Vantage V12 vs V8s
Discussion
I test drove a new Vantage S today. Absolutely loved it, miles better in just about every way than the 4.3 car I drove when they first launched.
I haven't managed to drive a V12 yet, so here is the big question...
A new V8s or a 18-24 month old V12. Which should I buy? They are both roughly £100k. My local dealer reckoned the S is now the more sorted car and sweeter to drive (less weight up front). Or is the V12 still special enough to pip it?
D.
I haven't managed to drive a V12 yet, so here is the big question...
A new V8s or a 18-24 month old V12. Which should I buy? They are both roughly £100k. My local dealer reckoned the S is now the more sorted car and sweeter to drive (less weight up front). Or is the V12 still special enough to pip it?
D.
V12 just for the noise difference for me ....better place for your cash too, if you are remotely concerned with £30K depreciation when you drive away a new one
the choice for me next is the same V12 vs 4.7 roadster ...but thats more a roof off thing being what I miss most with my coupe (didnt do the roadster back then) ive driven both and still in 2 minds what to get
I need to convince the missus she needs a roadster, then I can have a V12V
the choice for me next is the same V12 vs 4.7 roadster ...but thats more a roof off thing being what I miss most with my coupe (didnt do the roadster back then) ive driven both and still in 2 minds what to get
I need to convince the missus she needs a roadster, then I can have a V12V
DMC2 said:
I test drove a new Vantage S today. Absolutely loved it, miles better in just about every way than the 4.3 car I drove when they first launched.
I haven't managed to drive a V12 yet, so here is the big question...
A new V8s or a 18-24 month old V12. Which should I buy? They are both roughly £100k. My local dealer reckoned the S is now the more sorted car and sweeter to drive (less weight up front). Or is the V12 still special enough to pip it?
D.
I had a 4.3 V8 for three years. Had a V12V since Good Friday. I've not driven a 4.7 or 4.7S.I haven't managed to drive a V12 yet, so here is the big question...
A new V8s or a 18-24 month old V12. Which should I buy? They are both roughly £100k. My local dealer reckoned the S is now the more sorted car and sweeter to drive (less weight up front). Or is the V12 still special enough to pip it?
D.
The V12 is an absolute monster. If you like the V8 shape then take it all the way to the logical conclusion and get a V12.
I don't think you'll notice the weight to be honest - it's +100kg for the engine and then the forged alloy wheels, lightweight seats, wheel arch linings, lack of underbody plates and carbon fibre bits bring the net change to +50 kilos. That's Kate Moss or half a tank of petrol. So it's not a factor.
Or - if you are feeling frisky - speak to Mike at Bamford Rose and get him to transform a £40k 4.3 V8 into a 4.7 litre semi-race car.
Really - get yourself behind the wheel of a V12 in the dry and open it up a bit.
I currently own a V12V, owned a 4.7 V8 Sportpack before that and have driven both a 4.3 V8 and more recently also driven a V8S.
Yes the V8S is very very good indeed, but the V12V really lifts the whole package again to another level. I still dont know how they did it but the V12V feels much lighter and more nimble and its also a lot easier to drive in heavy traffic. The V12V has so much torque I swear it is totally impossible to stall no matter how much you neglect the gas pedal. On the twisties the power from the V12 is simply epic...
Drive the V12V and Id put money on the fact you will be buying one!
Yes the V8S is very very good indeed, but the V12V really lifts the whole package again to another level. I still dont know how they did it but the V12V feels much lighter and more nimble and its also a lot easier to drive in heavy traffic. The V12V has so much torque I swear it is totally impossible to stall no matter how much you neglect the gas pedal. On the twisties the power from the V12 is simply epic...
Drive the V12V and Id put money on the fact you will be buying one!
FWIW I found the V12 too much for the road and not as engaging to drive. My personal preference is to use the entire rev range through twisty b roads, the difference between the two cars here is the V8 may have see you incur points or evan a short ban, the V12 will certainly see incarceration as a possibility. I made the similar error in moving from a Ducati 848 to a 1198. The smaller capacity was a much better road bike.
BUT! I can't shake the memory of the immense surge and totally insane power of the V12. Without doubt it's the future classic of the current range and in motoring terms encapsulates the holy grail of motoring, the largest capacity engine in the smallest sweetest handing chassis available.
Try the V12 but be prepared as it may give you an unshakable itch if you choose the V8.
