V8 Vantage Console question

[propaganda]

How does the new centre console in the 4.7 V8 Vantage compare with the old type found in the original 4.3 model. More useable, or just a facelift? Also is the ECU starter better/worse as the key & start button on the original model?

[bananarob]

Cant comment on comparible useability on the console as i have only really testdriven the 4.3, but having bought a 4.7, it looks a hell of a lot better. I find the 4.3 a bit old although not as much as say a vanquish. Each to their own though, its a personal taste thing. Its the same dash in the V12 (I think) and the DBS give or take a couple of subtle changes (like the DBS suspension button).

[GlynMo]

It's a little bit more logical and stylish in the 4.7, but not a lot different. The ECU (yeeeuch)/key is personal preference - the ECU is a bit bulky and you can't attach other keys to it and, in some ways, I preferred the key because I liked the illuminated start button! Each to their own though.

[Murph7355]

bananarob said:

...its a personal taste thing. ...

Definitely.

The 4.3 is, perhaps, a little plain. And the smaller buttons look and feel a bit cheap. But IMO there are too many buttons scattered about on the 4.7, and the knobs look a bit too Fisher Price.

Both cars centre consoles give an impression the designers ran out steam when doing them. Or perhaps they gave it to the new boy to design both times...on balance, though, I prefer the earlier design.

[Speedraser]

It took a little time, but I now prefer the new console design of the 4.7. I think it looks more "expensive," but mostly, IMO, it feels like a higher quality production. The knobs on both versions feel like quality items in their action, but the buttons of the new console have a higher quality feel than those of the earlier console.

[propaganda]

Thanks all.

I had been considering both a new 4.7 v8 or a low mileage 4.3. Obviously there is little cosmetically between the two other than the console and the method of ignition. Anyone care to comment on whether you really can tell the difference between the 4.3 & 4.7 for normal driving i.e. not at the limit.

[GlynMo]

propaganda said:

I had been considering both a new 4.7 v8 or a low mileage 4.3. Obviously there is little cosmetically between the two other than the console and the method of ignition. Anyone care to comment on whether you really can tell the difference between the 4.3 & 4.7 for normal driving i.e. not at the limit.

I changed my 4.3 for a 4.7 a month ago and, yes, the difference is clear, and worth going for. IMO.

[Speedraser]

The difference is significant. I always thought the 4.3 was plenty quick, and I still do, but the 4.7 is seriously fast. It has a LOT more low-and mid-range torque, and is considerably quicker at the top end as well. The suspension on the 4.7 is also revised, and the optional Sports Pack, IMO, is superb (though available as a retrofit on the 4.3). Road tests show 1/4 mile speeds of 105 - 106 mph for the 4.3 and 112 - 115 for the 4.7.

[propaganda]

Does a power upgraded 4.3 or N400 have some of the characteristics of the 4.7 or is the 4.7 a different beast altogether?

[Speedraser]

I haven't driven an N400 or the power upgrade to N400 spec. However, the changes to the 4.7 are significant and include a bigger bore and a bigger stroke. The power upgrade seems to be well regarded, and it adds 20 horsepower, so it splits the difference between the 380 hp 4.3 and the 420 hp 4.7. However, a big difference in torque remains. The standard 4.3 gives 302 lbs/ft, the power upgrade raises this by 7 to 309 lbs/ft, while the 4.7 adds 44 (vs the standard 4.3) for 346 lbs/ft (all are at 5000 rpm).

I think the 4.7 makes a real difference, but the 4.3 is a superb car and is plenty fast.

[CatalystV8V]

I spent a day in the 4.7 at Millbrook in the summer (I have 4.3), and I agree that it was a bit more eager, but I wouldn't say there was enough of a difference to make me trade up.
I was at my local dealer recently to address some rattling issues (long story), interestingly the service manager who had taken the car out for a spin to ensure all was now well, commented that my car was one of the quickest 4.3 he had driven. Now he may well have been buttering me up, but it does beg the question as to what the variations in power output can be, and why?

[whoami]

GlynMo said:

propaganda said:

I had been considering both a new 4.7 v8 or a low mileage 4.3. Obviously there is little cosmetically between the two other than the console and the method of ignition. Anyone care to comment on whether you really can tell the difference between the 4.3 & 4.7 for normal driving i.e. not at the limit.

I changed my 4.3 for a 4.7 a month ago and, yes, the difference is clear, and worth going for. IMO.

It is definitely significant on the road.

Well worth it.