997GT3 to Vantage V8?
Discussion
Hi people. Could I enlist your help here? Re the above title, I'm having thoughts but need some feedback, both positive and negative!
Could you let me know how long you've owned these cars (and if its a 4.3 or 4.7) and what mileages have been done? Also highs and lows of ownership? It may be helpful if you could say what your previous car was. You can be as brief or detailed as you like as I'm trying to get a feel of what it is like to own and run one of these machines.
Many thanks - Phil
Could you let me know how long you've owned these cars (and if its a 4.3 or 4.7) and what mileages have been done? Also highs and lows of ownership? It may be helpful if you could say what your previous car was. You can be as brief or detailed as you like as I'm trying to get a feel of what it is like to own and run one of these machines.
Many thanks - Phil
Hi,
IMHO I would keep the GT3. You'll find the Aston a disapointment in comparison.
I've driven both many times with Super Car Club ecurie25 and the Vantage V8 just a "let down" throughout.
I'd also take the GT3 over an Aston Martin DBS !!!
Maybe u should trade up to GT3RS ? Awesome !!!
Cheers,
J
IMHO I would keep the GT3. You'll find the Aston a disapointment in comparison.
I've driven both many times with Super Car Club ecurie25 and the Vantage V8 just a "let down" throughout.
I'd also take the GT3 over an Aston Martin DBS !!!
Maybe u should trade up to GT3RS ? Awesome !!!
Cheers,
J
Never driven a Porsche - never really wanted to - but always wanted an Aston since I was a kid. Life has treated me sufficiently kindly that I am now onto my third Aston. They ain't perfect - there are various issues but, to be fair to the dealer and to Aston, they have sorted them out timely and professionally and I'm delighted with the backup I've received.
When I come to junctions people invariably wave me out. That does not happen in my X5. I get thumbs-ups from kids (girls as well) as I drive through town. You simply cannot drive it without grinning! Remove F22 and grin even more!
It's a gorgeous car, my V8V, absolutely beautiful. Put it alongside any Porker and you'll see the difference. Maybe the overall dynamics and performance ain't the same as Germany's finest but, at the end of the day, I know which one I'd rather be seen in.
When I come to junctions people invariably wave me out. That does not happen in my X5. I get thumbs-ups from kids (girls as well) as I drive through town. You simply cannot drive it without grinning! Remove F22 and grin even more!
It's a gorgeous car, my V8V, absolutely beautiful. Put it alongside any Porker and you'll see the difference. Maybe the overall dynamics and performance ain't the same as Germany's finest but, at the end of the day, I know which one I'd rather be seen in.
Depends what you want from the car.
The Vantage hasn't been a let down at all to me, but then having the most razor sharp car isn't a priority for that slot in the garage (I have a Caterham for that - profile has my other previous/current cars).
You will likely not find the V8 feeling that quick (I have a 4.3, the 4.7 may be better in this respect), but it can shift when hustled. Secondary damping can be a bit hit and miss at times, but overall I find it a very enjoyable car to peddle.
It's still one of the best looking and sounding cars on the market, and inside is a very nice place to be. I have also experienced nothing other than positive comments from all other road users about it in the 27k miles/2.5yrs I've had it. These things give me far more pleasure in ownership than thinking it might be a few seconds quicker around the 'Ring, or might possibly get me somewhere in the UK a minute or two quicker (assuming that somewhere doesn't have infernal roadworks and traffic everywhere!).
I find the Aston to be quite a "grown up" sports car when compared to others around. It doesn't scream for attention all the time, but just gets on with it. This may in itself be a demerit...but as mentioned at the outset it really depends what you want from it
The Vantage hasn't been a let down at all to me, but then having the most razor sharp car isn't a priority for that slot in the garage (I have a Caterham for that - profile has my other previous/current cars).
You will likely not find the V8 feeling that quick (I have a 4.3, the 4.7 may be better in this respect), but it can shift when hustled. Secondary damping can be a bit hit and miss at times, but overall I find it a very enjoyable car to peddle.
