V8S vs N420

[mb1]

Anybody can tell me the difference between the V8S and the N420 ?

I think I understand the engines are the same power output. The front splitter is different.

Are the chassis, suspension the same ?

If someone can highlight the differences that would be very useful thanks !

Thanks !

[mikey k]

mb1 said:

Anybody can tell me the difference between the V8S and the N420 ?

I think I understand the engines are the same power output. The front splitter is different.

Are the chassis, suspension the same ?

If someone can highlight the differences that would be very useful thanks !

Thanks !

Very different cars!
N420 is essentially an optioned up standard 4.7 with sport pack and CF splitters.

The S has V12 body kit, different interior details, different suspension, different front brakes, wider tyres & wheels, 430 BHP, 7 speed ASM2 gearbox, Garmin sat nav, aero wipers and a few other tweaks.

[George H]

They aren't the same power output, V8VS is 430 vs 420 for the N420.

[Jockman]

George H said:

They aren't the same power output, V8VS is 430 vs 420 for the N420.

How the heck are you going to notice this Georgio ??

[mb1]

Thanks, very useful ! Looks like I was wrong to think they were very similar.
The S looks like a much better car then.

[mikey k]

mb1 said:

Thanks, very useful ! Looks like I was wrong to think they were very similar.
The S looks like a much better car then.

It is greater than the sum of its parts.
Lots of little tweaks that make it a lot better to drive than a sport pack 4.7
Different steering as well forgot that!

Edited by mikey k on Friday 3rd February 12:45

[George H]

Jockman said:

How the heck are you going to notice this Georgio ??

Depends on the power curve I guess.

[Adam2S]

The N420 was just a special edition - i.e. nothing more than a standard V8V with a few options. The V8VS is an intermediate model between the V8V and the V12V.

One of the biggest differences is that the N420 comes with either a Manual or the Sportshift I gearbox. The V8S comes only with the newer and much better Sportsshift II gearbox!

[mikey k]

George H said:

Jockman said:

How the heck are you going to notice this Georgio ??

Depends on the power curve I guess.

and the transmission loses and gear ratios

[franki68]

Jockman said:

How the heck are you going to notice this Georgio ??

I thought there is a significant difference ,more down to the gearbox of the 's' than the power difference .Im not sure but i thought I read somewhere that the 's' gets far more of its power to the rear wheels than a normal vantage.

[Jockman]

franki68 said:

I thought there is a significant difference ,more down to the gearbox of the 's' than the power difference .Im not sure but i thought I read somewhere that the 's' gets far more of its power to the rear wheels than a normal vantage.

You could well be right Franki - bit of tongue-in-cheek really - but you make a valid point that the difference could be more prominent in other performance figures

[jonby]

I went from a 2010 4.7 roadster with sportshift, sportspack suspension and all the toys to an S

The extra 10bhp in the S only comes with 99 octane fuel so often doesn't even kick in

But it is true, the gearbox is better in many respects, one of which being more power transferred (or less lost). The Gearbox in the S is also lighter, lower (helps centre of gravity), quicker changing, has a hill assist, doesnt burn as much in reverse, has 7 speed not 6 and is far more than an improvement - it's essentially a brand new box

It is, as some have said, the biggest difference when driving the car - if it wasn't for that, I definitely wouldn't have changed. It really is that good

Suspect the slightly wider wheels & tyres don't make a huge difference. Can't say I've noticed the quicker steering rack much. Aero is definitely better. Lots of cosmetic stuff (wheels, interior, etc) which of course is not performance changing

Brakes are a little better but can still be prone to fade. Compounds, software, size and more is improved front & back, fronts go from 4 calliper to 6

there are a few options that come as standard on the S. For a start of course, the suspension which is not a million miles away from the latest sportspack suspension on the V8 IMO

But for me, the biggest difference after the gearbox is the button ! All other V8 sportshifts have a comfort button to slow/soften gearchanges. On start up, comfort is OFF. But on the S, it's a sports button. It starts off in standard, but I press S within a moment of starting the engine. It means the valves open up lower down the range (removing the need IMO to pull fuse 22) and the throttle becomes much more responsive. It's pretty similar to the V12 sports button

[mikey k]

jonby said:

snippety snip
The extra 10bhp in the S only comes with 99 octane fuel so often doesn't even kick in
Doesnt burn as much in reverse
Can't say I've noticed the quicker steering rack much.
Brake size and more is improved front & back
Removing the need IMO to pull fuse 22) It's pretty similar to the V12 sports button

The 10 BHP comes from the intake mods from the N400/N420 that are not fitted to the standard 4.7
The reverse ratio is lower and closer to first
I noticed the rack speed straight way much better on tight B roads
Rear brakes are unchanged from the standard 4.7
Its fuse 15 from MY12 so I found out yesterday
Pulling fuse 15 means it sound great ALL the time, the sport button map just reduces the pedal travel to wide open throttle as it does in the V12.

[jonby]

mikey k said:

jonby said:

snippety snip
The extra 10bhp in the S only comes with 99 octane fuel so often doesn't even kick in
Doesnt burn as much in reverse
Can't say I've noticed the quicker steering rack much.
Brake size and more is improved front & back
Removing the need IMO to pull fuse 22) It's pretty similar to the V12 sports button

The 10 BHP comes from the intake mods from the N400/N420 that are not fitted to the standard 4.7
The reverse ratio is lower and closer to first
I noticed the rack speed straight way much better on tight B roads
Rear brakes are unchanged from the standard 4.7
Its fuse 15 from MY12 so I found out yesterday
Pulling fuse 15 means it sound great ALL the time, the sport button map just reduces the pedal travel to wide open throttle as it does in the V12.

May try the fuse 15 :-) but just to add, the sport button also changes shift times
Also on the brakes, being pedantic, whilst the size at the back is the same, the brakes on the S are supposedly lighter at both front & back, use new materials front & back, new coatings and have different software which amongst other things, reduces the pedal pressure needed

Unfortunately, still not had chance to do a serious roadtrip in it so maybe I'll notice the steering more then - roll on some better weather......

[spice]

N420 , CB front splitter, CB rear diffuser and side stakes, Sport exhaust, Sport set rate suspension which is great, and Manual gearbox , self exploding valve springs aside a great car, I have been told all the420 have been made now maybe a few left with dealers , these cars are now about £75 K , so a bargain compared with £100+ for a similar specked S

[George H]

spice said:

...these cars are now about £75 K , so a bargain compared with £100+ for a similar specked S

You can get second hand V8VSs for under £80k though so not really a bargain.

[spice]

George H said:

You can get second hand V8VSs for under £80k though so not really a bargain.

Quite correct , I like the S but no manual. And some very good bargins to be had on both , just don't sell them in six months

[spice]

Oh yeh and the nicest wheels ever fitted to an Aston Martin

[Jockman]

George H said:

You can get second hand V8VSs for under £80k though so not really a bargain.

Technically correct Georgeous.

Though, those ones are the ex-press / demo ones and may need a good thinking about first

[mikey k]

Jockman said:

Technically correct Georgeous.

Though, those ones are the ex-press / demo ones and may need a good thinking about first

Especially that green roadster