping in it, eveything (see pic for luggage capacity, it all went in plus passenger).
Please - do not immediately dismiss what I am saying. Go drive one, then tell me I'm wrong.
But some people don’t want a beautifully balanced sports car with amazing steering feel. That’s fine, it’s their choice.
I was in this predicament 1 month ago looking at the same 2 cars
It comes down to
Are u motoring purist looking for a traditional sports car and as such will put up with less features and demmand a manual
Choice is Aston
Are u looking for a really fast cool automatic car
Choice is
Jaaaag
Vantage will likely need a bigger budget to keep running as there is a alot of heavy aston name tax be it parts or especially labour unless your extra resourceful.
If outright speed is irrelevant to you, and its all about the passion, beauty, theatre and sense of occasion then the aston is the choice
Otherwise the jag is wiser better daily
It comes down to
Are u motoring purist looking for a traditional sports car and as such will put up with less features and demmand a manual
Choice is Aston
Are u looking for a really fast cool automatic car
Choice is
Jaaaag
Vantage will likely need a bigger budget to keep running as there is a alot of heavy aston name tax be it parts or especially labour unless your extra resourceful.
If outright speed is irrelevant to you, and its all about the passion, beauty, theatre and sense of occasion then the aston is the choice
Otherwise the jag is wiser better daily
jafbash786 said:
Vantage will likely need a bigger budget to keep running as there is a alot of heavy aston name tax be it parts or especially labour unless your extra resourceful.
Although that is true to a degree - there are plenty of good Indy's - and many of the parts can be sourced as non-Aston parts (e.g the thermostat).Regarding the Evora suggestions: I was considering one of those a few years ago, and had one as a courtesy car for a week. When I was given it, I was 99% sure I'd be buying one when the week was up.
I hated it for a number of reasons - I'm aware I'm in a small minority, but it definitely wouldn't suit me if I was in the OPs position.
Hi davek,
I'd be keen to know your reasons for not going for the Evora. I am an Evora evangelist but that doesn't mean I'm blind to its faults. Without going off topic too much, I'd be interested to know where the AM V8 scores and the Evora loses. I'm not sure I'd swap, but I can see why having an AM V8 and an Evora would be a sweet 2 car garage.
Ta
I'd be keen to know your reasons for not going for the Evora. I am an Evora evangelist but that doesn't mean I'm blind to its faults. Without going off topic too much, I'd be interested to know where the AM V8 scores and the Evora loses. I'm not sure I'd swap, but I can see why having an AM V8 and an Evora would be a sweet 2 car garage.
Ta
I've driven Vantage V8s and briefly owned a DB9. My impressions pretty much mirror Davek964s ownership experience.
Age, and cost of parts, will potentially make the Aston more expensive to maintain.
You need to decide what's more important to you. Looking at, and being in, something beautiful. Or having more fun in something that can be had for a bag of chips.
Age, and cost of parts, will potentially make the Aston more expensive to maintain.
You need to decide what's more important to you. Looking at, and being in, something beautiful. Or having more fun in something that can be had for a bag of chips.
TVRBRZ said:
Hi davek,
I'd be keen to know your reasons for not going for the Evora. I am an Evora evangelist but that doesn't mean I'm blind to its faults. Without going off topic too much, I'd be interested to know where the AM V8 scores and the Evora loses. I'm not sure I'd swap, but I can see why having an AM V8 and an Evora would be a sweet 2 car garage.
Ta
Although they are both mentioned in this thread, it wasn't an "Evora or Vantage" decision for me. At the point I tried the Evora, I'd already sold the Aston a year or two earlier.I'd be keen to know your reasons for not going for the Evora. I am an Evora evangelist but that doesn't mean I'm blind to its faults. Without going off topic too much, I'd be interested to know where the AM V8 scores and the Evora loses. I'm not sure I'd swap, but I can see why having an AM V8 and an Evora would be a sweet 2 car garage.
Ta
For me, the Evora just seemed like a massively compromised car. Which in itself is fine - plenty of cars are - but personally, I didn't find the payback that made it worth putting up with.
I collected it in heavy rain - and since it wasn't my car, I left sport mode off because that seemed sensible in heavy rain. But with sport mode off, the gear changes (I used "manual" mode) were awful. Multiple seconds between me trying to change gear and it actually doing so - enough of a delay that I often found I was changing gear twice because I thought the first one hadn't worked.
