V8 Vantage to 1 Series M Coupe
Discussion
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
I've just kicked off this thread over in M-Power. The title speaks for itself, but would love to hear what people think.
Cheers
Crash
I've just kicked off this thread over in M-Power. The title speaks for itself, but would love to hear what people think.
Cheers
Crash
An interesting move as I am on my way from BMW's M range to a V8V, if you've driven the baby M and like it - why not?
However I would suggest that if you want a "feelsome" involving driving experience, another relatively heavy car, with less power isn't the way to go.
Have you considered an Evora, Elise or an E30 M3 ?
However I would suggest that if you want a "feelsome" involving driving experience, another relatively heavy car, with less power isn't the way to go.
Have you considered an Evora, Elise or an E30 M3 ?
krisdelta said:
An interesting move as I am on my way from BMW's M range to a V8V, if you've driven the baby M and like it - why not?
However I would suggest that if you want a "feelsome" involving driving experience, another relatively heavy car, with less power isn't the way to go.
Have you considered an Evora, Elise or an E30 M3 ?
Indeed i definitely have, and if i had the space i'd definitely have one (exige sc or noble) - but i need a certain degree of compromise as these are a little too extreme; it's still nice to have a car i can go for a weekend away in, without Mrs Crash's things having to be sent ahead or strapped to the roof.However I would suggest that if you want a "feelsome" involving driving experience, another relatively heavy car, with less power isn't the way to go.
Have you considered an Evora, Elise or an E30 M3 ?
It's not helped by me recently doing my bike test, and then immediately going out and buying a sportsbike... and everything else now feeling painfully slow.
I was at Top gear when they filmed the 1M episode with 3 friends, it does look superb. Also my missus loves her 1 series soft top. Having driven it for about 1200 around france a couple of years ago i like it to. That said, we all agreed it was a perfect for a girl. Thats not being sexist, just our perception of its suitability. I find it inconceivable that you find driving your V8V dull and soulless but the fact that you would choose a bmw in search of a more involved drive, I find baffling. Each to their own of course.
No getting away from how good that car is....
No getting away from how good that car is....
crashley said:
It's not helped by me recently doing my bike test, and then immediately going out and buying a sportsbike... and everything else now feeling painfully slow.
And we reach a big part of the problem - comparing anything that hasn't got a solid fuel booster attached to it, with a sport bike. 
I can understand EVERYTHING feeling slow after that! Maybe the challenge is to hire a fiesta for a week before throwing the AM towel in, if you get back into the V8V and still think it's lacking - move on?
Sorry, but I don't understand.
V8Vantage is uninvolving to drive? You are not trying hard enough!
Get the GEO sorted - becomes a whole load more involving.
If thats not enough, turn traction / DSC off.
Saw the Top Gear review of the 1M, really good review. You can't drive it like that on a public road - well not unless you want to go to jail.
As for the looks
that guppy front!
Is a 'plain' BMW interior.
Finally - re sportsbikes - you need a properly fast one
V8Vantage is uninvolving to drive? You are not trying hard enough!
Get the GEO sorted - becomes a whole load more involving.
If thats not enough, turn traction / DSC off.
Saw the Top Gear review of the 1M, really good review. You can't drive it like that on a public road - well not unless you want to go to jail.
As for the looks
that guppy front!Is a 'plain' BMW interior.
Finally - re sportsbikes - you need a properly fast one
crashley said:
It's not helped by me recently doing my bike test, and then immediately going out and buying a sportsbike... and everything else now feeling painfully slow.
Surely you've just noticed that the 1M has had great reviews so that has become the first port of call for something different to the Aston, which you are now ambivalent about? Doesn't necessarily mean that it's a car that you would enjoy.From my POV it's a hatchback that's had a big engine put in it and some serious revisions in other places. That's great, that's fine. But it's not really a purpose-built sports car. Its 'real-world' reviews seem to be attributed to its turbo'd, always-power-on-tap engine. Could you not buy a Noble or something similar or does it have to be an everyday car?
If the superbike's left everything else for dead acceleration wise then why not buy a classic? Aston V8s are only set to rise and can still be found for sensible money. That way you get something that's still quick, looks great, sounds great and has that classic 'ambience'. Plus it is still *special* cos it isn't trying to be the fastest thing on the planet?
krisdelta said:
crashley said:
It's not helped by me recently doing my bike test, and then immediately going out and buying a sportsbike... and everything else now feeling painfully slow.
And we reach a big part of the problem - comparing anything that hasn't got a solid fuel booster attached to it, with a sport bike. I can understand EVERYTHING feeling slow after that! Maybe the challenge is to hire a fiesta for a week before throwing the AM towel in, if you get back into the V8V and still think it's lacking - move on?
But if you're already to put the money down, I think you've already made your decision. It's not a car I would buy, but from what I know of it, it is hugely capable, has plenty of poke and is quite practical. It is an everyday sportscar.
