Hello AM Lovers,

Has anyone driven a pre 2013 V8 Vantage and a post 2013 V8 Vantage? Is there a difference in the steering and handling? The dealer told me the ones made before 2013 do not handle and steer as well. Are the newer ones that much more responsive?

 

The V8S and GT have a tighter rack & pinion ratio so the steering feedback and handling a are better. The springs are better too. Other than that there aren't really that many differences

 

I have a new 2014 V8V with MT.
My understanding is that the steering ratio is quicker for all the latest Vantage models.
The Sport Suspension is standard on the GT and S. It is optional on the base model.

 

I have driven both. You would probably have to drive them back to back to notice any difference. I am use to my 13 model, so I could tell a difference in the 11 model I drove.
All things being equal if you have a choice I would chose a post 12.25, but there is nothing wrong with the earlier ones.

 

Further info:
Some time in 2012-2013 the base Vantage was given the larger front brakes and the steering ratio was quickened from 17:1 to 15:1
I don't know these cars that well but I believe that this included the base Vantage, S and GT

 

So it is not a noticeable difference in the base models? Does it completely transform the car or is only slight to enthusiasts?

 

The second one.
But, the '13 (or 12.5, or whatever) is better for a number of small reasons. Still, we're splitting hairs and the differences are more about preference.

 

The quicker steering rack was just one of many incremental improvements/changes AM has made to the V8V over its lifetime. So with the quicker rack on the newer V8Vs, you're getting different suspension, brakes, engine, etc, each of which was done at some point along the way.

 

The pre 2013 has a sports package with sport suspension. Is the post 2013 a different sport suspension than this one I mentioned?

In terms of the different brakes, do the 2013+ models stop the car dramatically faster than the 2010 to 2012 models?

 

The only "dramatic" difference you'll feel in any V8V is the difference between the 4.3L and 4.7L engines. Everything else is incremental and you won't notice it unless you're doing a back-to-back comparison and paying really, really close attention.

Here's some broad buying guidance:
If nothing matters and you want a V8V, get a well-maintained 4.3L because they're great cars for the money.
If power matters, get a 4.7L because it's noticeably more powerful (specifically in mid-range torque).
If you want the "best" V8V you can get, get the newest one you can afford. The newer it is, the more refinements it will have (all the stuff being discussed).

 

According to the book, the changes that are standard with the 12.25 are:

S style aerodynamic changes (front and rear), wider tires, steering that was already mentioned, brake upgrade (big change in my book), satellite radio, CC, bluetooth, front parking sensors, and garage door opener.

 

^^^ Except the items listed aren't all standard equipment.

 

As I have reported, I recently took delivery of a new 2014 V8V (MT, Volcano red, black leather, etc). All of the above mentioned equipment was standard on my vehicle. Additionally it has rear parking sensors and a rear view camera.
In fact the only cost options listed on my Vantage are Fine Stitching, Heated Seats and a Second Glass Key.
Hope this helps

 

I think maybe the things I listed as standard are that way in the US

 

The quicker steering rack is nice, but the feel is no better (both are superb). The brake upgrade is nice, of course, but IMO you'll only notice at the extremes of performance on a track. Comparing Sports Pack cars, I actually prefer the earlier setup's ride/handling balance -- the 2012.25-on cars are quite a bit firmer. Both handle superbly. If you like sharp handling, the Sports Pack is worth it IMO, but there is nothing wrong at all with the standard suspension, and most people would probably prefer its more compliant ride.