Advice Needed Urgently re. V8V Roadster
Discussion
Guys, I really need your advice and input.
I drive a totally specced-up E46 M3 Cab. I love driving - and I push the car fairly hard - but I also enjoy looking slick (a.k.a. posing) when driving through town. Have had my M3 for a little while now, and feel it's time for a change.
The dilemma is: Aston Martin Vantage V8 Roadster or Porsche 911-997 Carrera 4S Cabriolet.
The Porsche is £75,000 and is 1 year-old with 2,000 miles (- cost £102,000 when new).
The Aston is around £55,000 and is 3 years-old with 20,000 miles (- probably cost around £95,000 when new).
WHICH DO I PICK?
Please see: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I drive a totally specced-up E46 M3 Cab. I love driving - and I push the car fairly hard - but I also enjoy looking slick (a.k.a. posing) when driving through town. Have had my M3 for a little while now, and feel it's time for a change.
The dilemma is: Aston Martin Vantage V8 Roadster or Porsche 911-997 Carrera 4S Cabriolet.
The Porsche is £75,000 and is 1 year-old with 2,000 miles (- cost £102,000 when new).
The Aston is around £55,000 and is 3 years-old with 20,000 miles (- probably cost around £95,000 when new).
WHICH DO I PICK?
Please see: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I've had both (although my c4s was a fhc) and they are very different cars. A lot of this is down to personal opinion.
The c4s had far more steering feel, a significantly more flexible engine that made the car feel faster than the Aston (although the performance stats are broadly similar) and was cheaper to run. The 4.3 Aston felt more like a tourer with a heavier feel but had an immensely superior image, soundtrack and feel good factor.
Personally I felt the c4s was better to drive, although chopping the roof off will dilute that im sure, but the Aston delivered a better ownership experience all round by miles. Also got far less abuse than the Porker.
I'm glad I've owned both but the Aston would be my choice, and an easy choice at that. Also of the two cars you've mentioned the Aston has got a LOT less depreciation left in it which may offset the higher maintenance costs.
Last word, don't believe the hype about Aston reliability. Yes, Porkers are reliable but I had my 4.3 for 3 years and it had zero major faults, just a few niggles that were easily sorted.
Either way you'll get a lovely car
The c4s had far more steering feel, a significantly more flexible engine that made the car feel faster than the Aston (although the performance stats are broadly similar) and was cheaper to run. The 4.3 Aston felt more like a tourer with a heavier feel but had an immensely superior image, soundtrack and feel good factor.
Personally I felt the c4s was better to drive, although chopping the roof off will dilute that im sure, but the Aston delivered a better ownership experience all round by miles. Also got far less abuse than the Porker.
I'm glad I've owned both but the Aston would be my choice, and an easy choice at that. Also of the two cars you've mentioned the Aston has got a LOT less depreciation left in it which may offset the higher maintenance costs.
Last word, don't believe the hype about Aston reliability. Yes, Porkers are reliable but I had my 4.3 for 3 years and it had zero major faults, just a few niggles that were easily sorted.
Either way you'll get a lovely car
CurveEater said:
You will pose more successfully in a Vantage.
Chicks dig a car of which they can't pronounce the name.
So that would be the 'Porsche 911-997 Carrera 4S Cabriolet' then? Chicks dig a car of which they can't pronounce the name.
As for the OP, if your buying a car to pose in, I think you will be more at home with a Porsche. You can go and join all the others who have had mid life crisis' and pose with them. If you were buying a car to drive on the other hand, then the Aston every time.
Having owned M3 Cab, C4S (although not the Cab and I wouldn't because it looks like a pram) and now the V8V I think I can give you an easy way to look at it.
If you go the 911 route you will always lust after the beauty and the sound of the V8V. If you go for the Aston any thoughts of a 911 will become a distant memory.
Simples
If you go the 911 route you will always lust after the beauty and the sound of the V8V. If you go for the Aston any thoughts of a 911 will become a distant memory.
Simples
Having had both the Porsche and Aston the my choice would be the aston. Without a doubt the better looking and sounding car and it is appricated more by the public.
The Porsche is cheaper to run and more practical but will lose more money due to high production numbers.
my experience of the vantage has been excellent. Only yesterday I parked up to come back to a small group of people eyeing up the car. ranging from young hoddies to a 90 yr old man. Yummy mummies to construction workers.
