I don't see how it's a serious downgrade? Maybe the VY isn't as safe and it might not have as much technology but at least the VY looks better than the VE, The VY will be a V8, and it will sound heaps better.
I Haven't owned either a VY or VE but I have had some experience with them. I think the VY is still comfy to drive ad they still have some nice features.
Looks are subjective. VY looks old these days. Though granted the VE does too.
You'll need to explain what 'nice features' the VY has that the VE doesn't.
I've had a a '05 VZ R8, so as far as the platform the OP is looking at, almost top dog. I also had some work so it had the 'V8 sound' and all that.
But what I learnt was that for the 4-5 seconds of acceleration goodness the VZ was the greatest car in the world. Then for the rest of the journey, my 2010 x-trail puts it to shame in terms of comfort.
I mean, this guy clearly just wants a V8, so that's cool. But this missus has already flagged that she feels its a downgrade and well, it is in every way aside from engine output. So he's setting himself up to hear about it every day.
Take it from me, the v8 noises and acceleration wears off and you just start to fault a car. I was able to fault my R8, and then you start to look at the important, subtle stuff.
Lol, you're really clutching dude. ANCAP puts a beesdick between the VY and VE 2007-09 unless you're a pedestrian. Personally I agree it's a downgrade on paper, but a minimal downgrade from a first gen VE.
It's a downgrade on paper and a downgrade in the real world in every single way, shape or form aside from the power and torque. Unless there is a specific need for this, which in this case there is as the OP wants that V8 sound, it would be a downgrade in every way.
I mean, the OP is set on what he wants and good on him. But that V8 sound ain't as sweet it you have a missus bitching about how uncomfortable the car is form the passenger seat.
