So those with the V8 Vantage, Is it powerfull enough?

So those with the V8 Vantage, Is it powerfull enough?

Author
Discussion

V12AML

Original Poster:

209 posts

226 months

Friday 6th January 2006
quotequote all
It has been mentioned that the power of the AMV8 (380BHP) seems to low for a car of its kind, and that its strange that it has less power than a Jag XK . I personnaly after reading the cars performance figures and seeing it in action on Top Gear think its more than powerfull enough, but seeing i have never driven one i was wondering about owners comments on this.

friscorays

72 posts

233 months

Friday 6th January 2006
quotequote all
A similar discussion is going on at AMOC.org

Three new V8 Vantage owners, who have ownership experience with a Porsche 911, Ferrari 360 and Vanquish S, all have no complaints as far as adequate performance.

I am sure Shadytree will offer a good comparison between the V8 and the DB9.

John

friscorays

72 posts

233 months

Friday 6th January 2006
quotequote all
Actually just saw that Shadytree has already done so in his "How do you run a V8 in?" thread.

Desmo

144 posts

227 months

Sunday 8th January 2006
quotequote all
Having tested the V8, and working on Astons for a living, I can say that in my opinion the V8 is the best of all. It may lack the brutal punch of the Vanquish, but it's half the price, the handling, braking and the turn in on corners is exceptional, thanks to the low centre of gravity. It is less intimidating and therefore easier to drive fast. I'm sure it would be a hoot with another 60 hp, but 380 is just fine and the delivery is very smooth. I love it.

shadytree

8,291 posts

256 months

Sunday 8th January 2006
quotequote all
Desmo said:
Having tested the V8, and working on Astons for a living, I can say that in my opinion the V8 is the best of all. It may lack the brutal punch of the Vanquish, but it's half the price, the handling, braking and the turn in on corners is exceptional, thanks to the low centre of gravity. It is less intimidating and therefore easier to drive fast. I'm sure it would be a hoot with another 60 hp, but 380 is just fine and the delivery is very smooth. I love it.


well said.

It may lack a small bit of punch, but the difference is really minimal. The exceptional grip, handling and poise more than make up for any loss of power.

I love it as well. It really is better than I expected.

Took it out in the wet today and it felt much more sure footed than the DB9. Give you real confidence.

Owned it 4 days and upto 600 miles on the clock so far.

rich1231

17,331 posts

267 months

Sunday 8th January 2006
quotequote all
shadytree said:
Desmo said:
Having tested the V8, and working on Astons for a living, I can say that in my opinion the V8 is the best of all. It may lack the brutal punch of the Vanquish, but it's half the price, the handling, braking and the turn in on corners is exceptional, thanks to the low centre of gravity. It is less intimidating and therefore easier to drive fast. I'm sure it would be a hoot with another 60 hp, but 380 is just fine and the delivery is very smooth. I love it.


well said.

It may lack a small bit of punch, but the difference is really minimal. The exceptional grip, handling and poise more than make up for any loss of power.

I love it as well. It really is better than I expected.

Took it out in the wet today and it felt much more sure footed than the DB9. Give you real confidence.

Owned it 4 days and upto 600 miles on the clock so far.


hmmm still not been past my place.... grrrrrr

Marquis_Rex

7,377 posts

246 months

Sunday 8th January 2006
quotequote all
How's it SOUND guys?

Happy with it?

shadytree

8,291 posts

256 months

Sunday 8th January 2006
quotequote all
Marquis_Rex said:
How's it SOUND guys?

Happy with it?


Dartford tunnel was orgasmic mate

Thinking about having the valves opened by removing the pipes?

Marquis_Rex

7,377 posts

246 months

Monday 9th January 2006
quotequote all
shadytree said:
Marquis_Rex said:
How's it SOUND guys?

Happy with it?


Dartford tunnel was orgasmic mate

Thinking about having the valves opened by removing the pipes?

Do it!
They're only there to get it through drive-by- something OEMS have to worry about not you!

Desmo

144 posts

227 months

Saturday 14th January 2006
quotequote all
To open up the exhaust valves, it's dead simple. Pull off the vacuum pipe from each valve and block the hose with a suitable screw or rivet. If it is not blocked off the vac pump will run all the time and it's noisy. The exhaust valves are open when there is no vacuum, so that's it. Sounds great but may get you pulled if your a bit heavy on the gas in town. we've done a couple already and they sound great.

rich1231

17,331 posts

267 months

Saturday 14th January 2006
quotequote all
Desmo said:
To open up the exhaust valves, it's dead simple. Pull off the vacuum pipe from each valve and block the hose with a suitable screw or rivet. If it is not blocked off the vac pump will run all the time and it's noisy. The exhaust valves are open when there is no vacuum, so that's it. Sounds great but may get you pulled if your a bit heavy on the gas in town. we've done a couple already and they sound great.


