Good move, bad move?

[Mr Noble]

Had a 4.3 for the last year or so and sold it before Christmas. Wish I didn't and am now on the hunt for another.


I've booked a test drive in a 4.7 litre car this afternoon, but I'm worried that if I drive one, I won't even look at a 4.3 litre car anymore, even if a mint 2008 car pops up at sub £50k.


Good move, or bad move?

I'm thinking that it'll make me want to save hard for a few more months so I can get into a 4.7 sportpack car.

[GlynMo]

Definitely a good move. I swapped from a 4.3 Roadster to a 4.7 Sportpack Roadster last November (09) and, whilst I enjoyed the 4.3, the 4.7 is soooo much better. With the Sportpack, it's what the V8V should have been from day 1. If it had been, I don't think there would have been so much media criticism of it being under-powered and having slightly unresolved suspension (not that the media is the defining perspective).

You will love it!

[bogie]

only you know yourself well enough to answer that one ...if you want to motivate yourself to save more though, then driving the 4.7 is the way to go

[XXXAngelXXX]

all of the above but the 4.3l sounds better

[polar8]

I'm in a 4.7 sportpack car (I've had 2 x 4.3s and 1 x DBS) -- the 4.7 sportpack is the way to go -- fantastic, grippy, great suspension (better than DBS in my opinion) and the engine has some go when you're halfway up the rev range. No looking back

[UH-Matt]

There are a couple of 4.3 N400's in the classifieds ~£70k mark. Is this not expensive considering they are the 4.3 and not the newer 4.7? I know they are a special edition, but no better really than a 4.7 with sportpack, infact a 4.7 with sportpack is surely superior?

[bananarob]

Also have a 4.7 Sportpack and I cant tell you how happy am i with it. Was locked up for 6 weeks until i took it out last night and just put that smile right back on my face. I drove the 4.3 and 4.7 back to back on several occasions and there is so much difference between the 2, I ended up justifying an extra 30k. I may one day swap for a DBS, purely because I think you get 2 cars for your money at the touch of a button but that wont be for a couple of years. Have a track day at Millbrook soon to really see what the 4.7 can do.

[GlynMo]

Mr Noble, you going to tell us how it went and your conclusions?

[Mr Noble]

Yes, I had a drive in the red 4.7 that Lancaster, Cambridge have.

Thanks to the gents over there for their continued friendly and professional service.


Sadly, with the wet roads and traffic at 4pm yesterday afternoon, we didn't get to really drive it properly on the twisties.

However, I could instantly feel a difference in the mid range and top end from the off, there is a noticeable amount more shove from 3500 revs upwards and the top end over 6k is certainly a lot more urgent.

The car I drove didn't have the sport pack, and I'm not even sure if the suspension was different from my '07 car, but it felt a tad more fiddly over the bumpy A road we were on, but at the same time, better damped in the corners. The steering felt somehow better connected too.

I always felt a little "unconnected" to the V8's steering, a bit like there was an extra cog in the rack or something. I assume this is due to the steering rack being in front of the front wheels, which is very unusual in a road car. The 4.7 definitely felt a lot more precise in this department.

The throttle response, for me, was still poor, but maybe I'm not the cars target market in this respect. A pair of 200 cell cats and a remap would solve this issue as it does on the 4.3 litre cars. For most, its not a noticeable problem, and actually makes the car easier to drive.

On the inside, the new dash was lovely, and the nav seemed to be better (didn't have a proper play, but it seemed faster with better graphics)

Not sure I preferred the new armrest, it was a bit uncomfortable having my elbow in the cupholder, and a tad high for the gearchange IMO, but something I'm sure I'd get used to.

I liked the ipod integration and was surprised that it was a fully interactive system you can control right from the head unit. Bit of a shame that the connector doesn't charge an iphone though. Maybe there is an adaptor available to achieve this?


Overall, in some respects I was underwhelmed. I think I was prepared for more of a game change in terms of power and handling. I'm not saying it was a dissappointment, anything but, thought I wasn't left with the feeling that the 4.3 litre cars are no longer good enough.


A few years ago, before I started racing and discovered what it is to drive a car hard at its limits, a Vantage would never have been fast or involving enough for me. But now, I'm after a different thing on the road and the V8 Vantage (especially the roadster) is everything that I'm looking for. The 4.7 is a wonderful improvement over a great 4.3 car. Its no game changer, but it is certainly worth the extra money if you can afford to spend it.


So the test was well worthwhile. Its made my mind up on two fronts. One is that I want another roadster, its the best of both worlds having a roof that can but up or down The other is that IMO I'm better off saving for another few months and getting into a 4.7.


Can't wait to rejoin the fold

Greg

[Mr Noble]

Mr Noble said:

The other is that IMO I'm better off saving for another few months and getting into a 4.7.

Unless I can persuade Thewharftrader to sell me my car back again!!!

[GlynMo]

Mr Noble said:

The car I drove didn't have the sport pack, and I'm not even sure if the suspension was different from my '07 car, but it felt a tad more fiddly over the bumpy A road we were on, but at the same time, better damped in the corners. The steering felt somehow better connected too.

It's a shame, as for me the Sportpack is better resolved than the standard suspension - firmer, but each end and each corner seems to work in harmony which wasn't always the case on my standard cars.

