Verdict
A
← Aston Martin V8 Vantage Classic · 2008-2018 · VH
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Classic 4.7 V8 / V12 (2008-2018)
4.7L V8 (420 hp) replaced 4.3 in 2008. V12 Vantage arrived 2009 with 510 hp. V12 Vantage S manual (2017) is the unicorn.
BHP
420-595 bhp
0–60
3.7 s
Top speed
205 mph
MPG
15.0 mpg
Used
$50,000-$220,000
From mid-2008 the V8 grew to 4.7 litres (420 hp), with the Vantage S of 2011 raising output to 430 hp and adding a sharper steering rack, larger brakes and the Sportshift II seven-speed automated manual. The V12 Vantage launched late 2009 with the AM11 5.9-litre V12 from the DBS — 510 hp, 420 lb-ft, Aston's biggest engine in their smallest body. 4.2-second 0-60, 190 mph top end. The V12 Vantage S followed in 2013 with 565 hp and revised aero. The 2017 V12 Vantage S finally got a seven-speed dog-leg manual gearbox — a manual V12 Vantage was previously only available on the standard V12 — and 595 hp; this is the cult collector pick. V8 Vantage GTS for the US (2017) added 430 hp with manual or Sportshift II. Production totals across both engines: 15,417 V8 coupes, 6,231 V8 Roadsters, 2,551 V12 Coupes, 465 V12 Roadsters. The dogleg V12 Vantage S manuals are six-figure cars.
Strengths
- V12 Vantage's 5.9L V12 is one of the great modern engines
- Manual V12 Vantage S (2017) is a cult collector car
- Vantage S of 2011 onwards has the sharpest chassis tuning
- VH platform genuinely well-engineered
- Production rarity (V12 coupes ~2,551 ever)
Weaknesses
- V12 fuel economy is brutal
- Sportshift II quicker than original but still single-clutch
- Specialist service is expensive
- Cabin tech still felt dated by 2017
- Resale on V8 Roadsters slower than coupes
Notable tech
- 4.7L V8 (420-430 hp depending on year)
- AM11 5.9L V12 (510-595 hp depending on variant)
- Sportshift II 7-speed automated manual
- Manual V12 Vantage S with dogleg 7-speed (2017 only)
- Carbon-ceramic brakes optional on V12 S
- Aerodynamic enhancements on V12 cars
Common issues
- Sportshift II clutch wear (~25-30k miles)
- Carbon build-up on intake valves
- Coil pack failures (V12)
- Centre console electronics failures
- Power window regulators failing
Used-market budget
$85,000
V8 4.7 manual coupes $50-75k. V8 S $65-90k. V12 Vantage manual $90-140k. V12 Vantage S manual (2017 dogleg) $180-220k+ for clean examples. Roadsters discount versus coupes.