Anybody have any thoughts on the Aston Martin Vantage, either the V8 or V12? How about the manual vs. the paddle shifted semi-automatic?
Michael
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I liked the one in Casino Royal. It has a radical idle.
I read reviews on it that says it is disappointingly powered for what was expected and that the Carrera and Corvette were much better values.
I wonder if Michael Jordan knows?
I read reviews on it that says it is disappointingly powered for what was expected and that the Carrera and Corvette were much better values.
I wonder if Michael Jordan knows?
Casino Royale featured an Aston Martin DBS, which is bigger and longer than the Vantage.
Michael
Michael
quote:Originally posted by Cyboman:
Casino Royale featured an Aston Martin DBS, which is bigger and longer than the Vantage.
Michael
Sorry. I'm such a peasant. I don't get to the Casino much at all any more.
I drove a friend's Vanquish V12 and it was fantastic. Comfortable, civilized, everything worked, beautifully appointed interior, fit and finish was second to none and the V12 had the most linear power delivery I have ever experienced. It was quick and nimble and the brakes could pin my eyeballs to the windshield. It put a grin on my face, but not the glazed over, ear-to-ear, stupid grin my Pantera gives me. Are you shopping?
In my opinion (which, as a professional design practitioner for the last 30 years IS valid) the Aston Martin Vantage is one of the most beautifully proportioned cars ever built. If you decide to get one, I will have TWO very good reasons to comit the deadly sin of envy on you. Unless you sell me your GT5-S. 
Mark
Mark
Michael, is the Pantera going to get a garage mate? 
Whereas I agree with Mark, that the Vantage is one of the most beautifully proportioned cars ever, it's not in the same league performance wise with cars costing less than half its price. I could learn to "suffer" with 2 brand new Jaguar XKRs and still have change leftover for some nice upgrades to my Pantera. And when the F type coupe debuts in a year or so, at an even lower price, with even much higher performance, I think there will be some eye opening comparisons.
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Just in looking at the car it seems to have the same head to windshield relationship as the Mangusta does.
Looks like it puts your head very forward under the lip of the top of the glass? Interesting.
I honestly don't think that you buy an Aston Martin for performance at all. You buy it for it's uniqueness.
As has been said here, there are other cars that are half the price and twice the performance, but not twice the uniqueness.
Beautiful car but I'd rather have a 'goose. In my circles, no one would understand either anyway...except for me.
I would also think that although there are options, the right way to buy it is with the V12 and the six speed?
It may not be the World's top of the heap list but I find it difficult to believe that it would be disappointing?
Looks like as soon as you open the door you are overwhelmed with the scent of the leather?
...and the Aston Martin chic ain't too shabby either?
Looks like it puts your head very forward under the lip of the top of the glass? Interesting.
I honestly don't think that you buy an Aston Martin for performance at all. You buy it for it's uniqueness.
As has been said here, there are other cars that are half the price and twice the performance, but not twice the uniqueness.
Beautiful car but I'd rather have a 'goose. In my circles, no one would understand either anyway...except for me.
I would also think that although there are options, the right way to buy it is with the V12 and the six speed?
It may not be the World's top of the heap list but I find it difficult to believe that it would be disappointing?
Looks like as soon as you open the door you are overwhelmed with the scent of the leather?
...and the Aston Martin chic ain't too shabby either?
I whole heartedly agree that the Aston Martin Vantage has stunning lines and near perfect proportions. But such beauty does not come cheap! Especially considering that the current Jaguar XK and XKR bear such a close resemblance.
And the new Jaguar XK F-Type due out this year is even more stunning.
But that's comparing new car to new car. Now if you were looking at a use Aston Martin Vantage, you could pick up a used Vantage only a few years old with low miles for well under the cost of the new Jaguar XKR, which is probably the way I'd go if you don't want to see yourself driving down the road going the opposite direction every time you're out for a drive.
http://autos.aol.com/used-deta...tin-V8+Vantage-2007/
Keep us posted on what you do!
And the new Jaguar XK F-Type due out this year is even more stunning.
But that's comparing new car to new car. Now if you were looking at a use Aston Martin Vantage, you could pick up a used Vantage only a few years old with low miles for well under the cost of the new Jaguar XKR, which is probably the way I'd go if you don't want to see yourself driving down the road going the opposite direction every time you're out for a drive.
http://autos.aol.com/used-deta...tin-V8+Vantage-2007/
Keep us posted on what you do!