It's still one of the best looking and sounding cars on the market, and inside is a very nice place to be. I have also experienced nothing other than positive comments from all other road users about it in the 27k miles/2.5yrs I've had it. These things give me far more pleasure in ownership than thinking it might be a few seconds quicker around the 'Ring, or might possibly get me somewhere in the UK a minute or two quicker (assuming that somewhere doesn't have infernal roadworks and traffic everywhere!).
I find the Aston to be quite a "grown up" sports car when compared to others around. It doesn't scream for attention all the time, but just gets on with it. This may in itself be a demerit...but as mentioned at the outset it really depends what you want from it
I totally agree with what Ocean & Murph are saying. It all depends what *you* want from the car.
I suppose that's the good thing about Super Car Clubs - You get to drive a different car for different occasions ; )
The down side is not having a car outside my house right now : (
Cheers,
J
I suppose that's the good thing about Super Car Clubs - You get to drive a different car for different occasions ; )
The down side is not having a car outside my house right now : (
Cheers,
J
I was driving a Vantage just yesterday...a great experience and I thought it was a lovely car...until I got back in my Ferrari and it reminded me what it was all about...the Aston is a grown up sports cruiser...the GT3 isn't that at all...all depends what you want: sports car: GT3 all day. cruiser: Aston.
stompboxx said:
...until I got back in my Ferrari and it reminded me what it was all about...
The three cars mentioned (GT3, V8 and 355) just go to show how different sports cars can be.All are supremely great cars in their own right, but incredibly different in execution and "feel". So it's important to be very clear and honest with yourself about what does it for you.
I would not be telling the truth if I said I didn't miss my old 355 every now and then (usually when I see one on the road). But I know that were I to go back to one, I would equally miss the things the V8 does better.
The GT3 is on my list of cars to try at some point, BUT I don't think I'll be trying one as my next car. I suspect that might be a return to Italian metal. The "difficulty" with the Porsche, for me, is that it neither looks nor sounds special enough. And with our roads so choked these days, these more visceral aspects are becoming increasingly important to me.
I'm lucky to have access to a car that does the roller coaster thing very well, when I'm in the mood
So giving up a little dynamic excellence isn't such a problem.Murph7355 said:
Some very sensible things.
Whilst the V8 roadster (4.3 on an 58 plate) is the old man's, now that I have put a fair few more miles on it then he has, I think I can contribute an opinion. It is not the sharpest car you will ever drive. I am constantly astonished hopping out of the V8 and into the TVR how removed you are from the road. Given that, it is not perhaps a fair comparison, they are built for very different things.
The roadster is a great to drive, it feels so much more connected with roof down, bizzare, but thats how it feels. No scuttle shake, and only a touch of vaugeness at st ahead. The noise is fantastic!
The only bad bits are the imobiliser cards, which have caused endless problems and the sat nav, which is awefull.
The throttle response I dont really like, it lags behing your foot by a second or so heel and toe is a bit hit and miss, for me anyway.
Avoid the flappy paddle job.
Oh and if you do get one, whip fuse 22 in the boot out! You wont regret it!
GT3 if you're an enthusiastic driver. You can wring a GT3's neck all day and it will come back for more.
GT3 does sound awesome but you will have to give it some beans. On full song they're glorious.
Aston looks beautiful of course and is the Gentlemans choice.
Horses for courses as always
GT3 does sound awesome but you will have to give it some beans. On full song they're glorious.
Aston looks beautiful of course and is the Gentlemans choice.
Horses for courses as always
Don't do it IMO 
I went from a 996 C2 Cab to an AMV8 Roadster and regretted it - the Aston looks and sounds great but the driving experience was ultimately disappointing and of course the GT3 was more driver focussed than my C2 Cab so I would imagine the difference would be greater still.
I lasted 5 months in the Aston and went back to Porsche in the guise of a 997 TT Cab which is so much the better car IMO although it was more expensive, so perhaps that's inevitable.