I would never drive the wheels of any of my cars however with the vantage I feel even less of a need as you want to savour the experience.
In brief if you have the money and don't need 4 seats the buy the vantage no question.
The Porsche is cheaper to run and more practical but will lose more money due to high production numbers.
my experience of the vantage has been excellent. Only yesterday I parked up to come back to a small group of people eyeing up the car. ranging from young hoddies to a 90 yr old man. Yummy mummies to construction workers.
I would never drive the wheels of any of my cars however with the vantage I feel even less of a need as you want to savour the experience.
In brief if you have the money and don't need 4 seats the buy the vantage no question.
Colesie said:
I've had both (although my c4s was a fhc) and they are very different cars. A lot of this is down to personal opinion.
The c4s had far more steering feel, a significantly more flexible engine that made the car feel faster than the Aston (although the performance stats are broadly similar) and was cheaper to run. The 4.3 Aston felt more like a tourer with a heavier feel but had an immensely superior image, soundtrack and feel good factor.
Personally I felt the c4s was better to drive, although chopping the roof off will dilute that im sure, but the Aston delivered a better ownership experience all round by miles. Also got far less abuse than the Porker.
I'm glad I've owned both but the Aston would be my choice, and an easy choice at that. Also of the two cars you've mentioned the Aston has got a LOT less depreciation left in it which may offset the higher maintenance costs.
Last word, don't believe the hype about Aston reliability. Yes, Porkers are reliable but I had my 4.3 for 3 years and it had zero major faults, just a few niggles that were easily sorted.
Either way you'll get a lovely car
There is a significant difference between the effect of chopping the roof on the porsche and the vantage. If you are going to drive the car hard as you suggest (when you are not posing of course) the vantage will feel much less compromised. Took my vantage roadster to the ring last yr and a 911 C2S droptop was driven by one of the others in our group. He couldnt believe how soft it felt on the track....The c4s had far more steering feel, a significantly more flexible engine that made the car feel faster than the Aston (although the performance stats are broadly similar) and was cheaper to run. The 4.3 Aston felt more like a tourer with a heavier feel but had an immensely superior image, soundtrack and feel good factor.
Personally I felt the c4s was better to drive, although chopping the roof off will dilute that im sure, but the Aston delivered a better ownership experience all round by miles. Also got far less abuse than the Porker.
I'm glad I've owned both but the Aston would be my choice, and an easy choice at that. Also of the two cars you've mentioned the Aston has got a LOT less depreciation left in it which may offset the higher maintenance costs.
Last word, don't believe the hype about Aston reliability. Yes, Porkers are reliable but I had my 4.3 for 3 years and it had zero major faults, just a few niggles that were easily sorted.
Either way you'll get a lovely car
hmmmmm... a lot of views here - My unbiased opinion is as follows:
I have had M3 cab's, 997 cabs and now a Vantage Roadster (4.3)
I must say that the Porsche 997 C4S cabs that I owned were awesome. I would upset many here by saying that for an out and out driving car, the 911 may just have the edge - but only just. I did feel that the steering on the vantage was not as sharp, but had my geometry sorted with a 'fast road setup' at TDI last month - and the it feels like a different car. So I would say comparable to the 997.
The acceleration doesnt feel quite as fast on the Vantage....or at least the response doesnt feel quite as sharp is probably a better way of looking at it - but there is not really that much in it.
The 997 with sports exhaust sounds fantastic - until you have had a vantage and taken out fuse 22.... Now I find myself driving less fast day to day, but experiencing that sound just puts a massive smile on your face. It is awesome.
With regards pose factor - to be fair to the rest of the responses above, the 997 is ten-a-penny! it's a lovely car - and I do like the look of the cab!... but little wow factor; there is absolutely no comparison - the Aston looks miles better.
Reliability - with the Porsches, I had one rms replacement under warranty - but other than that zero niggles. With the Aston, i have had zero major problems, but a few small niggles (cracked alloy, sticking headlamp washer).
So - my take... I had a bad experience with a Porsche dealer, and it put me off the marque. Also, it just stopped feeling special. I expected the V8VR to be about 80% as good to drive as the 911... I would say it is more than 95% as good - plus you get that warm feeling when you get in it - they are beautifully upholstered, and just a really nice place to sit. There are very few people that don't think they look fantastic - across all ages.