Doug is bang-on about the reasons one would choose the Aston over some other cars.
It's hard to justify the cost and performance of a vintage Pantera when it's compared to a modern Honda Civic Si, but I think most of us see beyond the price/performance stats and are more influenced by the emotional and styling benefits.
I don't think comparing a 911 to a V8 Vantage is even relevant. The same may be true (perhaps to a lesser degree) of the upcoming Jag XK-F (which I have sat in, and is really stunning). Sort of like comparing a Bentley with a Caddy. Similar, but not bought by the same people.
It's hard to justify the cost and performance of a vintage Pantera when it's compared to a modern Honda Civic Si, but I think most of us see beyond the price/performance stats and are more influenced by the emotional and styling benefits.
I don't think comparing a 911 to a V8 Vantage is even relevant. The same may be true (perhaps to a lesser degree) of the upcoming Jag XK-F (which I have sat in, and is really stunning). Sort of like comparing a Bentley with a Caddy. Similar, but not bought by the same people.
Just like the Pantera spoke to you, if the Aston speaks to you, then I would listen -- and not worry about much else.
I too like the Astons, the interiors are exquisite and the bodies are wonderful to look at. I would go for the 12 motor over the eights, but that's just me..........
Mark
I too like the Astons, the interiors are exquisite and the bodies are wonderful to look at. I would go for the 12 motor over the eights, but that's just me..........
Mark
All awesome points, and input! The Aston Martin Vantage sings to me. I just love the way it looks, outside and in and THAT'S why I'd get one! It's THAT car I want. I just can't ignore them much longer! I was considering getting a used V8 (I like the way they sound better, plus you can supercharge it), maybe an '09, or a '10. The real questions are: go sporty (white with black and red interior), or elegant (black/black, or tungsten/burgundy)? And: stick or paddle shifters?
I would like to get it as a garage mate, but it may actually be a replacement for my Pantera. Thing is, I'm not sure that even a Vantage could ever reach the level of satisfaction that I get from my Pantera. I don't think any car can. I've reached a crossroads with it, though. I bought my first Pantera in '98 when I was 30, and have had a vision in my head of what I want it to look like and be like long before that. I got my targa 5-S 10 years ago, and am ready to transform it into my vision.
I look at my Pantera as mine, to do with what I want, other's opinions be damned! The recent threads on here and on the Ferrari Forum about the values of certain Panteras, and the rarity and uniqueness of the Pavesi Targas has made me rethink the application of my vision to this particular Pantera. What I want to do is drastic and would require sheetmetal surgery, and restructuring of the interior. I'm beginning to think I should, for the car's and marque's sake, not hot rod this Pantera.
To me, selling it would be like putting down your life-long dog, or horse.
I would eventually get another '74L, or '74 GTS this time, targa it, then go off the deep end with that one. I have to have a targa though. That is the sticky wicket! So I'm seriously torn right now. Give it up for it's own good and move on to a Vantage, or listen to the little devil on my shoulder and have at it?
Don't hold back.
Michael
I would like to get it as a garage mate, but it may actually be a replacement for my Pantera. Thing is, I'm not sure that even a Vantage could ever reach the level of satisfaction that I get from my Pantera. I don't think any car can. I've reached a crossroads with it, though. I bought my first Pantera in '98 when I was 30, and have had a vision in my head of what I want it to look like and be like long before that. I got my targa 5-S 10 years ago, and am ready to transform it into my vision.
I look at my Pantera as mine, to do with what I want, other's opinions be damned! The recent threads on here and on the Ferrari Forum about the values of certain Panteras, and the rarity and uniqueness of the Pavesi Targas has made me rethink the application of my vision to this particular Pantera. What I want to do is drastic and would require sheetmetal surgery, and restructuring of the interior. I'm beginning to think I should, for the car's and marque's sake, not hot rod this Pantera.
To me, selling it would be like putting down your life-long dog, or horse.
I would eventually get another '74L, or '74 GTS this time, targa it, then go off the deep end with that one. I have to have a targa though. That is the sticky wicket! So I'm seriously torn right now. Give it up for it's own good and move on to a Vantage, or listen to the little devil on my shoulder and have at it?
Don't hold back.
