. . . but what a difference a half second in 0-60 translates to in terms of overall performance! I'm biased, but I'd say the $50k is well worth it.

 

$50K for half a second? I don't suppose the massive torque/drivability upgrade, superior suspension, ceramic brakes and greater exclusivity are free, are they?

 

And that is exactly Viper1's point. You see a range of features that matter to you, Viper looks across that range and sees half a second 0-60, and that is why we all make different decisions.

Identify the critera that matter to you, evaluate against them, make decision. Thats the process, if subtlety of sound isn't important, don't waste 5k on B&O

 

My point was that although a half second doesn't sound like much in a vacuum, it means a lot when we're talking about a half second off of an already low 0-60 time. The difference between a car that can get to 60 in 4 seconds versus 4.5 seconds (or 3.5 seconds versus 4 seconds, etc.) is a lot. Test drive the V12V if you are skeptical!

 

Can't speak for all, but the few V8V owners that I know, including myself, would love to upgrade to the V12V in the future.

 

half second is a substantial margin on a road course lap time wise and on a dragstrip it's an eternity ET wise

 

I had a V8V and now have a V12V. I ordered both new. I can tell the difference between the premium and the optional B&O. There is a clear cut improvement with the B&O.

But did I order it with the V12V? No. It was so much more money but the improvement was not enough for me. For the serious audiophile, it would be as important as the extra HP, torque, handling prowess and stopping capability of the V12V are to me over the V8V. The experience between cars is night and day, it really is. But that is what pushes my hot button. Now if I could have gotten the B&O for a grand or two more, I would have done it, though!

 

^^^ what is the additional cost for the B&O system?

lol a serious audiophile would get the basic factory stereo system, then sell all that on ebay and design and install a crazy custom system! lol

 

7,000 usd

 

The dealer quoted me $7,650 MSRP for the B&O. Too steep for me.

I agree, a serious audio nut would build a system.

 

Actually, a real audiophile wouldn't waste money on a car system. He'd spend the money on a home stereo, cause nothing placed in a car could ever sound better.

 

I have driven several V12 vantages and they are very nice. I might end up with one but not for $200. In my opinion they need more performance if they are going to charge $200 for the car. When you get into that price range other options present themselves. Here the extra $50 is again and I spent it on the 458. I am not here to bash the V12 but since many have mentioned there are several other positives of the V12 compared to the V8 I will point out that the same holds true when comparing the 458 to the V12. The 458 wins easily in any performance catagory just as the V12 has superior performance to the V8. So yes I understand completely about performance. Does it cost more? Yes. Is it worth it? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. There is also a huge difference in depreciation but thats another topic.
As to the XJS comment about the car system not sounding as good as the home system, thats irrelevant. There are people who spend many more times the cost of the B&O in custom systems to get the best sound they can get in their car. No one said it would sound better than their home system but there is nothing wrong in having as much as you can afford to get the greatest enjoyment out of your car system. You know, kind of like spending more for the higher performance car. It all depends on what you want.
If I end up with a V12 it won't matter to me if it has the B&O because thats not why I would buy the car. I also agree that I would probably not pay the extra $7,800 if ordering a car. That was my point in picking up a leftover car that had everything for a bargin. I bought my car brand new for over 25% off sticker. That makes the B&O sound all that much better.

 

+1......I have never even listened to the premium stereo in my Vantage.....I paid a substantial premium to listen the the cars engine! I sit at home and listen to my music.

Viper-agree on the above statement but the 458 is again 50k minimum over the v12v. What an amazing car to drive though.

 

that b&o system is sick, the designer gave me a demo at the detroit
auto show in a a8, it may be the most accurate sound system ive ever heard.

 

No one was comparing the V12V and the 458. You questioned whether it was worth an extra $50k to go from the V8V to the V12V. My view is yes.

As for the 458, sure it'll beat the V12V in every category of performance, but that'll cost you a heck of a lot more than just an extra $50k. It's more like an extra $125k or $150k, right? Now, I also think that's money well spent, but since you bought the 458 it makes me wonder why you believe that the extra $50k to upgrade form the V8V to the V12V "isn't worth it."