For me - I came into Aston ownership expecting it to be just another marque ticked off my list - but it is a lot more than that...
I have just advertised my V8VR on here http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2827473.htm (shameless plug!)...and what next for me...? Another Aston...! Hoping to get a new V8 Vantage Roadster S. I am hooked!
I have had M3 cab's, 997 cabs and now a Vantage Roadster (4.3)
I must say that the Porsche 997 C4S cabs that I owned were awesome. I would upset many here by saying that for an out and out driving car, the 911 may just have the edge - but only just. I did feel that the steering on the vantage was not as sharp, but had my geometry sorted with a 'fast road setup' at TDI last month - and the it feels like a different car. So I would say comparable to the 997.
The acceleration doesnt feel quite as fast on the Vantage....or at least the response doesnt feel quite as sharp is probably a better way of looking at it - but there is not really that much in it.
The 997 with sports exhaust sounds fantastic - until you have had a vantage and taken out fuse 22.... Now I find myself driving less fast day to day, but experiencing that sound just puts a massive smile on your face. It is awesome.
With regards pose factor - to be fair to the rest of the responses above, the 997 is ten-a-penny! it's a lovely car - and I do like the look of the cab!... but little wow factor; there is absolutely no comparison - the Aston looks miles better.
Reliability - with the Porsches, I had one rms replacement under warranty - but other than that zero niggles. With the Aston, i have had zero major problems, but a few small niggles (cracked alloy, sticking headlamp washer).
So - my take... I had a bad experience with a Porsche dealer, and it put me off the marque. Also, it just stopped feeling special. I expected the V8VR to be about 80% as good to drive as the 911... I would say it is more than 95% as good - plus you get that warm feeling when you get in it - they are beautifully upholstered, and just a really nice place to sit. There are very few people that don't think they look fantastic - across all ages.
For me - I came into Aston ownership expecting it to be just another marque ticked off my list - but it is a lot more than that...
I have just advertised my V8VR on here http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2827473.htm (shameless plug!)...and what next for me...? Another Aston...! Hoping to get a new V8 Vantage Roadster S. I am hooked!
modern Astons are like modern Lotus )(funny that, seeing as Lotus consultants involved at the start) - the strength is in the ally chassis tub, not the plastic body of the car ...so chopping the roof off, dosent affect it much
Porsche are built more traditionally ...so convertibles are more flexible
get the Vantage Roadster for posing in....you will attract a different class of bird ..much more expensive taste, that will empty your pockets faster than your balls
Porsche are built more traditionally ...so convertibles are more flexible
get the Vantage Roadster for posing in....you will attract a different class of bird ..much more expensive taste, that will empty your pockets faster than your balls
Siy said:
hmmmmm... a lot of views here - My unbiased opinion is as follows:
I have had M3 cab's, 997 cabs and now a Vantage Roadster (4.3)
I must say that the Porsche 997 C4S cabs that I owned were awesome. I would upset many here by saying that for an out and out driving car, the 911 may just have the edge - but only just. I did feel that the steering on the vantage was not as sharp, but had my geometry sorted with a 'fast road setup' at TDI last month - and the it feels like a different car. So I would say comparable to the 997.
The acceleration doesnt feel quite as fast on the Vantage....or at least the response doesnt feel quite as sharp is probably a better way of looking at it - but there is not really that much in it.
The 997 with sports exhaust sounds fantastic - until you have had a vantage and taken out fuse 22.... Now I find myself driving less fast day to day, but experiencing that sound just puts a massive smile on your face. It is awesome.
With regards pose factor - to be fair to the rest of the responses above, the 997 is ten-a-penny! it's a lovely car - and I do like the look of the cab!... but little wow factor; there is absolutely no comparison - the Aston looks miles better.
Reliability - with the Porsches, I had one rms replacement under warranty - but other than that zero niggles. With the Aston, i have had zero major problems, but a few small niggles (cracked alloy, sticking headlamp washer).
So - my take... I had a bad experience with a Porsche dealer, and it put me off the marque. Also, it just stopped feeling special. I expected the V8VR to be about 80% as good to drive as the 911... I would say it is more than 95% as good - plus you get that warm feeling when you get in it - they are beautifully upholstered, and just a really nice place to sit. There are very few people that don't think they look fantastic - across all ages.