Good luck with the purchase.
It's not just the speed or acceleration; any car without proper aero will feel very un-involving compared to a 150bhp+ sports bike. This includes 200k Fezzas and certainly includes 300bhp fat German hatches.
Can I suggest that you set aside a decent budget to learn to ride and drive at your full potential. £5k spent on both these items will, I promise, last a lifetime and be the best money you've ever spent. Get yourself signed up for the California Superbike School and take a week of track driving lessons from a good race driver.
Can I suggest that you set aside a decent budget to learn to ride and drive at your full potential. £5k spent on both these items will, I promise, last a lifetime and be the best money you've ever spent. Get yourself signed up for the California Superbike School and take a week of track driving lessons from a good race driver.
Neil1300R said:
Sorry, but I don't understand.
V8Vantage is uninvolving to drive? You are not trying hard enough!
Get the GEO sorted - becomes a whole load more involving.
If thats not enough, turn traction / DSC off.
Saw the Top Gear review of the 1M, really good review. You can't drive it like that on a public road - well not unless you want to go to jail.
As for the looks that guppy front!
Is a 'plain' BMW interior.
Finally - re sportsbikes - you need a properly fast one
+1 on all counts. V8Vantage is uninvolving to drive? You are not trying hard enough!
Get the GEO sorted - becomes a whole load more involving.
If thats not enough, turn traction / DSC off.
Saw the Top Gear review of the 1M, really good review. You can't drive it like that on a public road - well not unless you want to go to jail.
As for the looks
that guppy front!Is a 'plain' BMW interior.
Finally - re sportsbikes - you need a properly fast one
And more specifically, you are not trying hard enough on the curves. Never had a sports, or any other bike, keep up with a properly driven car (even a sedan - I mean - saloon) around a corner. So, if your interpretation of uninvovling and uninspiring is just about the feel off the line while going staight.....
I love the balance on the V8V and how I can steer it with the throttle (hence love driving in the wet). I can't imagine a much more involving drive - certainly in that regard.
crashley said:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
I've just kicked off this thread over in M-Power. The title speaks for itself, but would love to hear what people think.
Cheers
Crash
Were you expecting anything anything other than disbelief here?I've just kicked off this thread over in M-Power. The title speaks for itself, but would love to hear what people think.
Cheers
Crash
Add mine to the fray
No way would I ever consider replacing the v8v with anything like the 1M and expect anyone here to be impressed!
I think there are a fair few on here who have a rose tinted view of the V8V. I happen to know the OP and have driven his car and admit that; it is pretty, it is quick and it's a nice place to be, but I wouldn't call it a sports car.
Also against it are the following:
~ It's the 4.3 version, so the least desirable, worst depreciating (from what I've seen) and the slowest.
~ It has a Volvo keyfob, Volvo sat-nat and an interior/exterior that seems to fall apart if you so much as sneeze. That's relative of course but for £45k/£50k I'd expect better.
~ To improve the handling / performance, many of you have admitted that getting the handling pack / re-map is a wise investment... Seriously, a car like this shouldn't need an add-on pack to make for an involving drive. It should perform out of the box and I know plenty of cars that do this for a lot less money. Add to this the outlay involved in adding the handling pack will never be recovered when it comes to selling it on.
I personally would get rid of it and get an Exige if I didn't want practical, or a VII - IX Evo or possibly the 1M, at least the badges on the components will match the badge on the bonnet.
Looking forward to being shot down in flames.
Also against it are the following:
~ It's the 4.3 version, so the least desirable, worst depreciating (from what I've seen) and the slowest.
~ It has a Volvo keyfob, Volvo sat-nat and an interior/exterior that seems to fall apart if you so much as sneeze. That's relative of course but for £45k/£50k I'd expect better.
~ To improve the handling / performance, many of you have admitted that getting the handling pack / re-map is a wise investment... Seriously, a car like this shouldn't need an add-on pack to make for an involving drive. It should perform out of the box and I know plenty of cars that do this for a lot less money. Add to this the outlay involved in adding the handling pack will never be recovered when it comes to selling it on.
I personally would get rid of it and get an Exige if I didn't want practical, or a VII - IX Evo or possibly the 1M, at least the badges on the components will match the badge on the bonnet.
Looking forward to being shot down in flames.
greggers said:
I think there are a fair few on here who have a rose tinted view of the V8V. I happen to know the OP and have driven his car and admit that; it is pretty, it is quick and it's a nice place to be, but I wouldn't call it a sports car.
Also against it are the following:
~ It's the 4.3 version, so the least desirable, worst depreciating (from what I've seen) and the slowest.
~ It has a Volvo keyfob, Volvo sat-nat and an interior/exterior that seems to fall apart if you so much as sneeze. That's relative of course but for £45k/£50k I'd expect better.