I went from a 996 C2 Cab to an AMV8 Roadster and regretted it - the Aston looks and sounds great but the driving experience was ultimately disappointing and of course the GT3 was more driver focussed than my C2 Cab so I would imagine the difference would be greater still.
I lasted 5 months in the Aston and went back to Porsche in the guise of a 997 TT Cab which is so much the better car IMO although it was more expensive, so perhaps that's inevitable.
Aowhs102 said:
...
The only bad bits are the imobiliser cards, which have caused endless problems and the sat nav, which is awefull.
The throttle response I dont really like, it lags behing your foot by a second or so heel and toe is a bit hit and miss, for me anyway....
Spot on. My only gripes too (oh, and I have an 07 so no iPod connectivity).The only bad bits are the imobiliser cards, which have caused endless problems and the sat nav, which is awefull.
The throttle response I dont really like, it lags behing your foot by a second or so heel and toe is a bit hit and miss, for me anyway....
uuf361 said:
...and went back to Porsche in the guise of a 997 TT Cab which is so much the better car IMO ...
Neither in looks, sound nor interior ambience. IMO. And I would wager not in real world speed to any great degree either.As a driver's tool, the TT is not renowned as the Pork to own.
You also don't get mistaken for a drug dealer in an Aston (unless Kahn got their hands on it).
Murph7355 said:
Aowhs102 said:
...
The only bad bits are the imobiliser cards, which have caused endless problems and the sat nav, which is awefull.
The throttle response I dont really like, it lags behing your foot by a second or so heel and toe is a bit hit and miss, for me anyway....
Spot on. My only gripes too (oh, and I have an 07 so no iPod connectivity).The only bad bits are the imobiliser cards, which have caused endless problems and the sat nav, which is awefull.
The throttle response I dont really like, it lags behing your foot by a second or so heel and toe is a bit hit and miss, for me anyway....
Also, have there been any subtle changes to design over the last 3 years (apart from engine size)?
997GT3 said:
So are these issues with both 4.3 and 4.7 models and/or all model years 06 to 09 (current)?
Also, have there been any subtle changes to design over the last 3 years (apart from engine size)?
MY08 onwards had iPod connectivity.Also, have there been any subtle changes to design over the last 3 years (apart from engine size)?
ALL of them have dogs
t satnav (unless the car was spec'd without - I'd almost be inclined to search one of these out!).Changes over the model years are well documented on here.
Very little changed on the outside unless you go for an N400 or perhaps a Sportpack car.
Inside there have been various changes - 06 to 07; 08-09.
The 4.7 is meant to be quite noticeably quicker. Doesn't sound as good though.
Hi Phil,
You and I have discussed this off Forum but just to add that, IMHO, these two cars are SO different (and both fabulous in their own ways) that we (g/f and me) are going to run both. She a 4.7V8 Roadster me a 997GT3Gen2 (well until the new Fezza/Macca arrives that is!) and I see absolutely no 'doubling up' in that combination. And I won't be disappointed whichever one I'm in as I'll be expecting different things from each.
Happy decision making!
You and I have discussed this off Forum but just to add that, IMHO, these two cars are SO different (and both fabulous in their own ways) that we (g/f and me) are going to run both. She a 4.7V8 Roadster me a 997GT3Gen2 (well until the new Fezza/Macca arrives that is!) and I see absolutely no 'doubling up' in that combination. And I won't be disappointed whichever one I'm in as I'll be expecting different things from each.
Happy decision making!
Pugsey said:
Hi Phil,
You and I have discussed this off Forum but just to add that, IMHO, these two cars are SO different (and both fabulous in their own ways) that we (g/f and me) are going to run both. She a 4.7V8 Roadster me a 997GT3Gen2 (well until the new Fezza/Macca arrives that is!) and I see absolutely no 'doubling up' in that combination. And I won't be disappointed whichever one I'm in as I'll be expecting different things from each.
Happy decision making!
