997 GT3 to AMV8
Discussion
I currently own a 997 GT3 (Clubsport spec), but have been thinking about getting a V8 Vantage for a while. So I thought it best to consult the experts on the subject!
I generally own my sports cars for a year or so, before moving on to either the same again (3 997s in a row) or something different, but in the same 'mould' so to speak.
I know from reading various threads a number of V8 Vantage owners have owned or do still own Porsche 997s and some have had GT3s (most notably, and publicly, Pugsey of course).
I have a couple of questions and or concerns I am hoping you may be able to help with.
Firstly, when (if at all) is the V8 Vantage mid life 'facelift' planned?
Secondly, for those who have owned both, what is the dealership customer relationship like when compared to Porsche? I have to say up front that my experience at Porsche has been only positive, but I do not claim this is typical of all.
Thirdly, I know early production cars (like early Porsche 997s) suffered some 'issues', are these all resolved or are there any underlying weaknesses?
As I have said I have an Aston itch I want to scratch, but I do believe that a little research is always worth doing.
I generally own my sports cars for a year or so, before moving on to either the same again (3 997s in a row) or something different, but in the same 'mould' so to speak.
I know from reading various threads a number of V8 Vantage owners have owned or do still own Porsche 997s and some have had GT3s (most notably, and publicly, Pugsey of course).
I have a couple of questions and or concerns I am hoping you may be able to help with.
Firstly, when (if at all) is the V8 Vantage mid life 'facelift' planned?
Secondly, for those who have owned both, what is the dealership customer relationship like when compared to Porsche? I have to say up front that my experience at Porsche has been only positive, but I do not claim this is typical of all.
Thirdly, I know early production cars (like early Porsche 997s) suffered some 'issues', are these all resolved or are there any underlying weaknesses?
As I have said I have an Aston itch I want to scratch, but I do believe that a little research is always worth doing.
You simply cannot compare the two cars. They are chalk and cheese. I currently own a 997tt and a DB9 and the characters of these two cars are completely different. In your case, going from a GT3 it is even more pronounced. See the V8 as a very accomplished GT. Going on long cruises I would always go for the DB9 or an AMV8 but wanting to go fast around corners on sweeping B-roads nothing beats a 997tt or GT3 (even more). For track days - well that is a no-brainer.
The dealer experience varies as well. Some Aston dealers are very good and offer a personnel service wheras others disappoint. I have had good experiences with both marques. There are fever Astons and that shows. In general people are more forgiving in traffic and you get more smiles as everybody loves the looks and th sound of the Aston. However, real connoisseurs would appreciate why you drive a GT3.
As you can see, your question is of mindset rather than a comparison. (Have both - you only live once)
The dealer experience varies as well. Some Aston dealers are very good and offer a personnel service wheras others disappoint. I have had good experiences with both marques. There are fever Astons and that shows. In general people are more forgiving in traffic and you get more smiles as everybody loves the looks and th sound of the Aston. However, real connoisseurs would appreciate why you drive a GT3.
As you can see, your question is of mindset rather than a comparison. (Have both - you only live once)
Edited by clorenzen on Thursday 31st January 22:02
If both were an option I would! Unfortunately, I am restricted to only one car self indulgence.
I understand the point you are making, the GT3 is a fantastic car and I love it, but sometimes it can be a little too extreme. Even when I don't want to 'push on' it does
It sometimes feels like it is 'all or nothing', it can be driven more sedately, but that's not what it is about and you soon find yourself going more quickly and concentrating harder than you might want.
As a track car it really is exceptional, but sometimes I feel like taking a break every now and again, and perhaps a more GT orientated drive would suit my mood more of the time.
The point you make about other road users reactions is interesting, I have not suffered any adverse reaction to the Porsches I have driven, however it is really only the GT3 the solicits any positive reactions. However, I will freely admit that the AM V8 is one of the most attractive cars I have ever seen.
So I suppose my potential move to the AM V8 is all about a 'different' experience, I just want to know will it be as positive as the GT3 (even if the experience differs in type)? And are there any pitfalls that await me?
I understand the point you are making, the GT3 is a fantastic car and I love it, but sometimes it can be a little too extreme. Even when I don't want to 'push on' it does
It sometimes feels like it is 'all or nothing', it can be driven more sedately, but that's not what it is about and you soon find yourself going more quickly and concentrating harder than you might want.
