Ive been looking around for a nice roadster. Could live with either the SS or manual. Just trying to decide if its worth the extra $$$ for the 4.7? Ive found a nice 08 Blk\blk 9k 6sp for $82K and couple 09 3-5K miles SS trans for 99k-102K. Looking at about $18-20k difference. Im in no rush, so I could just wait till next year and grab a 09 for a little less..

 

I haven't driven an 09 but I doubt you would notice much of a difference in peak power. However, with the added displacement, I'd imagine the torque curve is much more favorable and the powerband is likely much broader.

As to whether it's worth the extra 18-20k, I will let those who've driven/interacted with both give their opinion on that.

 

The '09s are definitely much faster, especially in normal driving, midrange power/torque, etc. How much faster? Close to 1 second to 60 and 1 second in the 1/4 mile, and about 2 seconds difference 0-100. Big difference really. The suspension is better as well with the sport pack.

Can you get all that with aftermarket stuff for less than $20k? Some yes, some no. The top end can be opened up and your peak hp will be more with ECU tuning and intake. But you can't get the improved low-end torque of the 4.7 with those. You can do cats which will add some power across the power band. A supercharger kit will cost more than $20K, but it makes the car faster than the V12 in most situations. The interior upgrades for '09 are also nice. When you're driving down the street pretty much no one but you will know if it's an '08 or '09, because the only visible differences are in the interior. Drive both and see if you can feel the difference and if it's worth it to you.

 

Tahoe M3, funny you mention the supercharger. I know you have it. My old dealer in Los Angeles suggested I pickup a 07 for $70ish and add the supercharger for $20k. BTW. love your car. I has P40's on my 09 C4S.

 

I love my '07 and have done the things (except the supercharger) that Tahoe M3 mentioned. But I still crave more torque. Go for the 4.7L engine.

 

Was that Galpin? ESX is based in LA and was working closely with them. The supercharger makes a huge difference, and it's definitely worth it...when you look at the options that's probably the best bang for the buck. At the time that I did it, the supercharger kit was cheaper than upgrading to a 4.7 but obviously puts out a lot more. Now that the '09s are dropping, the cost difference is less, but for what you get there's no comparison.

At some point in the future, depending on what AM does with the Vantage over the next few years, I will likely upgrade to an '09+ car and transfer over the supercharger, but I couldn't go back to a naturally-aspirated one now...well maybe the V12.

 

Tahoe,

Have you spoken to ESX about the results from a 4.7 with a supercharger? I made it a point not to drive a 4.7 until I knew that I was selling the 4.3. Even with all of the mods, I felt that the 4.7 was a better car. I drove a car with the sports pack and the feel of the car was a big step up. I dove the V12 the same day so it was difficult going home. I would love to see what a SC would do to a 4.7. There was a rumor that a power pack for the 4.7 may be coming that may include a modest SC but I haven't heard anything recently.

 

Yes Galpin. Stewart is the man. I wish the 4.7 had a little more power. Think they should have pulled 50ish+ more hp out of it. Right around where the non DFI 911 turbos were.(470hp).

 

As far as I know, there are no supercharger kits on a 4.7 yet. But I agree with you it would be a good combo...probably good for close to 700 hp with a very wide power band. The only limitation, as with mine, would be traction. But if the 599 can put up the numbers it does with RWD and "only" 305 rear tires, then it should be workable here, too. I don't know if it's traction control calibration or weight balance or gearing or a combination of the above, but the newer Ferraris are getting some impressive off-the-line numbers.

As for a factory supercharger, the latest I heard it was not going to happen. Dr. Bez is apparently pretty adamant that they stick with naturally-aspirated engines. And while that's all well and good if the engines are on par with those from Porsche and Ferrari, etc, they are a step behind at this point. The engine from the One-77 is a marvel, but how much of that will trickle down to the DB9 and Vantage is anyone's guess. In the mean time, I'm glad the aftermarket has made this available, but I would like to see it become more mainstream and dealer-supported. A factory-sponsored SC kit would be ideal.

 

Yeah it's certainly doable. Even with the simple addition of DFI they should be able to get there. I think the Vantage engine was purposely held back so as not to step on the toes of the DB9 buyers. Hopefully that will change with the next engine generation. They could get over 500 hp out of this engine in naturally-aspirated form if they wanted to, not to mention what they could do with forced induction. I do think they need to step it up a few notches to catch up with the competition...and not just Porsche and Ferrari...now they are getting out gunned by Jaguar, and Lotus has a lot of the horizon. There was talk of some collaboration with Mercedes, which would be nice because having the 6.2 L AMG engine and a good dual-clutch transmission in this car would make it well worth the price of an upgrade.

 

I had an 07 (4.3) and traded it for an 09 (4.7). The 09 hands down. Yes there is a definate difference. For the money the 08 is a bang for the buck. However, the bigger engine, upgraded dash, crystal key (people like it for some reason) of the 09 is reflected in the price difference you are seeing. Also, they did not bring over as many 09 roadsters as they did 08. A lot of dealers loaded up on all makes of 08 exotic cars in anticipation of the economy rolling right along. In 09, the dealer orders for exotics plummeted. So it is an supply/demand thing. 08 with mods is a consideration.

 

I think Im going to shoot for a 09. Now just need to convince the wife I need another toy.

 

Way cool! I replied to another post about the clutch in 09/10 (4.7 cars). They do not last long. They last about 10k miles on the both paddles and stick. If you ride them they will need to be replaced in 5k miles he said. The 08 had a heavy clutch that was more durable but it is a slower car. Lambos, Ferraris, he furthered also have short life clutches. Just part of the exotic game I guess. On all these cars, check your oil once a week. Read manual and just get in the habit of doing it. So if you are buying a pre-owned, check the clutch and oil obviously. Finally these cars need to be serviced once a year or 10k miles whichever comes first. If you have warranty related problems, Aston Martin HQ will look for that. Don't want to scare you, just make aware.

 

Thanks for the advise. I will definitly be looking at used. Probably wait till Spring since Winter is coming quick. Hopefully there will be a few more performance upgrades for the 4.7 in the future.

 

Get the 4.7, do it right. Think of it this way, the 4.7 has a bit more a learning curve, thus you enjoy it longer.