Cerbera (or other TVR) to V8 ?

[Captain Beaky]

Any V8 owners here who have come from a Cerbera (or other TVR) ?

I'm thinking of replacing (or supplementing ) my Cerb 4.5 and the V8 is a strong contender. I'd be interested to hear from anyone with experience of this path.


Gallardo and 360 are also on the list...

[bogie]

we had a Tuscan and now have a Sagaris in addition to the V8 ...what do you want to know ? ...obviously the V8 isnt as quick...but its a nicer place to be to do 300 miles a day in

[Captain Beaky]

I realise I'll be 20bhp down and, more importantly, 300kg up but how does the car feel ? I don't mind a "slower" car if the handling is right. I'm not after crazy-fast, I'm more interested in a rewarding drive now (otherwise RS4 etc. would be on the list).

Apart from the outright performance are there any features of the Sagaris you'd really miss ? Does the V8 bring a smile to your face every drive ?

I have a couple of test drives lined up, including an airfield session, but input from current owners is very valuable and much appreciated.

[koen]

I used to have a Tuscan 3.6, and now drive an AMV8 Vantage. The difference in performance is quite big :
the AMV8 feels slow after the Tuscan. I believe the Aston could have another 50 bhp easily. So if
you look for similar performance as the TVR, the Aston will disappoint.
On the other side, this car is so sophisticated compared to any TVR. Very nice interior that smells and feels
like an Aston should do. It is a much safer car to drive in any weather, and more comfortable (certainly to
do longer distances). The finish of the car is excellent, and everytime you push that crystal starter button it
feels special again.

So conclusion : if you look for a performance car like the TVR, forget the Aston. For all other reasons, go for the Aston, as it is such a beautiful machine, that makes you smile everytime you sit in it, or even look at it.

P.S. : By uncorking the exhaust (the famous fuse 22), you get similar aural pleasure as in the TVR as well...

Cheers,

Koen.

[bogie]

Captain Beaky said:

I realise I'll be 20bhp down and, more importantly, 300kg up but how does the car feel ? I don't mind a "slower" car if the handling is right. I'm not after crazy-fast, I'm more interested in a rewarding drive now (otherwise RS4 etc. would be on the list).

Apart from the outright performance are there any features of the Sagaris you'd really miss ? Does the V8 bring a smile to your face every drive ?

I have a couple of test drives lined up, including an airfield session, but input from current owners is very valuable and much appreciated.

yeah - it sure does bring a smile to my face every time. I actually prefer it over the Saqaris for a daily drive sportscar, but my GF drives the Sagaris more than me.

It handles really well, and I cant fault anything about it, other than of course you can always use more power

Ive done 13K miles in it since April inc a 3000 mile tour in Europe, and a track day and it hasnt put a foot wrong - it was surprisingly good on track for a road biased car too.

[trackcar]

Captain Beaky said:

Any V8 owners here who have come from a Cerbera (or other TVR) ?

I'm thinking of replacing (or supplementing ) my Cerb 4.5 and the V8 is a strong contender. I'd be interested to hear from anyone with experience of this path.


Gallardo and 360 are also on the list...

You were doing really really well there Mark until you mentioned 360 i can't imagine a proper Gentleman such as yourself in anything other than the Aston TBH out of that shortlist .. but the Gallardo is a beautiful looking/sounding car. The 360 just isn't you if you know what I mean

[Captain Beaky]

trackcar said:

Captain Beaky said:

Any V8 owners here who have come from a Cerbera (or other TVR) ?

I'm thinking of replacing (or supplementing ) my Cerb 4.5 and the V8 is a strong contender. I'd be interested to hear from anyone with experience of this path.


Gallardo and 360 are also on the list...

You were doing really really well there Mark until you mentioned 360 i can't imagine a proper Gentleman such as yourself in anything other than the Aston TBH out of that shortlist .. but the Gallardo is a beautiful looking/sounding car. The 360 just isn't you if you know what I mean

Aaargh, found out by the Sultan of Cerb !

