Many are praising the v8 for being light and agile compared to the v12. Is the feel really that different given the weight difference is only 100 lbs or so? I don't have much time behind the wheel of the v8, but they both seemed heavy to me relative to a 997 911, but that weight difference is more pronounced.

 

You're right. Both cars are relatively heavy as compared to true sports cars and the weight difference between the V8V and V12V is not that great. You'll notice that it's the owners of the V8Vs who tend to talk up the difference in weight and how much heavier the V12V feels than the V8V.

 

So here's a curve ball being pitched, anyone care to field it?

Let's say I have $ 150K +/- to spend on a replacement vehicle for my sad, underpowered, 2007 V8V. Ironically, it will still be a used car even at that price. My choices might be (actually probably would be as these are all on my radar screen):

* 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB
* 2011/ 2012 Vantage V12
* 2009 / 2010 DBS

I have not driven any of the above, other than a DBS at Summit Point Raceway just in the pits, so it didn't really count. I don't need a super-duper sports car any more because I rather enjoy my back being uncompressed and find jarring expansion joints annoying, and I look ridiculous getting in and out of a tub car like a McLaren. So....super cool GT car it would be. (My very first choice would be a Vanquish, but that's $ 100K out of the price range). Who wants to take a shot and comparing and contrasting the above cars?

 

Hmmm. That's an interesting list. The DBS and the V12V drive completely different. If you are looking for more GT and comfort, the DBS has it in spades over the V12V. What about the new DB9? I'd add that as a consideration since it's in the price range and I think looks newer than the DBS.

The 599 was quite a car when I drove it. The power is ridiculous and the lines of the car are "interesting". I'm personally not a fan of the look, unless we're talking about the GTO which is well above your ideal price range. Also, if you want a 599, you should drive one with the HGTE pack. It's a noticeable difference. Another car to add to the list may be the Ferrari California. It's not a V12 but I drove one and found it to be very tough competition with the new DB9. It's also a hardtop convertible and I believe Ferrari's best selling car. However, there is a stigma that follows the California that may or may not bother you.

 

599 GTB - I love the look of that car. I haven't driven one, but I'd love to try one out. But I thought the 599 was more of a sports car than, say, a 612. Would you consider one of those?

DBS - I drove a manual DBS and loved it. It felt very familiar (Astons are all pretty close in character, the nuances don't come out until you push them a bit). Had I not been in a relationship at the time and looking to buy a house, I'd have traded in my 4.3L V8V for it.

V12V - Haven't driven one, but it seems like it'd fix the only downside of a 4.3L (more power, obviously!). If it can maintain the balance and sharpness of a V8V, I'd pick it over the DBS.

When I was looking at an F430, the dealer kept suggesting I try the California. It's got some great equipment in it, but... I just don't care for them. It's a really big car (which I don't prefer), and style-wise it just doesn't do anything for me. I haven't heard anything bad about them, though, so it might be worth a shot if the design isn't an issue.

 

I would say get a 430 spider for that $$$, but it appears you are looking for a GT. The 599 is a fantastic car for the $ right now. The 599 will destroy any Aston in terms of performance. It is also very comfortable and easy to drive.
I came out of a DBS and it was a good car, but it didn't have "soul" for me. It also lacks in power for a V12.
I drove my buddy's V12V and boy that was a fun car to spin the tires - tons of torque. It is definitely more sporty than a DBS, so then would definitely pick a 430 over V12V. He ended up selling his V12V after 7-8 months and moved to a 458.

 

V12V. The V12 motor and the manual transmission. Power and Torque. Great sounding exhaust.

 

599 is one of my favorites F cars. I would question its feasibility as a daily driver tho. Ferrariisnt known for its quick in-n-out service programs; more like its bend-n-over contracts. It's only money.

 

Have owned a V8V (non S, manual) and now a V12V. The V12 has definite traction issues compared to the V8 from a standing start, no surprise there. In real world driving conditions, there is absolutely no contest in outright grip, acceleration and braking - the V12 trumps the V8. Argument otherwise is just wishful thinking. But there is more to it than that. The V12 rides better (at least, compared to a sport pack V8) IMO, and the driveability is just so much more pleasant due to the torque and sound of the V12 at all revs. And it feels like more of an event, somehow. As for the 'old tech' of the V12, granted, but the V8 is hardly using tech from the last 10 years, either, so really two peas in a pod in that respect.

Still haven't tracked my V12, so I can't comment on how it compares to the V8 in that area. I imagine throttle management will be much more of an issue (the V8 could be nailed without much fear of power oversteer), but with the reach of that engine and the grip of hot Corsas, the outcome seems inevitable.

 

You could look at a true luxury GT and consider the Bentley Conti. I had a V8V owner over at my place the other day because he wanted to see the GTC after becoming concerned with the lack of traveling potential of how car, especially luggage capacity. A nice used one can be had for the budget you proposed.

 

If you want to stay with an Aston the V12 is the way to go unless you want a convertible. I have a 12 V12 and love it. I also have an 11 roadster for top down days. I have driven the V8S and it's a nice car but it has a very stiff suspension. I would not call it a comfortable GT.
As others have said the V8 can't match the V12 for power and driving dynamics. I have tracked the V12 and a few V8s and the V12 wins there as well. The weight difference between the two is negligible. Just waiting for the V12 Roadster to have the best of both worlds. The DBS is ok but I would rather have one of the others.
As to the other cars I had a 430 and it is a great car but not a GT. I have a 458 Spider now. I mention it to keep in mind when the prices come down some as it can be a GT or hardcore sports car. A great all rounder.
The 599 would certainly be a consideration but the service is high and I wouldn't use it or any Ferrari as a daily driver.
I like the Bentley but I would never track one. Used as a big GT it is very nice. A friend of mine just bought a new GTC. Very nice car. You can find very good buys on used ones.
The Bentley is a better GT than an Aston but the Aston is more sporting and can be taken to the track as you already know.

 

I would agree to all the above. Taking the Bentley to the track could be done but it would be like asking a fat chick to run hurdles. I love all the cars mentioned but for different reasons. The 458 is a true dream car.

Back to the V8V owner that drove my car, which has been tuned. He thought the GTC would out perform his Vantage. Who knows? He told mew that when he and his wife take a trip they look like the Clampets on the road all piled with luggage.

 

I think I'll bide my time and wait until a V12 Vantage (manual) becomes affordable...somewhere around the $ 100K range. Might have to sit tight a few more years as they seem to be pretty much $ 130K to $ 160K right now.

This is a very cool thread however, I'm getting a kick out of it.

 

This has been kinda fun. Although I still disagree with most here. Based on my experience with both cars, I chose the V8-S. I love to play at a local track with a V12 owner, just to see how my dusty old V8 measures out.

I also agree that the 458 is a hands down winner over all others discussed here. It is gentle as a lamb and then all at once it can be a blistering whirlwind of gears and Italian thoroughbreds. I really enjoyed the few months I spent toying with that car but Ferrari doesn't like you to put miles on their car (and I can't let them sit in the garage).

Ive never owned a DBS but for a daily, I'd also agree that the 599 isn't the best option.

 

I like the thread also and hope I am at least seen as a distant cousin since I do own British. I only have one nice car so I need one that will do the miles and like it.

I appreciate a thread where we can disagree, be civil and still actually like the people with the opposite opinion.