DBS vs V12 vantage

[The Pits]

I can't decide which has the edge right now, given you can pick up a DBS for £140k (at the most) the V12V isn't actually much cheaper. Lookswise I put them on a par, not much in it for weight, bhp is identical. V12V is rumoured to sound even better and to be more agile but DBS counters that, for me anyway, with the 2+2 option. I read that the vantage has a slightly awkward gearchange. is this equally true or false for the DBS? I'm a manual only sort so it can't be remedied by the DBS's auto option.

[bogie]

im quite happy to wait for a V12 Vantage, 1-2 years old

I dont need the more room behind the seats, so no need for the larger, heavier car

of course if you must have one now, theres not many options - DBS it will have to be ...what a tough call to make LOL mmmm...DBS or V12 Vantage mmmmm....

[The Pits]

From the AM site:

V12V - 1680kg

DBS manual - 1695kg

DBS auto - 1740kg

ie another reason not to have the auto! However the lightweight seats are said to reduce weight in the V12V by another 17kg and the rear seat option is sure to add a few more kilos to the DBS but either way there's very little in it for weight. Personally I think the V12V should have been a bit more stripped out road racer just to seperate the two cars a little.

[militantmandy]

New Top Gear describes the V12V as "featherweight". Ha!!!

[anonymous-user]

The Pits said:

I can't decide which has the edge right now, given you can pick up a DBS for £140k (at the most) the V12V isn't actually much cheaper. Lookswise I put them on a par, not much in it for weight, bhp is identical. V12V is rumoured to sound even better and to be more agile but DBS counters that, for me anyway, with the 2+2 option. I read that the vantage has a slightly awkward gearchange. is this equally true or false for the DBS? I'm a manual only sort so it can't be remedied by the DBS's auto option.

Seen DBS's in the ads for as little as £120K with 2000 miles! I'm getting excited thinking about prices come August when I'm planing an upgrade!

[JohnG1]

with regard to gearchange - it's the same manual box in both V12 Vantage and DBS....

[The Pits]

I meant the position of the gear lever. I've heard that it's a bit too far back in the V8 and that it's a bit ergonomically awkward. I was hoping to hear from owners that this is rubbish.
I've also heard that the DBS's manual change is a bit awkward with the bucket seats because of the extra bolstering around the shoulder. It's probably in the same place in relation to the steering wheel and dash on both cars, so I'm not expecting it to be different and hoping for it to be balls as I'm rather taken by the V12V.

[GPM3D]

Sat in the Vantage V12 yesterday in Geneva. Gearbox and clutch felt fine to me! Just need to shove down a deposit!

Graham

[GPM3D]

Interior much the same as before - but all the alcantara and the seats are fantastic!

[anonymous-user]

GPM3D said:

Sat in the Vantage V12 yesterday in Geneva. Gearbox and clutch felt fine to me! Just need to shove down a deposit!

Graham

Whilst I do love this car - I have some real issues with those bonnet slats. They look awkward to me.

[The Pits]

for me it's the wheels want changing. they look too 'aftermarket'

[GPM3D]

I think the wheels looked OK - but I do know what you mean about the 'Ripspeed' bonnet vents! Should have taken a cue from the DBS?
Graham

[bogie]

I prefer different wheels too ...the 5 spokes are fine I find, maybe just make em .5" wider

slats not an issue for me, as I always have my cars black ...they blend in then

[The Pits]

Not wishing to offend any AM fans but this car's is in many ways like a £140k TVR Sagaris.

For me, that's a good thing! A beautifully made, beautifully engineered version of the same biggest engine in the smallest car concept, plus vents of course!

[bogie]

weve got a Sagaris too, so maybe thats why it appeals

[GPM3D]

Thats decided it then - I'll have to order a Black one!
Graham

[GR1FF1F]

The Pits said:

Not wishing to offend any AM fans but this car's is in many ways like a £140k TVR Sagaris.

The Sagaris was a £140k car, at least that's how much it cost TVR to make them; trouble is they then knocked 'em out at £50k - hence where they are now. Fatal flaw in business to ignore the first rule of economics - buy something and sell it for more

Incidentally, even as a Sag owner myself, can't say I'm too overwhelmed by the hood design here. Smacks of, car costs much more than the V8, so has to look different so that people can tell how much you spent. Doesn't need to be that radical a difference in look IMO; look at XKR vs XK - much more subtle.

Edited by GR1FF1F on Thursday 12th March 13:25

Edited by GR1FF1F on Thursday 12th March 14:17

[DJC]

Heh. An awful lot of us Saggers rather like the V12V. Now *this* car is a proper Vantage

[Murph7355]

I like it more in that shot than I did in others. But the bonnet could still have been done better I reckon.

Interior could also have done with some more distinction too.

[The Pits]

Go and listen to it on the drivers republic video and any such quibbles will fly out of the window. This thing sounds truly epic!
I must add that my likening this car to a TVR would have caused an absolute stink on the Porsche forum. I knew Aston owners had better taste, it's appears they're less insecure too.