In drier weather, sport mode was better - at least for the gear changes - but it didn't seem to give me much more. It was louder, so it sounded better - but it still didn't feel particularly exciting. I was expecting astounding handling - but it just felt OK.
The mirrors pointed at the side of the car, rather than at the space next to the car - which I did a search on, and amusingly found lots of Americans complaining about that "probably because it was build as a RHD car". Nope - 'cos RHD cars have the same issue.
I simply didn't like it at all - enough so that after a few days, it simply sat on my driveway while I used a different car until I could give it back.
As I said, I'm in a very small minority. But for me, it was a car that promised much before I tried it - and I expected it to be a "OK, there are a few things that are a bit annoying with it - but in return you get <this> which makes it worthwhile".
Except that I didn't find <this>
(I can't remember which model Evora it was)
davek_964 said:
Although they are both mentioned in this thread, it wasn't an "Evora or Vantage" decision for me. At the point I tried the Evora, I'd already sold the Aston a year or two earlier.
For me, the Evora just seemed like a massively compromised car. Which in itself is fine - plenty of cars are - but personally, I didn't find the payback that made it worth putting up with.
I collected it in heavy rain - and since it wasn't my car, I left sport mode off because that seemed sensible in heavy rain. But with sport mode off, the gear changes (I used "manual" mode) were awful. Multiple seconds between me trying to change gear and it actually doing so - enough of a delay that I often found I was changing gear twice because I thought the first one hadn't worked.
In drier weather, sport mode was better - at least for the gear changes - but it didn't seem to give me much more. It was louder, so it sounded better - but it still didn't feel particularly exciting. I was expecting astounding handling - but it just felt OK.
The mirrors pointed at the side of the car, rather than at the space next to the car - which I did a search on, and amusingly found lots of Americans complaining about that "probably because it was build as a RHD car". Nope - 'cos RHD cars have the same issue.
I simply didn't like it at all - enough so that after a few days, it simply sat on my driveway while I used a different car until I could give it back.
As I said, I'm in a very small minority. But for me, it was a car that promised much before I tried it - and I expected it to be a "OK, there are a few things that are a bit annoying with it - but in return you get <this> which makes it worthwhile".
Except that I didn't find <this>
(I can't remember which model Evora it was)
For me, the Evora just seemed like a massively compromised car. Which in itself is fine - plenty of cars are - but personally, I didn't find the payback that made it worth putting up with.
I collected it in heavy rain - and since it wasn't my car, I left sport mode off because that seemed sensible in heavy rain. But with sport mode off, the gear changes (I used "manual" mode) were awful. Multiple seconds between me trying to change gear and it actually doing so - enough of a delay that I often found I was changing gear twice because I thought the first one hadn't worked.
In drier weather, sport mode was better - at least for the gear changes - but it didn't seem to give me much more. It was louder, so it sounded better - but it still didn't feel particularly exciting. I was expecting astounding handling - but it just felt OK.
The mirrors pointed at the side of the car, rather than at the space next to the car - which I did a search on, and amusingly found lots of Americans complaining about that "probably because it was build as a RHD car". Nope - 'cos RHD cars have the same issue.
I simply didn't like it at all - enough so that after a few days, it simply sat on my driveway while I used a different car until I could give it back.
As I said, I'm in a very small minority. But for me, it was a car that promised much before I tried it - and I expected it to be a "OK, there are a few things that are a bit annoying with it - but in return you get <this> which makes it worthwhile".
Except that I didn't find <this>
(I can't remember which model Evora it was)
No doubt the Evora is compromised, as is the Aston, it depends where you want the focus of the car to be. I found the compromises were no issue at all.
I don't recognise the mirror issue at all, both my Evoras were S1 cars, but I didn't see that issue when driving S2 cars either)
From you description of the auto box, it sounds like an early S1. The auto box in my late S1 sports racer was nothing like your description. In sport mode it was fast and aggressive whether changing manually or automatically.
I did almost 70k miles in the two Evoras I had, and they were an event pretty much every time. They were even tolerable in town, especially the auto
I had a manual Vantage V8S ( my first Aston ) and used it daily to commute.
Heavy clutch if caught in traffic but not unbearably so.
It had comfort suspension which certainly made it more comfortable than the Sports suspension as a daily.
Replaced it with a Vantage V12S with Sportshift 3 ( basically automated manual ) which made it a far nicer daily.