BUT! I can't shake the memory of the immense surge and totally insane power of the V12. Without doubt it's the future classic of the current range and in motoring terms encapsulates the holy grail of motoring, the largest capacity engine in the smallest sweetest handing chassis available.
Try the V12 but be prepared as it may give you an unshakable itch if you choose the V8.
Adam2S said:
The V12V has so much torque I swear it is totally impossible to stall no matter how much you neglect the gas pedal. On the twisties the power from the V12 is simply epic...
I've had the 4.3, 4.7 and now the 6.0L Vantage Coupe. The V12V is in my opinion night and day better than the V8's although I have never driven the V8S, it is not just the engine, the whole set-up seems better, more planted and connected. The steering and agility far more precise. The downside (if you call it that), is the suspension is firm. A much harder ride than a V8 but that is the N24 technology and track-bias design of the car.A trick I was shown on the AM PDC at millbrook was:- Select 1st gear, gently release, no acclerator. Once going, select 2nd, again no gas. Then 3rd, 4th, 5th and top. The torque is that good (and in time you are edgeing to 45mph!)
Finally, by having a V12V, you will remove that nagging feeling of wanting a better car than a V8 and in my case, dismiss all notion of ever wanting a DBS as well.
G
DMC2 said:
I haven't managed to drive a V12 yet, so here is the big question...My local dealer reckoned the S is now the more sorted car and sweeter to drive (less weight up front). Or is the V12 still special enough to pip it?
D.
Your Dealer has targets to meet, and used V12Vs are more difficult to source as people hang on to them.D.
The BIG question, really, isn't which one. It's why haven't you test-driven a V12 engine. Go and try the DBS, or even the Virage @ 490bhp, just to experience the V12 engine.
Then imagine the sporty Manual ride of the V8S and that is what you will get
I honestly thought there wouldn't be that much between the two cars, in fact I thought the setup of the new S might make it the better car overall.
But I take the hint!! Organising a test drive of a car for this week...
I really enjoyed the S, so if the V12 is a good as you all say it is I'll have one by the weekend!!!
But I take the hint!! Organising a test drive of a car for this week...
I really enjoyed the S, so if the V12 is a good as you all say it is I'll have one by the weekend!!!
Guycord said:
A trick I was shown on the AM PDC at millbrook was:- Select 1st gear, gently release, no acclerator. Once going, select 2nd, again no gas. Then 3rd, 4th, 5th and top. The torque is that good (and in time you are edgeing to 45mph!)
Or slow down to jogging pace, engage 6th gear then accelerate smoothly all the way to the top of the rev range (or, more likely, until you run out of road). Guycord said:
A trick I was shown on the AM PDC at millbrook was:- Select 1st gear, gently release, no acclerator. Once going, select 2nd, again no gas. Then 3rd, 4th, 5th and top. The torque is that good (and in time you are edgeing to 45mph!)
If it's anything like my DB9, that technique does not work on even a slight uphill gradient.DMC2 said:
I honestly thought there wouldn't be that much between the two cars, in fact I thought the setup of the new S might make it the better car overall.
But I take the hint!! Organising a test drive of a car for this week...
I really enjoyed the S, so if the V12 is a good as you all say it is I'll have one by the weekend!!!
Just remembered that I wrote up a little comparison of the V8S to my V12V after my V8S test drive.But I take the hint!! Organising a test drive of a car for this week...
I really enjoyed the S, so if the V12 is a good as you all say it is I'll have one by the weekend!!!
half way down page 2 of this thread http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
DMC2 said:
I honestly thought there wouldn't be that much between the two cars, in fact I thought the setup of the new S might make it the better car overall.
But I take the hint!! Organising a test drive of a car for this week...
I really enjoyed the S, so if the V12 is a good as you all say it is I'll have one by the weekend!!!
Have a look at this thread http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...But I take the hint!! Organising a test drive of a car for this week...
I really enjoyed the S, so if the V12 is a good as you all say it is I'll have one by the weekend!!!
JohnG1 said:
GlynMo said:
The petrol! 50kg of woman is no use to anyone!!
I humbly but respectfully disagree. If you cannot find a use for a 50kg woman you are not I'm pleased you disagree, I'm all for variation, but 50kg of woman in the form of Kate Moss? She has so little 'body', I'd be concerned I was sliding towards being gay if I fancied her!
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