V12v is not as nimble as the v8v? Aren't they the same body but the v12v just a better engine? Should be similar handling.

 

V8s slightly lighter so it feels more nimble , in my case it took me some time to get used to the v12v and now I get faster results with it on twisty high elevation roads

It's interesting to see how similar cars perform and feel so much different from each other

 

It also the engine position. The V12 barely fits in the engine bay. It shifts the weight forward. The V8 sits back and affords basically a 50-50 weight distribution.

 

As does the DBS.

 

Yeah, I don't agree with those who say the V12V doesn't handle as well as the V8V. I've owned both and I think the V12V handles just as well or better, likely because of the lower stance, the stiffer suspension, and the stickier rubber. The difference in weight and weight distribution between the V8V and the V12V is pretty slight and it would be pretty hard to detect from behind the wheel, particularly with the aforementioned V12V setup, which was designed to account for the increased weight of the V12. I wonder how much of the difference perceived by others is the result of the power of suggestion, as when people claim they can "feel" an increase of 10 bhp on car starting with over 400 bhp.

Anyway, OP, you should drive the car, take some tight corners, and decide for yourself. I think you'll be impressed with how well the car handles.

 

There are many aspects to handling and overall IMO the V12V handles better than the V8V. IIRC the V8V has a 49/51 balance, not 50/50, and the V12V is 51/49. You can definitely feel this on turn in, which is better, no question, in the V8. The V12 always seems to pause, or push very slightly before taking a set. Steady state grip in the V12 is obviously better, and the extra power and torque make the car more malleable on corner exit than the V8, as well. The steering rack also contributes to the V12's better feel IMO.

That being said, IME the V8 is easier to drive close to or at the limit. On track, I never felt intimidated turning off the V8's DSC entirely - it was very difficult to oversteer unless you were truly oafish with your inputs. The V12 - well - turning off DSC requires your FULL attention!

 

Agree

 

Indeed. What's great though is the V12V has track mode, which is a setting between the TC/DSC being fully on and turned off. Track mode is fun b/c it enables you to oversteer without losing control. That's the setting I normally drive around in. You need to be very careful when the electronic nanny is all the way off though!

 

Yep, I agree. They really feel different. Plus, the V12V feels like a huge dog straining at the leash.

 

I went through exactly this same question two years ago. It was time to trade in my V8V for either a DBS or V12V - which was first coming to the States. I really thought I'd end up with the DBS as I had yearned for that car since it first came out. But after giving extensive drives to the DBS and V12V (as well as the Virage and V8VS at the time) I shocked myself and bought the V12V. Ultimately it he was the smile factor that got me. I just enjoyed the raw-ness of the V12V more than anything else. They are all very different to drive, and all fun. But the V12V made both me and my wife giddy. Two years later it still does.

I've driven the V12V to the limit on tracks and it's fabulous at that end too in my opinion, but I'm not an expert driver - who would probably complain about weight and weight distribution. My smile got over any of that. I also have an Audi R8 (V8) that I track and it is easier/faster/safer and far more refined on the track than the V12V. But I'm more entertained and happier pushing the V12V around, since for me it's not about best lap times. And the V12V's carbon ceramic brakes are to die for on the track!

You just have to drive them and decide what you love the most. They are all lovable.

Enjoy,

JR

 

There is a reason the DBS is done and Gen 2 V12 Vantage S is comming. If you have ever taked to a pro driver that has driven the line of Astons, They will tell you their favorite. (with a large grin on their face)

 

"Pro Driver" Really relevant, 'cause we all drive our Astons on the track every day.

 

I had the same thought. Pro, schmo.

 

The more likely reason the DBS is "done" is because the stunning new Vanquish takes it's spot in the lineup. My local dealer tells me the DBS's lost value quickly when the Vanquish came out - good time to buy one!

The reason the V12V becomes an "S" is because the V12 engine had to be redesigned so it was shorter in height and the gap between the hood and the top of the engine met some new bureaucratic European safety standard. While the marketing material makes it sound sexy the real reason was mundane.

Then there's just the fact that all cars evolve and AM has gotten better at playing this game in the Gaydon era.

 

Of course. If a manufacturer wants to keep selling cars, they have to come out with new models and/or keep refreshing the existing ones. It's not like the DBS or V12V were discontinued because something was wrong with them.