Michael
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Not difficult to see the attraction and understand why at all. Enjoy and use in happiness and good health.
I fully agree with Garth66, the Aston is gorgeous but so is a Veyron. It's all related to what you desire and can afford. There is no question that the exterior design of an automobile has a visceral effect. I would venture to say that anyone who has ever bought a Pantera was first seduced by the gorgeous body, the sensual proportions, the view from any angle. I think all great sports cars through the ages have shared this attribute including the Aston. I bought a first generation XKR because I was similarly seduced by its XKE-like sensuality, the sumptuous, traditional Jaguar interior, the effortless power, and the fact that I could own a mint condition used one for less than a Toyota Camry of similar vintage. I am now considering a used 2nd generation XKR coupe (2010 or later with the 5.0 liter engine), because it "speaks" to me, I think it's stunning, it's trackable unlike my convertible, and frankly is just easier to drive than my Pantera, and I can use it everyday. And Garth, you can pick up a 2 year old XKR for less than half of its original sales price, so its relationship to the price of a used Aston will be even more pronounced. I am, however, anxious to see performance results from the new F-type.
Several Jaguar forum members have already ordered theirs (convertibles), and have been told that the V-8 is being tested against Porsche 911 Turbos and is outperforming them. I'll believe it when I see reviews, but fully loaded with every available option is about $110K, or about 60-70 grand less than the turbo Porsche. And Michael, if it's in your range, by all means, the Aston Vantage would be a spectacular acquisition. I only allow myself to dream within my ability to afford it. Maybe after we sell a few of our automated parking structures I can dream higher.
Several Jaguar forum members have already ordered theirs (convertibles), and have been told that the V-8 is being tested against Porsche 911 Turbos and is outperforming them. I'll believe it when I see reviews, but fully loaded with every available option is about $110K, or about 60-70 grand less than the turbo Porsche. And Michael, if it's in your range, by all means, the Aston Vantage would be a spectacular acquisition. I only allow myself to dream within my ability to afford it. Maybe after we sell a few of our automated parking structures I can dream higher.
I personaly love Astons, My Dad had an Am V8 in 1974, kept it till my last year of school. would love to get hold of a 1975-6 vantage, love the look of the DB9 and the new vantage.
remember that ford no longer owns Aston its now an Indian company!
remember that ford no longer owns Aston its now an Indian company!
Dude, have you driven one yet? I would do that first and see what you think. I love the exterior style of the Vantage, and tried out about 25 cars for about a year before deciding it was just too slow in the V8 anyway. A dealer wanted me to buy this real nice cobalt blue one with tan leather, but that was well over $130K. I should post you some photos of that one, I must say was real nice! In all my searching I did develop some real good connections though if interested. After driving the Vantage I kept trying to make myself like the car, whereas before I had not driven one I really loved them. It just disappointed me anyway. I know, if its all about looks, then go for it, but when you are out driving around and others want to play & race a bit, just sit back and ignore them and gracefully just drive away your own speed. But it does really look good sitting there. If you can handle that, then you will be happy. I always thought if a car looks like it should be high performance, then it should match its looks. So for me anyway it would be the V12 Vantage, but that sure is a big bump in price from the V8. So in the end I gave up on the Vantage had to go with the MBZ SL600, V12 twin turbo with RENNtech giving 650HP, 785 Torque...half the price of a Vantage too. May not look as good as a Vantage, but the combo of looks & performance worked for me on that choice. If you did an SL65 you would get 685HP and 855 LB-Ft of torque, but I know we are not talking power comparrisons here in discussing the V8 Vantage.
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Does200
Where can you find a new Vantage for $130k, or was that a used one? Or many years ago. By the time you put some options on, aren't you about twice that price out the door?
Where can you find a new Vantage for $130k, or was that a used one? Or many years ago. By the time you put some options on, aren't you about twice that price out the door?
quote:Originally posted by tberg:
Does200
Where can you find a new Vantage for $130k, or was that a used one? Or many years ago. By the time you put some options on, aren't you about twice that price out the door?