I thought I'd cast the net wide to start with Jools, any other suggestions welcome.

We can talk about it while you're breathing on the Cerb this Friday...

[GR1FF1F]

Captain Beaky said:

I'm thinking of replacing (or supplementing ) my Cerb 4.5

Supplement, at least if you replace then ditch the BM for the AM. I was thinking of selling the TVR when I had the Vantage on order but I'm so glad I kept both. It's refinement and power vs raw excitement and more power. Tough to put into words, but whichever I drive I always eventually yearn for the other, so it's refreshing whenever you switch cars.

No offence to the germans, but with a TVR and an AM in the stable I can't imagine you'd ever get itchy to get back in the BMW.

Your Cerb looks great by the way. Is that the TVR Bodyshop down near Bristol ? They converted my Griff lights a few years back, great job and very friendly.

Edited by GR1FF1F on Monday 17th September 21:19

[Captain Beaky]

GR1FF1F said:

Captain Beaky said:

I'm thinking of replacing (or supplementing ) my Cerb 4.5

Supplement, at least if you replace then ditch the BM for the AM. I was thinking of selling the TVR when I had the Vantage on order but I'm so glad I kept both. It's refinement and power vs raw excitement and more power. Tough to put into words, but whichever I drive I always eventually yearn for the other, so it's refreshing whenever you switch cars.

No offence to the germans, but with a TVR and an AM in the stable I can't imagine you'd ever get itchy to get back in the BMW.

Your Cerb looks great by the way. Is that the TVR Bodyshop down near Bristol ? They converted my Griff lights a few years back, great job and very friendly.

Edited by GR1FF1F on Monday 17th September 21:19

I know what you mean, the Beemer is a good drive but not in the class of the AM or the Cerb. However, we've also got a CLK to contend with - Mrs CB's company car. I would rather pass the 330 to Mrs CB and drop the CLK as the BMW is a better drive and has a manual gearbox and a handy four doors. My dear wife might have other ideas !

Yes, that's TVR Bodyshop near Bristol. They did a nice job for me, a full same-colour respray and headlight conversion about 3 years ago. That's the cleanest the car has ever looked, the wheels were brand new too.

[Captain Beaky]

Thanks for your opinions. The jury is still out but it all helps.

I'll be at the Snetterton TVRCC track day next Monday - any bilingual TVR/Aston owners going ?

[rosswilliams]

I came from a recent Tuscan2 3.6 to a new AM Vantage v8 - and the AM definitely feels less of a car to drive. I do miss the Tuscan's handling - it's not quite so much an adventure driving the Vantage. Slower and also looser - that's the bad news.

The good news is overall it's a much nicer car - doesn't break down, much more comfortable and sensible - and the looks are better. Looks from others is increased as well (if that's your thing) - i tend to get fewer 60 year old guys chatting to me in the AM and more 20 year old girls. Which is nicer (although terribly shallow and naff of me I know).

Take the test drive and you'll feel a big difference - coming from a TVR I'd suggest the AM V8 and an ariel atom to balance it out )

[GetCarter]

Although a bit slow (I came from an R500 and a 996ttS) I'm finding the AMV8 a real hoot to drive. It'll potter, but when you give it some leather it'll really respond. I know test drives are a bit of a bad time to really go for it, but I'd crave the passenger's permission and at least give it some proper beans on some decent twisties for 30 - 40 seconds. It really comes alive and is great fun.

Oh... and EVERYBODY let's you in

[jus]

I agree with GetCarter... I recently gave a Gallardo a thrash, and despite the power differential, I found it dull to be in and to drive, and the Aston a delight to get back into afterwards.

[Murph7355]

jus said:

I agree with GetCarter...

So do I.