Mr Noble said:

The throttle response, for me, was still poor, but maybe I'm not the cars target market in this respect. A pair of 200 cell cats and a remap would solve this issue as it does on the 4.3 litre cars. For most, its not a noticeable problem, and actually makes the car easier to drive.

I also believe the throttle response is too soft, it's my only serious criticism of my current car. I'll probably fit the lightened flywheel described in http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Clutch Replacement when the clutch needs replacing.

Mr Noble said:

On the inside, the new dash was lovely, and the nav seemed to be better (didn't have a proper play, but it seemed faster with better graphics)

Not sure I preferred the new armrest, it was a bit uncomfortable having my elbow in the cupholder, and a tad high for the gearchange IMO, but something I'm sure I'd get used to.

I liked the ipod integration and was surprised that it was a fully interactive system you can control right from the head unit. Bit of a shame that the connector doesn't charge an iphone though. Maybe there is an adaptor available to achieve this?

I agree - the satnav is improved (but still not what it should be); you do get used to the armrest; yes, there is a power adaptor available - Griffin make a good one.

When do you propose to buy? When I'm next in England in the Aston, and IF there's a dry day, we could go for a blast so you can experience the difference the Sportpack makes - although I'm sure you could find a car at a dealer not too far away. I'm just the other side of the M11 from Lancasters.

[thewharftrader]

Mr Noble said:

Mr Noble said:

The other is that IMO I'm better off saving for another few months and getting into a 4.7.

Unless I can persuade Thewharftrader to sell me my car back again!!!

Unlikely mate...
I know it was only 5 degrees but there was not a cloud in the sky so had the roof down for the first time. It was a bit chilly without the wind deflector but when I dropped it into 2nd and put my foot down through a tunnel, boy was it worth it!!

I just adore the car (except for the fact it looks filthy every few miles being black)

Bring on the summer!!

[Speedraser]

You still need to try the Sport Pack 4.7. The difference in feel between the standard and Sport Pack suspensions in the 4.7 is very noticeable, so until you have tried the Sport Pack, you haven't fully experienced the difference between your former 4.3 and the current cars.

By the way, I agree on the throttle response issue, although I only find it frustrating just off idle or when trying to get the right "blip" to match revs while downshifting. Otherwise, the car is superb.

[UH-Matt]

I am in a similar postion.

I currently have my V8V 4.3 (2006) for sale in the classifieds as I will not have an opportunity to use the car for several months, so the idea is I sell now, and then towards the end of the year look for a new car, I have been considering all sorts (F430, Gallardo, R8) but keep coming back to Aston's when I look around... So now I think when I am back in a position to buy a car I will be looking at 4.7's... I had considered an N400 but feel they will depreciate faster than 4.7's that can be had for the same money!

Thanks for everyones comments in this thread, it has helped me a lot!

[Speedraser]

Polar8,

I'd be interested to hear more about your thoughts on your new 4.7 V8V after having had a DBS.

[nite_narc]

UH-Matt said:

There are a couple of 4.3 N400's in the classifieds ~£70k mark. Is this not expensive considering they are the 4.3 and not the newer 4.7? I know they are a special edition, but no better really than a 4.7 with sportpack, infact a 4.7 with sportpack is surely superior?

The N400 has to have two things taken into consideration. At the time it was a significant improvement on performance with enhanced bodywork and limited edition paintwork. The interior trim was modified and yes, they are each a numbered limited edition. This is why the price is so much higher.

[polar8]

Speedraser said:

Polar8,

I'd be interested to hear more about your thoughts on your new 4.7 V8V after having had a DBS.

Main reason for change from DBS to V8V sportshift was living and driving in central London - the V8V with semi-auto gearbox is way easier to live with than the manual DBS. The DBS was an awesome machine though, highly recommended.

Quick summary:
DBS certainly (obviously) quicker, but not hugely noticable. I miss the V12 torque more than the outright speed. The V8V is close enough though, but you do need more revs

Miss the carbon brakes more than anything - the pedel feel on DBS was unmatched. You need to stamp harder on the V8V brakes

Sounds very different, V12 obsiously more tuneful, V8 is louder

Suspension set up in the Sportspack car is better for me - I prefer the firmer ride and feel the sportspack is better damped than the firm setting of the more complicated DBS set up

The V8 feels better screwed together - could be simply a newer car or the shorter wheelbase giving a 'solid block' feel to the car. Hard to explain, just feels more together

The lightweight carbon seats are just fantastic - way better than the regular seats and oddly more comfortable.

Steering is heavier in the V8V - prefer the lighter DBS set up.

Is the DBS worth almost twice a 4.7V8V with sportpack? No way. They're a lot close than the price differential suggests. Either one is good value or the other too expensive (relative).

Both great cars -- AM really on top of its game at the moment. If they launched a semi-auto or TT2 V12V I may be tempted back to the bigger engine

I dont miss the average 8 MPG though.

Edited by polar8 on Thursday 4th February 12:36

[Speedraser]

Interesting, thanks. That the V8V can stand up to comparison with the stunning DBS is very impressive. I agree Aston is on top of its game -- at the moment. Sadly, the Cygnet shows that Aston is determined to fall VERY FAR from that lofty top Sorry for the momentary diversion -- couldn't contain myself.

Edited by Speedraser on Thursday 4th February 20:29

[hartley]

Great thred until someone had to mention the baby swan ! If you think you have problems with throttle response on the v8v wait till you take your foot off the cygnet's accelerator and nothing happens