As a track car it really is exceptional, but sometimes I feel like taking a break every now and again, and perhaps a more GT orientated drive would suit my mood more of the time.
The point you make about other road users reactions is interesting, I have not suffered any adverse reaction to the Porsches I have driven, however it is really only the GT3 the solicits any positive reactions. However, I will freely admit that the AM V8 is one of the most attractive cars I have ever seen.
So I suppose my potential move to the AM V8 is all about a 'different' experience, I just want to know will it be as positive as the GT3 (even if the experience differs in type)? And are there any pitfalls that await me?
TheDeadPrussian said:
I currently own a 997 GT3 (Clubsport spec), but have been thinking about getting a V8 Vantage for a while. So I thought it best to consult the experts on the subject!
I generally own my sports cars for a year or so, before moving on to either the same again (3 997s in a row) or something different, but in the same 'mould' so to speak.
I know from reading various threads a number of V8 Vantage owners have owned or do still own Porsche 997s and some have had GT3s (most notably, and publicly, Pugsey of course).
I have a couple of questions and or concerns I am hoping you may be able to help with.
Firstly, when (if at all) is the V8 Vantage mid life 'facelift' planned?
Secondly, for those who have owned both, what is the dealership customer relationship like when compared to Porsche? I have to say up front that my experience at Porsche has been only positive, but I do not claim this is typical of all.
Thirdly, I know early production cars (like early Porsche 997s) suffered some 'issues', are these all resolved or are there any underlying weaknesses?
As I have said I have an Aston itch I want to scratch, but I do believe that a little research is always worth doing.
Hi mate. I think Clorenzen has already summed up the 'different experience' very well indeed - you seem very well aware of this anyway - and I can only confirm what has already been said.I generally own my sports cars for a year or so, before moving on to either the same again (3 997s in a row) or something different, but in the same 'mould' so to speak.
I know from reading various threads a number of V8 Vantage owners have owned or do still own Porsche 997s and some have had GT3s (most notably, and publicly, Pugsey of course).
I have a couple of questions and or concerns I am hoping you may be able to help with.
Firstly, when (if at all) is the V8 Vantage mid life 'facelift' planned?
Secondly, for those who have owned both, what is the dealership customer relationship like when compared to Porsche? I have to say up front that my experience at Porsche has been only positive, but I do not claim this is typical of all.
Thirdly, I know early production cars (like early Porsche 997s) suffered some 'issues', are these all resolved or are there any underlying weaknesses?
As I have said I have an Aston itch I want to scratch, but I do believe that a little research is always worth doing.
If you are thinking new then I would do some checking with your dealer and/or the factory because there is a slightly quicker version becoming available and the rumour is that this may actually become the standard car a little further down the road. Early cars did have 'issues' but these were all new model 'teething' problems really and a lot were caused by bad assembly frankly. Consequently even if you buy an early car the previous owner will have suffered all the problems (don't I know it) and had them resolved and there's no reason why they should reoccur. Later cars were much better from the off. Dealers always seem a little smaller and 'cosy' compared with Porsches 'corporate' OPCs and I have only had good experiences.
I think I'd go for a well priced early car and see if you like the experience by which time new models may be clearer and you could always move up.
As long as you appreciate the differences you'll love it and won't be disappointed. Get in with your 997 hat on - even 997S - and you may feel disappointed by the extra weight and slight 'stogginess' by comparison. Think small luxury GT rather than junior supercar and you'll love it - I did. Good luck!
Edited by Pugsey on Friday 1st February 09:32
I concur unreservedly with the two previous posts , nevertheless, I would add an observation or two of my own.
Frankly the HID system on the V8V is inadequate under certain driving conditions in comparison with Porsches system. Also, and this point was highlighted to me again having just last evening made a journey to Cambridge in my Vantage and returning home in the SL55 AMG, the Vantage V8 lacks pace. My last three cars (996 GT3, 360 F1,996 TT ) and the present aforementioned M.B.offer that pace that the Aston Martin doesn`t. True, it out handles the SL and is as rapid as you would require for nearly all applications, but I think you would miss the GT3s` instant response.