~ To improve the handling / performance, many of you have admitted that getting the handling pack / re-map is a wise investment... Seriously, a car like this shouldn't need an add-on pack to make for an involving drive. It should perform out of the box and I know plenty of cars that do this for a lot less money. Add to this the outlay involved in adding the handling pack will never be recovered when it comes to selling it on.
I personally would get rid of it and get an Exige if I didn't want practical, or a VII - IX Evo or possibly the 1M, at least the badges on the components will match the badge on the bonnet.
Looking forward to being shot down in flames.
Wouldnt waste my breath!Also against it are the following:
~ It's the 4.3 version, so the least desirable, worst depreciating (from what I've seen) and the slowest.
~ It has a Volvo keyfob, Volvo sat-nat and an interior/exterior that seems to fall apart if you so much as sneeze. That's relative of course but for £45k/£50k I'd expect better.
~ To improve the handling / performance, many of you have admitted that getting the handling pack / re-map is a wise investment... Seriously, a car like this shouldn't need an add-on pack to make for an involving drive. It should perform out of the box and I know plenty of cars that do this for a lot less money. Add to this the outlay involved in adding the handling pack will never be recovered when it comes to selling it on.
I personally would get rid of it and get an Exige if I didn't want practical, or a VII - IX Evo or possibly the 1M, at least the badges on the components will match the badge on the bonnet.
Looking forward to being shot down in flames.
Christ, i knew you lot were a little defensive of the brand but this is ridiculous. I've given my opinion on a vehicle, to the point where it's likely to be sold, only to be then told in some instances i can't drive! Suffice to say, although i don't consider myself a driving God, i have been fortunate enough to undertake a large number of Palmersport days over the years, trackdays (including in the AMV8) and fast-road tuition - so i'm fairly confident in my ability (this does NOT include the bike, but that's not the subject here).
I know having spoken to various other owners of the 4.3 Vantage that not all are clearly as happy as some of you guys, and although i appreciate various points made such as re-maps, exhaust changes etc these avenues have already been investigated, so having been on the phone to the likes of ProDrive et al i've given up with the V8 for now (i would like a V12, but feel £100k is unjustifiable right here, right now).
I still love the car to look at, and i love the noise and the spectacle of it all - but it just doesn't invoke the same passion/pace/feel from behind the wheel that it did in the first few months (that i anticipated would last much longer).
So, does anyone out there want to put their head above the parapet and call the ability of the 4.3 V8 into question or are you all happy with your respective purchases?
Thanks to those who realise it isn't the perfect car - i may well get the geo looked at again before i part company with it, but realistically i can't see it giving me the results i'm looking for.
Crash
I know having spoken to various other owners of the 4.3 Vantage that not all are clearly as happy as some of you guys, and although i appreciate various points made such as re-maps, exhaust changes etc these avenues have already been investigated, so having been on the phone to the likes of ProDrive et al i've given up with the V8 for now (i would like a V12, but feel £100k is unjustifiable right here, right now).
I still love the car to look at, and i love the noise and the spectacle of it all - but it just doesn't invoke the same passion/pace/feel from behind the wheel that it did in the first few months (that i anticipated would last much longer).
So, does anyone out there want to put their head above the parapet and call the ability of the 4.3 V8 into question or are you all happy with your respective purchases?
Thanks to those who realise it isn't the perfect car - i may well get the geo looked at again before i part company with it, but realistically i can't see it giving me the results i'm looking for.
Crash
crashley said:
Christ, i knew you lot were a little defensive of the brand but this is ridiculous.
To be fair Ashley I think most have cut you some slack in the responses thus far but, come on, what did you expect when you try and compare an Aston with a 1 series. It hasn't helped that your mate has come on and slated the V8V as not even being a 'sports car'. I'd go as far as suggesting that 99% of the population, let alone Aston owners, would suggest therapy for anyone making such a comparison....all imho of course
ETA I see even the 'M' boys are pretty doubtful in your decision
Edited by Steve*B on Monday 4th July 19:23
Steve*B said:
To be fair Ashley I think most have cut you some slack in the responses thus far but, come on, what did you expect when you try and compare an Aston with a 1 series. It hasn't helped that your mate has come on and slated the V8V as not even being a 'sports car'.
I'd go as far as suggesting that 99% of the population, let alone Aston owners, would suggest therapy for anyone making such a comparison....all imho of course
ETA I see even the 'M' boys are pretty doubtful in your decision
I appreciate what you're saying, but for some people this is a real world "new vs old" decision... at the end of the day they are both £40-50k cars in the current environment.I'd go as far as suggesting that 99% of the population, let alone Aston owners, would suggest therapy for anyone making such a comparison....all imho of course
ETA I see even the 'M' boys are pretty doubtful in your decision
Edited by Steve*B on Monday 4th July 19:23
What would YOU suggest if i were getting bored with the car?
Cheers for your reasonable reply
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