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Hey @3rdpedalrequired,
Never saw an answer to "have you driven both".
I ask because after 6 Porsches I had the same problem.
I drove 2 V12s and 2 V8s. Thank you Los Altos Luxury Cars.
I'm a corner carver so the V12s were not an option.
Coming from twin turbos and a supercharged C4S, I wasn't real happy with the V8s either, but I was in love.
Took me 5 months to find a Quantum Gray Metallic 6 speed with 20 spoke wheels.
Took me another 3 years to get it up to 500hp.
Now I'm just as happy as a pig in mud!
Here's the "before" and "after"
before
after
Originally Posted by Mathman85
"3rdpedalrequired"... 2010 to 2014 Vantage... I think you're far more likely to meet those requirements with a V8. I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point, the V12 Vantage only came with a sportshift trans (before they realized the error of their ways and released the doglegged 2017 V12 Vantage S).
By the way, get a copy of The Definitive Guide to new Gaydon era Aston Martin, which will help you narrow down those years. There are some notable differences between a 2010-2012.25 V8 Vantage and a 2012.25-2014 V8 Vantage (not the least of which is larger brakes).
And despite what some of the others on here are saying, not all V8 Vantage owners want a V12. While the V12 Vantage with a QuickSilver exhaust sounds like an F1 car, which is definitely a desirable characteristic, I adore my V8 Vantage. On the street, it has as much power as you could actually use; on a track, the balance is amazing and it still has plenty of power. The last track day I did, a friend of mine was an instructor for a guy in a ~500hp+ Corvette, and they struggled to keep up with me... the V8 is plenty fast.
I owned an '09 V8V, moved to a '12 V12V, and now have a '15 V12VS. While I did not dislike the V8V, I found it unresolved and underwhelming in several ways. The biggest let down for me was the engine, which to me sounded thrashy and unpleasant unless wrung out a high revs, and with sluggish throttle response. I also found that while the car had good handling balance front to rear, and rotated well on turn in, the sports pack suspension never felt settled, with a disturbing, subtle corkscrewing motion from the rear end, and an unnecessarily harsh ride.
No offence to the V8 guys here, but I found the V12's to be clearly superior. The engines have far more character and are much more responsive, never mind the power and torque upgrade. For me, the sound is on a different plane than the V8. The original V12 has a firm but better controlled suspension than the V8. The S has a better suspension and better traction compared to the original, manual V12V, and I can't say I agree with Prefurbia's comments about being unable to hear the exhaust around town without breaking traction, but then again, I have a decat, and I run PS Cup2's as opposed to Corsas or PZeros. The steering rack on the original V12 is quite stiff and 'manly', which suits the character of the car IMO. The rack on the S is slightly quicker, which is nice, but is a little lighter, which makes it more relaxing on longer drives, but not quite as exciting. I can't comment on later MY V8's, but as with Prefurbia, I found the build quality (fit and finish, leather padding/thickness) of my V12's was clearly superior to my V8.
If you ever plan to track your car, be aware that IMO the OEM cast iron V8 brakes are inadequate for hard track use. Even changing to high temp pads and fluid isn't really enough. In contrast, I've had no issues with the CCM's on my V12's. Although the V8 turns in better due to superior weight distribution, and is a more neutral handling car, the V12's torque gives you more adjustability on corner exit, and the straight line acceleration is obviously superior.
As for maintenance, I've had all my major servicing done at the nearest dealer, about 2.5 hours away, mainly as I am not near a big enough urban centre to have enough competent indie options. Minor things like wheel balancing, tires etc. I've had done locally. In terms of cost, to date I wouldn't say the V12's have been significantly more expensive, but keep in mind that my ownerships have not been very lengthy: 3 years for the V8V, 2.5 years for the V12V, and to date almost 4 years for the S.
Hey SpinEcho,
I don't want to hijack this thread, but I have thread "How to get the power to the ground" that could sorely use your impressions of the PS Cup2's.
Hybrid :-)
I had a 2013 V8 Vantage that I lowered and put a bigger tire package on. I also change the muffler for some nice sound. The handling of the V8 is clearly far superior to the 2017 V 12 I have both cars are manuals. truly for the handling the V-8 is a superior car. lowering the 12 and putting some pilot sport cup twos on it tremendously help the car since I don’t track the car the V 12 is truly just a wonderful Gt as in great a Grand touring car!
if I had to choose for that simple reason I would clearly choose the 2017 V 12 with the manual dog leg. It’s simply a joy to drive. the other advantages are Apple CarPlay and the updated center consul, which I really adore in regard to choosing it over at 911, that’s a hard choice clearly the 911is a wonderful car. I also have a 2019, 911, which I also adore. If I were to choose, or had to choose, I would go with the distinctiveness at the Vantage . It has beautiful lines is more distinctive and is not a dime a dozen. Plus the sound of the V 12 is just stunning.
just my 02
After being a Porsche guy, I am finding myself drawn to the Astons, in particular the Vantage. I'd like to buy a 2010-2014 Vantage six speed. The car will be a 3/4 daily driver. I'd greatly appreciate any advice on the practicality of daily driving a Vantage (my work commute is 15 miles) and what I can expect in terms of annual maintenance for the V8 versus the V12. If I were to step up to the V12, is there a corresponding increase in maintenance costs or anything else that might make the V8 the overall better choice as a DD?
Many thanks!
I am a 25-year PCA member and am going through the same decision process (I have two Porsches that I am keeping—but want a Vantage). I have driven a 2016 V8V GT and it is a great road car. No doubt it works for most practical buyers.
However, I want that extra feeling if satisfaction from the V12 and despite the higher running costs and gas — I simply don’t care. You don’t buy these cars for rational reasons (you buy a 911 instead). You buy these cars for emotional reasons and then try to rationalize with logic.
i am going with a 2016 V12VS with Sportshift III because it is a different gearbox experience to my fully automatic Defender 90 and manual Porsche’s. The 2016 V12VS has enough advantages over the 2011/2012 V12V (and the carbon front grille looks better) — that it’s too good of a deal to pass up at $90K vs. $150K for a 2011/2012 V12V stick.
V12 Vantage is an incredible beast compared to the V8 obviously. P-cars have a great place and feel very comfortable. If you ever wanted a track day the Vantage may not best a good P-car but to the average folk one thing is it will surprise you. SS3 is better than some people think not PDK like but it works. Depending on your logistics full exhaust and Velocity tuning is insane for sound and feel.
I am a 25-year PCA member and am going through the same decision process (I have two Porsches that I am keeping—but want a Vantage). I have driven a 2016 V8V GT and it is a great road car. No doubt it works for most practical buyers.
However, I want that extra feeling if satisfaction from the V12 and despite the higher running costs and gas — I simply don’t care. You don’t buy these cars for rational reasons (you buy a 911 instead). You buy these cars for emotional reasons and then try to rationalize with logic.
i am going with a 2016 V12VS with Sportshift III because it is a different gearbox experience to my fully automatic Defender 90 and manual Porsche’s. The 2016 V12VS has enough advantages over the 2011/2012 V12V (and the carbon front grille looks better) — that it’s too good of a deal to pass up at $90K vs. $150K for a 2011/2012 V12V stick.
The extra money for standard transmission is well worth the extra money in my opinion. More driving enjoyment and a better investment. For daily driving the v8 is a more economical and reasonable choice
the v12 is truly a GT car. But can used as a daily driver
just don’t expect great gas mileage if that’s important to you which ever choice you make. You are a winner and will enjoy the ride
08-03-2018 | 09:03 PM