I forgot, I had actually created a photo folder when I was searching around, and the cobalt blue one is in this folder below. Maybe I will post more to the folder, as these Vantage really are a work of art in style and I took photos of most that I tried out. I can't recall if that blue one I mentioned was brand new or maybe a couple years old but just had not sold yet. I will see if I can find my info on it. But damn it was nice in person with that interior. http://www.poca.com/index.php/...ery/?g2_itemId=32996
This looks interesting: http://simeonemuseum.org/events/2013-best-of-britain
Michael,
No, it would be crazy to cut up a factory Pavesi targa --- no way should you mod it. There are so few of these things stateside, you have a real chance of getting huge dollars for it someday, but if you mod it, guys with big dollars will shy away from it and you'll really hurt the value. Just like on Antiques Roadshow when someone refinishes a piece of furniture from the Colonial Period and now it's worth a quarter of what it could be worth if it hadn't been touched. That's what you face right now -- and I hate to tell you not to mod it; like I should talk......
But in my defense, my car was just a regular 74 Pantera too, that already had been modded with a 4.6L Teksid Ford modular V8 -- so I was there with my car anyway. No blood, no foul......
By the way, yes, I would do what Does200 says too -- when the snow melts, go out and try out a V8 and then a V12 Aston; or whatever trips your trigger. That will tell the story. I have always liked red interiors, with silver, black, or light blue exteriors. Then again, my wife says that I'm strange........
Best of luck!!!!
Mark
No, it would be crazy to cut up a factory Pavesi targa --- no way should you mod it. There are so few of these things stateside, you have a real chance of getting huge dollars for it someday, but if you mod it, guys with big dollars will shy away from it and you'll really hurt the value. Just like on Antiques Roadshow when someone refinishes a piece of furniture from the Colonial Period and now it's worth a quarter of what it could be worth if it hadn't been touched. That's what you face right now -- and I hate to tell you not to mod it; like I should talk......
But in my defense, my car was just a regular 74 Pantera too, that already had been modded with a 4.6L Teksid Ford modular V8 -- so I was there with my car anyway. No blood, no foul......
By the way, yes, I would do what Does200 says too -- when the snow melts, go out and try out a V8 and then a V12 Aston; or whatever trips your trigger. That will tell the story. I have always liked red interiors, with silver, black, or light blue exteriors. Then again, my wife says that I'm strange........
Best of luck!!!!
Mark
I got this from Aston
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I love the Vantages, but you definitely need to drive one first. Are they slow cars? No, but a similarly priced or cheaper GTR will drive circles around them.
I would put the V8 Vantages I have driven on par speed wise with my fairly stock C5 Corvette convertible. They have a bit of a doggy reputation motor wise because their peak power is up in the higher rev range, but even the slowest ones have 380 hp. I haven't driven a V12 Vantage yet, but I have driven a DB9, and that V12 has wonderful torque and a great growl. The V8 sounds good when you get on it as well.
Transmission wise, the manual is a little clunky shifting but has a reputation as a solid tranny. The auto doesn't have as good of a reputation but I haven't heard a lot of horror stories like the auto they used to put in the DB9's. Aston had to actually refit manual trannies to some of the DB9's to make owners happy. The V8 auto is not the same as the DB9's.
I personally think they are much better looking than the Jags, but most of the general public won't know the difference.
Price wise, you can get a brand new 2012 convert V8 for $125,000. I think low mileage used Vantages are some of the best bargains available right now. They upped the power and displacement in 2009.
Supercharging is available aftermarket and ESX wants about $28,000 list for the turnkey kit, installation and tuning. There was actually an ESX supercharged 2007 V8 on ebay a couple of weeks ago in Dallas with a buy it now of $74,888 that was intriguing to me. They didn't show any bids so they might still have it. Let me know and I can send you the link if you are interested.
The V8 Vantage is a wonderful, civilized well balanced car to drive. It is classy. It won't win many stoplight drag races, but that's not what it's for. Like my Pantera, I can't stop smiling while I'm driving one.
As far as your Targa, that is one of the very few Pantera's that I wouldn't significantly modify.
It will be interesting to see your impression after driving one.
Mike
I would put the V8 Vantages I have driven on par speed wise with my fairly stock C5 Corvette convertible. They have a bit of a doggy reputation motor wise because their peak power is up in the higher rev range, but even the slowest ones have 380 hp. I haven't driven a V12 Vantage yet, but I have driven a DB9, and that V12 has wonderful torque and a great growl. The V8 sounds good when you get on it as well.