PS As does the nice police man in North Wales who I had a chat with earlier

Edited by Murph7355 on Sunday 23 September 18:37

[Grant3]

As the other guys have said the AMV8 is a different & more sophisticated animal to the TVR, unless you are a flat out speed freak I think you will love it! I would add one other car to your list thought [personal bias on] A 997 GT3 [personal bias off] it is a much better drivers car, but I still love the Aston & will be back to ownership at some time in the future!

Edited by Grant3 on Monday 24th September 13:56

[Pugsey]

Capt B. V8 is a gorgeous car - sorry, talk about stating the bleeping obvious! - BUT you might find it a bit slow after you TVR. On the other hand general build quality/finish isn't quite where it should be for a +£90k car - think well built TVR rather than Porsche standards - so you'll feel at home! Grant has suggested a good alternative in the GT3 and given that you mention a Gallardo or 360 in your post PLEASE also look at F430. More character than the G (IMO) and so much better than the 360.

[Grant3]

Pugsey said:

given that you mention a Gallardo or 360 in your post PLEASE also look at F430. More character than the G (IMO) and so much better than the 360.

Pugs, glad to hear that you are still in love, about time you found a car to settle down with

BUT there is the small matter of price, a used Aston, 360, Lambo £65-80k-ish..... 430.... 115k-ish!

Not to say the Ferrari isn't worth the money of course, just a small matter of a different price bracket where used Lambo Murcielago's & the like also hangout!!!

ANYWAY about time you uploaded some pictures please

Edited by Grant3 on Monday 24th September 14:40

[Pugsey]

Grant3 said:

Pugsey said:

given that you mention a Gallardo or 360 in your post PLEASE also look at F430. More character than the G (IMO) and so much better than the 360.

Pugs, glad to hear that you are still in love, about time you found a car to settle down with

BUT there is the small matter of price, a used Aston, 360, Lambo £65-80k-ish..... 430.... 115k-ish!

Not to say the Ferrari isn't worth the money of course, just a small matter of a different price bracket where used Lambo Murcielago's & the like also hangout!!!

ANYWAY about time you uploaded some pictures please

Edited by Grant3 on Monday 24th September 14:40

Oh good grief - it's only money man!!! Ok, point taken. Off next week to (bits of) France, Germany, Switzerland and France (again) in Red Beast and hope to come back with some pics that warrant the huge cerebal challenge that you know uploading pics. represents to my remaining brain cells!

Oh, btw, 'sensible' dailey smoker arrives when I get back in the shape of new M3 and have just had GT2 confirmed so nothing changes!

[Captain Beaky]

Grant3][personal bias on said:

A 997 GT3 [personal bias off] it is a much better drivers car, but I still love the Aston & will be back to ownership at some time in the future!

I thought somebody might mention the P word.

[personal bias on]
Whilst they are undoubtedly excellent drivers' cars and pretty practical too they just don't do anything for me. I've driven several, including a (996) GT3, but none of them felt right for me.
[personal bias off]

[Grant3]

Captain Beaky said:

Grant3][personal bias on said:

A 997 GT3 [personal bias off] it is a much better drivers car, but I still love the Aston & will be back to ownership at some time in the future!

I thought somebody might mention the P word.

[personal bias on]
Whilst they are undoubtedly excellent drivers' cars and pretty practical too they just don't do anything for me. I've driven several, including a (996) GT3, but none of them felt right for me.
[personal bias off]

Ah but clearly not a 997 GT3 which is altogether better on road compared to its illustrious predecessor, it really is one of the best drivers car at any money, don't believe me just check out the press. You can't tell on a 5 minute test drive, need time to adapt & let the beast crawl under your skin....which it WILL!
Anyway different strokes for different folks, the AMV8 may not be as good as a drivers car, but it certainly wins in the looks & status department, I simply loved mine, so good call get your cheque book out if you are lucky enough to be able to afford an Aston get one, but don't write off Pork, they are fantastic cars & you should also own a 911 at least once!!

Edited by Grant3 on Monday 24th September 22:51