Had a 2007 v8 and looking at a 2010 v8-can anyone tell me their thoughts/impressions on the difference in power or overall difference? Thanks!

 

Here's a review I posted last year when I upgraded:


I'm no professional reviewer, so please bare with this very rudimentary review.

First, I have to give credit where it's due, Aston Martin has done a phenomenal job in addressing previous issues with the V8, I still remember three years ago I posted a long laundry list of dislikes, now with the MY10 most of the issues have been addressed.


The Engine:
4.3L to 4.7L gives me an additional 40bhp - 11% difference is very noticeable in the city and can really feel the torque. I never complained about the power before, but when you have it, you can't go back.

New Sport Suspension (Sports Pack)
Front spring rates are stiffened by 11% at the front and 5% at the rear.
I was truly worried about the Sports Pack, the bulk of the reviews out there complain how harsh & unruly it behaves in a city environment. Thankfully I didn't listen, for me the suspension transforms the car into a nimble and very responsive handling car, whether it's city or highway. Turns are very capable at high speeds - it now grips in the corners and feels planted.

This weekend, a few friends & I did a midnight run down to Niagara Falls with an assortment of cars ( R8, Porsches, CLS, GTR etc etc) as the journey progressed I acquired a few different co-pilots, who all commented how great the ride was in the Aston compared to the other cars - so it's not only me.

Steering:
Steering has improved - more direct, involved & accurate (Suspension is definitely a part of this) without all the annoying rattles and disconnect I had with my older car.

Misc:
The clutch feels likes it's been modified, requiring a slightly less effort to engage (or I could be imaging things??)
My headlights are not fogging up - Yeahhhh

Exterior:
- I love the N400 Sills, the new wheels & the clear lights suits the Lighting Silver
- Magnun Silver Grill and side strakes are a nice option
- Fit and finish on my car was exceptional (production numbers for 2010 have been reduced & build quality in my eyes has increased)
- Front Parking sensors are helpful

Interior:
Seat belt clasp is not coming un-done all the time (like my older car)

Bluetooth works great - never ever used my old one because it was useless!
- It syc's to my phone in under 5 seconds
- Easy to use and scroll through numbers
- Sound quality is very good
- Controls on steering wheel work well
(Just wish it could read out text messages)

Interior Lighting is much brighter and better positioned to illuminate the interior
Ipod works - Ohhh my god is works sooooo well!!
Storage inside of armrest is nice to have, along with the additional AC outlet.


WHAT SUCKS -
- Still have to use a the ECU key to open doors & start car
- Sat Nav - don't even get me started, what a piece of crap!
- Dash Buttons are a little too fiddly
- The new mirrors - ahhh not so much


In Conclusion:
I'm very happy with my new I-Pod Accessory

 

Making the decision tougher - I am very happy w/ my 2007 (4.3). I actually like the dash better than the "newer" edition. Upgrades on 4.3 can make the car handle better and have more power than stock 4.7. So the question is can you get a better price on the 4.3, do the mods and still come out ahead on the 4.7 price? Unless you just love the newer dash.
Or just spend the big bucks and get the V12 Vantage - a total home run !

 

When did the new 4.7L with 420HP and 347 torque come out? I thought it was 2008 and not 2009. But this article says that 2008 is still the 4.3L

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review

 

The 4.7 came out in 2009.

 

This might be helpful to some others, I had put together a list of changes/upgrades from the various model years (please correct me if there are any errors)


V8 Vantage MY2008 the following was upgraded:

* The Antenna was removed from the roof & was embedded in the front windshield
* Cars got MP3 connectivity, along with steering wheels controls for the in car audio
* Satellite Radio became an option
* Armrest got storage, additional AC slot and cupholders
* Sun Visors became a little larger
* Side view mirror got the memory feature
* I think the Bluetooth just tweaked also (but could be wrong)


Then for MY2009

* Upgrade to 4.7 liters @ 420 bhp
* ECU that replaces the standard key
* Both transmissions got an upgrade
___ 6-speed manual got a modified clutch & flywheel
___ Sport shift got newer software
* Suspension upgrades with stiffer springs & improved Steering response
* New options with wheel packages
* Revised Sat Nav with HD based system
* Parking Sensors on the front an option ??? (Not sure if this was 08 or 09)


Then for MY2010

* New wheel options
* Option: N400 Sills
* Option: Clear Tail lights
* Option: Magnum silver Mesh for the Side Vents & Hood

. . . . . .