Astons tend to get niggles rather than failures but this can be a pain if its your only car.
With either the pleasure of driving it home more than compensated for any bad days.
Heavy clutch if caught in traffic but not unbearably so.
It had comfort suspension which certainly made it more comfortable than the Sports suspension as a daily.
Replaced it with a Vantage V12S with Sportshift 3 ( basically automated manual ) which made it a far nicer daily.
Astons tend to get niggles rather than failures but this can be a pain if its your only car.
With either the pleasure of driving it home more than compensated for any bad days.
Wow - some really useful insights and debate here! Thanks for all contributions.
The Jag i have is an event and I still enjoy driving it, it has a great spec, is individual and will always be a bit more modern than the Vantage - i get that.
I have considered V12 Vantages, which would be the ideal however i don't wish to spend that much extra to change really. An Aston has caught my eye is keenly priced with great ownership history, its had the lightened flywheel and twin plate clutch fitted along with a few V12 add ons (carbon & wheels) - it looks great and reflecting it is the looks of the car and simple change of car which is driving my curio.
Ive had the Jag for 3 years now and whilst it will never be boring - us petrol heads rarely stop looking do we....
As many have said I need to drive one to really see if it works - going to see about a test drive.
The Evora is a compelling case - again, never driven one of these & perhaps i should - they certainly look the part!
The Jag i have is an event and I still enjoy driving it, it has a great spec, is individual and will always be a bit more modern than the Vantage - i get that.
I have considered V12 Vantages, which would be the ideal however i don't wish to spend that much extra to change really. An Aston has caught my eye is keenly priced with great ownership history, its had the lightened flywheel and twin plate clutch fitted along with a few V12 add ons (carbon & wheels) - it looks great and reflecting it is the looks of the car and simple change of car which is driving my curio.
Ive had the Jag for 3 years now and whilst it will never be boring - us petrol heads rarely stop looking do we....
As many have said I need to drive one to really see if it works - going to see about a test drive.
The Evora is a compelling case - again, never driven one of these & perhaps i should - they certainly look the part!
ST270 said:
The Evora is a compelling case - again, never driven one of these & perhaps i should - they certainly look the part!
Do so, but be careful, a lot of people drive test drive an Evora as a wildcard and end up buying 
Davek - thanks for the detailed answer. Mine is a S1 manual and I have not driven the auto so I cannot comment. There are a lots hand built quirks that I forgive because of the dynamics.
If the Evora was a girl she would feature fairly high on the Crazy/Hot scale, as would an AM V8
Having owned both an Evora and a Vantage, I am not sure they are too comparable really. Worth test driving both, but very different cars in many ways.
I don't disagree with previous posters as to the dynamics of the Aston. I would also say they can be v expensive to run but some seem to get lucky. I ran mine for a decent number of years and only one of them was what I would call "cheap". Every other year was a £4k ish service bill with various bits needed an independents. That said, the fact I kept it so long is testament to something about a Vantage that gets under your skin and they are remarkably practical, at least in coupe form.
I don't disagree with previous posters as to the dynamics of the Aston. I would also say they can be v expensive to run but some seem to get lucky. I ran mine for a decent number of years and only one of them was what I would call "cheap". Every other year was a £4k ish service bill with various bits needed an independents. That said, the fact I kept it so long is testament to something about a Vantage that gets under your skin and they are remarkably practical, at least in coupe form.
Whereas I think my 4.3 Vantage is an absolute laugh and bags of fun
I ve had a go in a few 4.7s and can notice the extra torque .. but that s about it really. I think they also sound less raw.
Admittedly my 4.3 has been enhanced slightly with a different map, less restrictive cats, air box etc etc, and has nearly the same bhp as a 4.7 . but I love that it requires revving the pants off it and changing down to get it going. I have never wished for more performance in it, only some dynamic improvements (suspension mainly.) And it s been, largely, very reliable.
Very fond of it
I ve had a go in a few 4.7s and can notice the extra torque .. but that s about it really. I think they also sound less raw.
Admittedly my 4.3 has been enhanced slightly with a different map, less restrictive cats, air box etc etc, and has nearly the same bhp as a 4.7 . but I love that it requires revving the pants off it and changing down to get it going. I have never wished for more performance in it, only some dynamic improvements (suspension mainly.) And it s been, largely, very reliable.
Very fond of it
Edited by Krhuangbin on Thursday 5th February 18:14
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