For me - I came into Aston ownership expecting it to be just another marque ticked off my list - but it is a lot more than that...
I have just advertised my V8VR on here http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2827473.htm (shameless plug!)...and what next for me...? Another Aston...! Hoping to get a new V8 Vantage Roadster S. I am hooked!
Great write up / comparison.I have had M3 cab's, 997 cabs and now a Vantage Roadster (4.3)
I must say that the Porsche 997 C4S cabs that I owned were awesome. I would upset many here by saying that for an out and out driving car, the 911 may just have the edge - but only just. I did feel that the steering on the vantage was not as sharp, but had my geometry sorted with a 'fast road setup' at TDI last month - and the it feels like a different car. So I would say comparable to the 997.
The acceleration doesnt feel quite as fast on the Vantage....or at least the response doesnt feel quite as sharp is probably a better way of looking at it - but there is not really that much in it.
The 997 with sports exhaust sounds fantastic - until you have had a vantage and taken out fuse 22.... Now I find myself driving less fast day to day, but experiencing that sound just puts a massive smile on your face. It is awesome.
With regards pose factor - to be fair to the rest of the responses above, the 997 is ten-a-penny! it's a lovely car - and I do like the look of the cab!... but little wow factor; there is absolutely no comparison - the Aston looks miles better.
Reliability - with the Porsches, I had one rms replacement under warranty - but other than that zero niggles. With the Aston, i have had zero major problems, but a few small niggles (cracked alloy, sticking headlamp washer).
So - my take... I had a bad experience with a Porsche dealer, and it put me off the marque. Also, it just stopped feeling special. I expected the V8VR to be about 80% as good to drive as the 911... I would say it is more than 95% as good - plus you get that warm feeling when you get in it - they are beautifully upholstered, and just a really nice place to sit. There are very few people that don't think they look fantastic - across all ages.
For me - I came into Aston ownership expecting it to be just another marque ticked off my list - but it is a lot more than that...
I have just advertised my V8VR on here http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2827473.htm (shameless plug!)...and what next for me...? Another Aston...! Hoping to get a new V8 Vantage Roadster S. I am hooked!
Great photos of the car too - Brooklands Hotel. Do you live near there or just used it for the photos?
bogie said:
get the Vantage Roadster for posing in....you will attract a different class of bird ..much more expensive taste, that will empty your pockets faster than your balls
Quote of the year so far Bogie I also attach the following...
"In 2011, for the third consecutive year, the UK’s coolest brand has been named as Aston Martin, a marque famously associated with the ever suave and sophisticated Bond. James Bond. The epitome of cool, perhaps?
This luxury car brand was one of several automobiles that made it into the top 20:
1.Aston Martin (Automotive – Cars)
2.iPhone (Technology – Telecommunications)
3.Apple (Technology – General)
4.Bang & Olufsen (Technology – General)
5.YouTube (Online)
6.Google (Online)
7.Nintendo (Leisure & Entertainment – Games & Toys)
8.Agent Provocateur (Fashion – Lingerie)
9.Rolex (Fashion – Accessories, Jewellery & Watches)
10.Tate Modern (Leisure & Entertainment – UK Attractions & The Arts)
11.Dom Perignon (Drinks – Champagne)
12.Virgin Atlantic (Travel – General)
13.Ferrari (Automotive – Cars)
14.Ducati (Automotive – Motorbikes)
15.PlayStation (Leisure & Entertainment – Games & Toys)
16.Sony (Technology – General)
17.Nike (Sportswear & Equipment)
18.Bose (Technology – General)
19.Facebook (Online)
20.Lamborghini (Automotive – Cars)..."
If perception is your KSF, then you need look no further
Neil1300R said:
Great write up / comparison.
Great photos of the car too - Brooklands Hotel. Do you live near there or just used it for the photos?
Good spot - Yes Brooklands Hotel. I live a couple of minutes away in weybridge, and use the gym at the hotel. Just took the pics off the cuff on Saturday morning when I left the gym. Are you local?Great photos of the car too - Brooklands Hotel. Do you live near there or just used it for the photos?
Siy said:
Good spot - Yes Brooklands Hotel. I live a couple of minutes away in weybridge, and use the gym at the hotel. Just took the pics off the cuff on Saturday morning when I left the gym. Are you local?
Yep, just up the road from Byfleet station. As you live in Surrey do you wave at other Astons? Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff