Am I mad?! Vantage question......
Discussion
Hi all,
Apologies for another "should I, shouldn't I" thread. Thinking of selling my 911 turbo and buying a V8 Vantage. I really like the turbo and have had great fun in it, however it lacks in terms of engine note, and is a relatively common sight on my way to work each day. I've always loved the Vantage, the looks, engine note, and cabin detailing make it feel like a real event when I've driven one. I'm therefore thinking of making the change. However, my one real concern is, am I going to miss the performance of the turbo? The urgency with which it gathers pace is incredible.
Having annoyed my friends with this dilemma for a few weeks, I am now starting to annoy myself! Hence I thought I would look for some advice here, perhaps from someone who has had a similar dilemma?
Comments welcome to help my sanity!
Apologies for another "should I, shouldn't I" thread. Thinking of selling my 911 turbo and buying a V8 Vantage. I really like the turbo and have had great fun in it, however it lacks in terms of engine note, and is a relatively common sight on my way to work each day. I've always loved the Vantage, the looks, engine note, and cabin detailing make it feel like a real event when I've driven one. I'm therefore thinking of making the change. However, my one real concern is, am I going to miss the performance of the turbo? The urgency with which it gathers pace is incredible.
Having annoyed my friends with this dilemma for a few weeks, I am now starting to annoy myself! Hence I thought I would look for some advice here, perhaps from someone who has had a similar dilemma?
Comments welcome to help my sanity!
Howdy & welcome,
I went from 996TT to 4.3 Aston (have since been into 997GT3 & now a 4.7 vantage) & didn't have any problems.
Loved the Turbo to bits, awesome sure footed grunt, but lets be honest in order to enjoy the accelerative G-forces you can end up doing silly speeds rather quickly!
The thing with the Aston is it is so completely different to the TT that you won't directly compare the beast, you will enjoy the stunning looks, special feel good interior, fabulous balance (it flows beautifully down a B road in a completely different way to the Turbo, although clearly not as quickly)& that V8 soundtrack is a revelation compared to the muted Turbo, a nice image is the icing on the cake.
So in summary a completely different experience brings with it a whole set of new ownership pleasures, which means you won't directly compare, if you can stretch to a 4.7 with sports Pack... even better!
I went from 996TT to 4.3 Aston (have since been into 997GT3 & now a 4.7 vantage) & didn't have any problems.
Loved the Turbo to bits, awesome sure footed grunt, but lets be honest in order to enjoy the accelerative G-forces you can end up doing silly speeds rather quickly!
The thing with the Aston is it is so completely different to the TT that you won't directly compare the beast, you will enjoy the stunning looks, special feel good interior, fabulous balance (it flows beautifully down a B road in a completely different way to the Turbo, although clearly not as quickly)& that V8 soundtrack is a revelation compared to the muted Turbo, a nice image is the icing on the cake.
So in summary a completely different experience brings with it a whole set of new ownership pleasures, which means you won't directly compare, if you can stretch to a 4.7 with sports Pack... even better!
Grant3 said:
Howdy & welcome,
I went from 996TT to 4.3 Aston (have since been into 997GT3 & now a 4.7 vantage) & didn't have any problems.
Loved the Turbo to bits, awesome sure footed grunt, but lets be honest in order to enjoy the accelerative G-forces you can end up doing silly speeds rather quickly!
The thing with the Aston is it is so completely different to the TT that you won't directly compare the beast, you will enjoy the stunning looks, special feel good interior, fabulous balance (it flows beautifully down a B road in a completely different way to the Turbo, although clearly not as quickly)& that V8 soundtrack is a revelation compared to the muted Turbo, a nice image is the icing on the cake.
So in summary a completely different experience brings with it a whole set of new ownership pleasures, which means you won't directly compare, if you can stretch to a 4.7 with sports Pack... even better!
Thanks for the comments - very helpful. Slowing down a little is oddly something I think would be a good idea, as the Turbo does silly speeds all too easily! Was looking at the newer 4.3, as not sure I can stretch to the 4.7, but if I can then I think the decision will be an easy one I went from 996TT to 4.3 Aston (have since been into 997GT3 & now a 4.7 vantage) & didn't have any problems.
Loved the Turbo to bits, awesome sure footed grunt, but lets be honest in order to enjoy the accelerative G-forces you can end up doing silly speeds rather quickly!
The thing with the Aston is it is so completely different to the TT that you won't directly compare the beast, you will enjoy the stunning looks, special feel good interior, fabulous balance (it flows beautifully down a B road in a completely different way to the Turbo, although clearly not as quickly)& that V8 soundtrack is a revelation compared to the muted Turbo, a nice image is the icing on the cake.
So in summary a completely different experience brings with it a whole set of new ownership pleasures, which means you won't directly compare, if you can stretch to a 4.7 with sports Pack... even better!
Also would have the added bonus of people allowing me out of junctions rather than leaving me sitting at them for ages in the Porsche 
AMD1 said:
Of course he'll end up with an Aston. He knew that's what he wanted really because he asked the question on this Forum! He just wanted a hug and welcome to the best 'owners club' in the world.
Ha ha - nice! Thanks for the group bonding........... 
Posted here rather than on the Porsche forum as I already know I love the turbo, but wanted some advice from people who own Astons day to day, perhaps having previously had Porkers. Maybe it was always a foregone conclusion, but am finding it tricky as both cars have huge plus points!
TurboMiller said:
AMD1 said:
Of course he'll end up with an Aston. He knew that's what he wanted really because he asked the question on this Forum! He just wanted a hug and welcome to the best 'owners club' in the world.
Ha ha - nice! Thanks for the group bonding........... Posted here rather than on the Porsche forum as I already know I love the turbo, but wanted some advice from people who own Astons day to day, perhaps having previously had Porkers. Maybe it was always a foregone conclusion, but am finding it tricky as both cars have huge plus points!
Still keep returning here to see what's happening as the aston is still alluring as looks so good!
Dear TurboMiller, you know the dark side will win in the end, don't resist the force. If you do get another Porker (10-1 you don't), your questions will never be answered and you will go mad!
Anyway, why do people try to compare a Porsche and an Aston...surely that's like trying to compare Steffi Graf and Lara Croft.
Anyway, why do people try to compare a Porsche and an Aston...surely that's like trying to compare Steffi Graf and Lara Croft.
Edited by AMD1 on Friday 10th October 19:44
I had the 997 turbo on order the same time as the vantage. Vantage was delivered first then I got the call about the 997, had a spin and realised there is more to life than just speed and dumped the 997. I have not once regretted it, not once. The only issue is, what next?
Edited to add, I have chosen to ignor the mis guided bo!!ox about the 'girlie option'
Edited to add, I have chosen to ignor the mis guided bo!!ox about the 'girlie option'
Edited by sadlerj on Friday 10th October 20:58
Grant3 said:
DJC said:
noble3r said:
I love these topics ;-)
We all know which car he'll end up with.
Vanquish of course as opposed to the girly Aston.We all know which car he'll end up with.
(we won't mention the interior ) vs
Modern thoroughbred sports car
I'll take the girly option every time thanks!
It is an insult to the Vantage name. I nearly cried after I got out of one from the disappointment after the expectant wait.
DJC said:
But it isnt! This is my big problem with the V8V. It isnt a sports car, it isnt that fast, the "excellent" interior isnt actually that excellent or special looking or feeling and the "amazing" sound isnt that amazing either, in the coupe or the roadster. The whole car is in fact a complete and utter let down.
It is an insult to the Vantage name. I nearly cried after I got out of one from the disappointment after the expectant wait.
We are each entitled to our own opinions, but I just can't help wondering where you are coming from It is an insult to the Vantage name. I nearly cried after I got out of one from the disappointment after the expectant wait.
it seems like exactly the same blinkered attitude I have seen from a few of the die hard "they don't build them like they used to- classic is the only option brigade" . Times change things move on, most purchasers of the V8 can clearly also afford an older model Vanquish or DB9 as an alternative, but select the Vantage through choice, doesn't make it better than the others each has their own strengths. Anyway I'm not taking the bait
(thrown into the water with a large splash) & certainly not going to turn this into an Aston in fight, each model is fabulous in its own way & we each select the one that suits us.Although I chose my 4.7 V8 in preference to a used Vanquish S or DB9, I still love both the Vanquish & DB9, each is different but equally stunning
I went for a new 997 C4S and after 18 months/18000 miles looked for a new car. I visited the Vantage in 4.3 spec and felt that it did not feel as good in my hands as the C4S. Went for the 997 GT3.
8 months later I was fed up with the GT3 in the garage. In the dry it is unbelieveable but given the weather we experienced last year the car was really challenging in the wet. I had a number of 'interesting' moments on the road - no accidents but the car required absolute, full attention all the time.
The N400 was released and I have replaced the GT3. The car is stunning and I love the setup. Ultimately it is not going to compete with the GT3 in the dry but on the cross country roads I drive on (90 miles to the office)it is a joy and handling in the wet is significantly better. I have even gone for the roadster!
I have not tested the new 4.7 engine but with the sports pack the handling should be excellent and the extra power over the 4.3 should be an improvement. If you go for the original 4,3 you will notice a big difference to the Turbo.
Final thought - the V12 RS is on the horizon. I have my name down for one. If you can combine the best looking car on the road, with the handling that Aston can build in to their cars and a V12 engine....can't wait.
8 months later I was fed up with the GT3 in the garage. In the dry it is unbelieveable but given the weather we experienced last year the car was really challenging in the wet. I had a number of 'interesting' moments on the road - no accidents but the car required absolute, full attention all the time.
The N400 was released and I have replaced the GT3. The car is stunning and I love the setup. Ultimately it is not going to compete with the GT3 in the dry but on the cross country roads I drive on (90 miles to the office)it is a joy and handling in the wet is significantly better. I have even gone for the roadster!
I have not tested the new 4.7 engine but with the sports pack the handling should be excellent and the extra power over the 4.3 should be an improvement. If you go for the original 4,3 you will notice a big difference to the Turbo.
Final thought - the V12 RS is on the horizon. I have my name down for one. If you can combine the best looking car on the road, with the handling that Aston can build in to their cars and a V12 engine....can't wait.
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