Frankly the HID system on the V8V is inadequate under certain driving conditions in comparison with Porsches system. Also, and this point was highlighted to me again having just last evening made a journey to Cambridge in my Vantage and returning home in the SL55 AMG, the Vantage V8 lacks pace. My last three cars (996 GT3, 360 F1,996 TT ) and the present aforementioned M.B.offer that pace that the Aston Martin doesn`t. True, it out handles the SL and is as rapid as you would require for nearly all applications, but I think you would miss the GT3s` instant response.
Thanks very much for the replies, it really is good to get some perspective on the differences between not only the cars themselves but the overall driving experience and the 'feel' of ownership.
I think as I alluded to earlier, I am in no doubt about the differences between the two, one is certainly more driver 'focused' than the other, but 'focused' is not always what I am after. I do sometimes desire a more GT orientated drive.
The point about early cars is as I had suspected. I owned one of the very first 997's and also suffered those 'teething problems' having to have my front suspension relaced amongst other things.
I will be buying new, probably later this year (after the summer is most likely, so I can enjoy one more 'ring season). Do Aston Martin release their new model year in August? And does anyone know about any likely MY09 upgrades (I have a copy of the MY08 upgrades thanks to this forum). Pugsey mentioned an increase in power possibly becoming standard.
Thanks again for the help so far, I think I am begining to warm to the Aston ownership thing
I think as I alluded to earlier, I am in no doubt about the differences between the two, one is certainly more driver 'focused' than the other, but 'focused' is not always what I am after. I do sometimes desire a more GT orientated drive.
The point about early cars is as I had suspected. I owned one of the very first 997's and also suffered those 'teething problems' having to have my front suspension relaced amongst other things.
I will be buying new, probably later this year (after the summer is most likely, so I can enjoy one more 'ring season). Do Aston Martin release their new model year in August? And does anyone know about any likely MY09 upgrades (I have a copy of the MY08 upgrades thanks to this forum). Pugsey mentioned an increase in power possibly becoming standard.
Thanks again for the help so far, I think I am begining to warm to the Aston ownership thing
I think their model cycle is September.
If you're intent on buying new, and were looking to take the plunge I'd personally wait until the changes become clear (not sure anyone knows the 09 changes yet). I'm sure there will be a decent hike in power soon.
Check out the amoc forum too (http://www.amoc.org/). Bit more straightlaced than here perhaps, but you'll get plenty of info.
If you're intent on buying new, and were looking to take the plunge I'd personally wait until the changes become clear (not sure anyone knows the 09 changes yet). I'm sure there will be a decent hike in power soon.
Check out the amoc forum too (http://www.amoc.org/). Bit more straightlaced than here perhaps, but you'll get plenty of info.
Murph7355 said:
Check out the amoc forum too (http://www.amoc.org/). Bit more straightlaced than here perhaps
The power of understatement.And remember, the merest suggestion that any AM product is not the fastest, bestest, smashingest thing ever may result in a Blitzkrieg of (sometimes)uninformed retaliation
whoami said:
Murph7355 said:
Check out the amoc forum too (http://www.amoc.org/). Bit more straightlaced than here perhaps
The power of understatement.And remember, the merest suggestion that any AM product is not the fastest, bestest, smashingest thing ever may result in a Blitzkrieg of (sometimes)uninformed retaliation
I would also try out a DB9 if you want an Aston and miss the last pit of power of the amv8. The DB9 being a bigger car does not handle as sharp as the baby Aston but as long distance tourer it is among the best cars around and not exactly underpowered. It has tons of torque, a superb touchtronic gearbox and the sound is fantastic. I took my DB9 to Rome last year and on the German Autobahn it pretty much outpaced everything on route maxing 187 mph.
TheDeadPrussian said:
Thanks for the steer towards the DB9, I had not really considered it (my wife was hoping I was going to stay under £100K 
). I will take a look, and I suppose 'nearly new' might persaude her of my prudence
What would £90K buy me in DB9 terms? Age, mileage etc?
Mine!). I will take a look, and I suppose 'nearly new' might persaude her of my prudence What would £90K buy me in DB9 terms? Age, mileage etc?
A 05 15.000 miles DB9 is around 80k at the dealer and probably 75k privately. Extended warranty is £ 1.500. Other than small teething problems on the early models (launched 2004) there should not be anything serious and if it has been well looked after, the previous owner would have sorted out everything. I would go for higher mileage ones, as my experience is, that the more you drive them, the better they tend to be. I use mine as a daily driver and it has been virtually faultless since I got it from new 3 years ago.
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