A tough call. Currently debating what to run as a daily and both V8 and DB9 under consideration. Can't help feeling GT3 is a different kind of car altogether - and for driving excitement I'd stick with that over the Aston. In my case wondering about an M3 as a daily. I love the Aston image, look etc, but the couple of V8 drives I've done have left me very underwhelmed. Pugsey seems to have called it right......You and I have discussed this off Forum but just to add that, IMHO, these two cars are SO different (and both fabulous in their own ways) that we (g/f and me) are going to run both. She a 4.7V8 Roadster me a 997GT3Gen2 (well until the new Fezza/Macca arrives that is!) and I see absolutely no 'doubling up' in that combination. And I won't be disappointed whichever one I'm in as I'll be expecting different things from each.
Happy decision making!
Toughie.
I sold a 997 C2S to buy my Vantage V8. Had the 911 for about 9 months, just not really for me. Have had Aston for about 2 years now. Low mileage, garaged, not driven hard, never tracked.
Although the price range is similar you get a very different experience. 911 is solid mechanically and feels great, Aston is not built as well, but not in a dreadful way. The sat-nav is appalling, the brakes can squeak and so on, but it's still an Aston Martin.
If you want a road car to drive on UK roads then I'd say go Aston. For track days GT3 - if that's your thing.
+1 to oceantools - you get waves and smiles in an Aston, you get coffee beans and abuse in a 911.
Drive 'em both to check out the experience, it's a lovely choice to make...
I sold a 997 C2S to buy my Vantage V8. Had the 911 for about 9 months, just not really for me. Have had Aston for about 2 years now. Low mileage, garaged, not driven hard, never tracked.
Although the price range is similar you get a very different experience. 911 is solid mechanically and feels great, Aston is not built as well, but not in a dreadful way. The sat-nav is appalling, the brakes can squeak and so on, but it's still an Aston Martin.
If you want a road car to drive on UK roads then I'd say go Aston. For track days GT3 - if that's your thing.
+1 to oceantools - you get waves and smiles in an Aston, you get coffee beans and abuse in a 911.
Drive 'em both to check out the experience, it's a lovely choice to make...
I bought the GT3 because it looked stunning, was the ultimate Porsche (bar Carrera GT & GT2?) and has stunning performance. It's my fourth Porsche since Xmas 1995! You'd actually be surprised how much positive feedback i've had at petrol stations, on motorways, just driving around. I've had thumbs up, pointing, clapping, even a kid fell off his bicycle when he saw it lol. I also get pedestrians turning round to look even before I go past them.
Am I bored with Porsche as a manufacturer though after nearly 15 years? Will mine have the expensive RMS issues that seem to afflict many newer 911's incl the RS? Could I live with a slightly less focused driver's car? Amittedly, the public roads are not really the place to wring all of the GT3's 415bhp out on, although between 6000 and 8000 rpm it sounds like you're in a race car!
I think the correct decision will not be a hasty one. I may well wait for the V12V to drop into my price range, similar to what the GT3 cost me new and am hoping this would happen in the next 18 months?
Thanks again for the feedback...keep it coming as it's all helping.
Edited to add: The V8V is probably the best looking car on the roads today, which doesn't help my decision. Is it possible to put a V8V body on a GT3 chassis lol.
Am I bored with Porsche as a manufacturer though after nearly 15 years? Will mine have the expensive RMS issues that seem to afflict many newer 911's incl the RS? Could I live with a slightly less focused driver's car? Amittedly, the public roads are not really the place to wring all of the GT3's 415bhp out on, although between 6000 and 8000 rpm it sounds like you're in a race car!
I think the correct decision will not be a hasty one. I may well wait for the V12V to drop into my price range, similar to what the GT3 cost me new and am hoping this would happen in the next 18 months?
Thanks again for the feedback...keep it coming as it's all helping.
Edited to add: The V8V is probably the best looking car on the roads today, which doesn't help my decision. Is it possible to put a V8V body on a GT3 chassis lol.
Edited by 997GT3 on Wednesday 9th September 13:41
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