Desmo have you had any V8's with problems selecting Reverse gear?

The car tells me its in reverse, but most certainly isnt :-(

Desmo

144 posts

227 months

Sunday 15th January 2006
quotequote all
I have missed reverse once or twice in brand new cars. The lamp "R" seems to come on before your fully in gear. They do need a firm shift, but should go in ok. If you think it's a real problem and not just an operator error, go and see the dealer, compare it to their demo model for example.
Enjoy the car! Desmo.

shadytree

8,291 posts

256 months

Sunday 15th January 2006
quotequote all
Desmo said:
To open up the exhaust valves, it's dead simple. Pull off the vacuum pipe from each valve and block the hose with a suitable screw or rivet. If it is not blocked off the vac pump will run all the time and it's noisy. The exhaust valves are open when there is no vacuum, so that's it. Sounds great but may get you pulled if your a bit heavy on the gas in town. we've done a couple already and they sound great.


Desmo, I was told it also works by removing fuse F22 in the boot fuse box. This operates the valve pump. Can you confirm this for me ?

:J:

2,593 posts

232 months

Sunday 15th January 2006
quotequote all
Aston have no idea what the long term affects of removing the fuse are and do not recommend it

seasider

12,728 posts

256 months

Sunday 15th January 2006
quotequote all
shadytree said:

Desmo, I was told it also works by removing fuse F22 in the boot fuse box. This operates the valve pump. Can you confirm this for me ?
:J: said:
Aston have no idea what the long term affects of removing the fuse are and do not recommend it


Stu just remember to put it back in before service/warranty claim

shadytree

8,291 posts

256 months

Monday 16th January 2006
quotequote all
seasider said:
shadytree said:

Desmo, I was told it also works by removing fuse F22 in the boot fuse box. This operates the valve pump. Can you confirm this for me ?
:J: said:
Aston have no idea what the long term affects of removing the fuse are and do not recommend it


Stu just remember to put it back in before service/warranty claim


Del, by the way I wasn't redlining it. That means optimon gear change DOH !
Best I read the manual next time. Had at least another 1500 revs in sixth

Seasider

12,728 posts

256 months

Monday 16th January 2006
quotequote all
shadytree said:
seasider said:
shadytree said:

Desmo, I was told it also works by removing fuse F22 in the boot fuse box. This operates the valve pump. Can you confirm this for me ?
:J: said:
Aston have no idea what the long term affects of removing the fuse are and do not recommend it


Stu just remember to put it back in before service/warranty claim


Del, by the way I wasn't redlining it. That means optimon gear change DOH !
Best I read the manual next time. Had at least another 1500 revs in sixth
If it has enough torque to pull the weight

shadytree

8,291 posts

256 months

Monday 16th January 2006
quotequote all
Seasider said:
shadytree said:
seasider said:
shadytree said:

Desmo, I was told it also works by removing fuse F22 in the boot fuse box. This operates the valve pump. Can you confirm this for me ?
:J: said:
Aston have no idea what the long term affects of removing the fuse are and do not recommend it


Stu just remember to put it back in before service/warranty claim


Del, by the way I wasn't redlining it. That means optimon gear change DOH !
Best I read the manual next time. Had at least another 1500 revs in sixth
If it has enough torque to pull the weight


Fair point, how is your diet going by the way ?

Seasider

12,728 posts

256 months

Monday 16th January 2006
quotequote all
shadytree said:
Seasider said:
shadytree said:
seasider said:
shadytree said:

Desmo, I was told it also works by removing fuse F22 in the boot fuse box. This operates the valve pump. Can you confirm this for me ?
:J: said:
Aston have no idea what the long term affects of removing the fuse are and do not recommend it


Stu just remember to put it back in before service/warranty claim


Del, by the way I wasn't redlining it. That means optimon gear change DOH !
Best I read the manual next time. Had at least another 1500 revs in sixth
If it has enough torque to pull the weight


Fair point, how is your diet going by the way ?
Successfuly finished tks...

As promised I'll sort out the diet sheets for you

gt2man-2

1,042 posts

262 months

Monday 16th January 2006
quotequote all
friscorays said:
Three new V8 Vantage owners ..... all have no complaints as far as adequate performance.


<devils avacado> But they would say that wouldn't they ?