Transmission wise, the manual is a little clunky shifting but has a reputation as a solid tranny. The auto doesn't have as good of a reputation but I haven't heard a lot of horror stories like the auto they used to put in the DB9's. Aston had to actually refit manual trannies to some of the DB9's to make owners happy. The V8 auto is not the same as the DB9's.
I personally think they are much better looking than the Jags, but most of the general public won't know the difference.
Price wise, you can get a brand new 2012 convert V8 for $125,000. I think low mileage used Vantages are some of the best bargains available right now. They upped the power and displacement in 2009.
Supercharging is available aftermarket and ESX wants about $28,000 list for the turnkey kit, installation and tuning. There was actually an ESX supercharged 2007 V8 on ebay a couple of weeks ago in Dallas with a buy it now of $74,888 that was intriguing to me. They didn't show any bids so they might still have it. Let me know and I can send you the link if you are interested.
The V8 Vantage is a wonderful, civilized well balanced car to drive. It is classy. It won't win many stoplight drag races, but that's not what it's for. Like my Pantera, I can't stop smiling while I'm driving one.
As far as your Targa, that is one of the very few Pantera's that I wouldn't significantly modify.
It will be interesting to see your impression after driving one.
Mike
I love Aston's and have lusted after one for years. We could argue the performance value for days, but seriously, other than bragging rights the Aston will fulfill your performance desirs...how often do you hit 200 anyway? What sets an Aston apart from the rest is it shows class, a man of good taste and sophistication. Think of Astons as a fitted suit, and most everything else is off the rack. If I had the means, I would definitely have an Aston Martin.
Yum yum, some tricked out ones here: http://www.luxury4play.com/ast...icture-thread-2.html
ktmike,
I really do beg to differ with your opinion of Jaguars. Don't get me wrong, I think the Vantage is the best looking Aston, and one of the most beautiful cars ever, but there is room for other great autos on the gorgeous list as well. I think the new Jaguar F type in both convertible and coupe forms is stunning, and in V-8 let alone V-6 versions will most assuredly outperform the Vantage (V-12 notwithstanding). I can't wait for the coupe to be made available as I would consider it as my next purchase.
I really do beg to differ with your opinion of Jaguars. Don't get me wrong, I think the Vantage is the best looking Aston, and one of the most beautiful cars ever, but there is room for other great autos on the gorgeous list as well. I think the new Jaguar F type in both convertible and coupe forms is stunning, and in V-8 let alone V-6 versions will most assuredly outperform the Vantage (V-12 notwithstanding). I can't wait for the coupe to be made available as I would consider it as my next purchase.
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That's why I said "I personally think".
I agree that the F-type looks like it will be a very attractive car, but I haven't had the pleasure of seeing one in person yet. Much like the new Corvette, I am reserving my judgement until I actually see one live.
I totally agree with you, we happen to live in a time when there are tons of beautiful cars available, and I actually like the way the Jags look, just not as much as the Aston. I hope Jaguar sells a ton of them. I'm seriously considering an XF to replace my wifes BMW. I even like Jan's Merc, it would continue the theme of my GT-5 clone with big bulges and fat tires.
Of course the F-type needs fender flares and a wing on the back to compete with my Pantera.
Mike
I agree that the F-type looks like it will be a very attractive car, but I haven't had the pleasure of seeing one in person yet. Much like the new Corvette, I am reserving my judgement until I actually see one live.
I totally agree with you, we happen to live in a time when there are tons of beautiful cars available, and I actually like the way the Jags look, just not as much as the Aston. I hope Jaguar sells a ton of them. I'm seriously considering an XF to replace my wifes BMW. I even like Jan's Merc, it would continue the theme of my GT-5 clone with big bulges and fat tires.
Of course the F-type needs fender flares and a wing on the back to compete with my Pantera.
Mike
quote:Originally posted by Macmange:
I got this from Aston
Is she available for a test drive?
Those Jags really are beautiful. Not to continue beating a dead horse but yes, the acceleration of the 4.3L V8 Vantage is somewhat disappointing for the owner of a Pantera or other higher-powered sports car. It isn't slow but you are left waiting a bit for the revs to come up before it starts to get exciting at all. The car handles well and the interior is a really, really nice place to spend time as you enjoy your day. A Pantera replacement? I think you will be disappointed as the car is very different than your Pantera. As a stablemate? Yes, you will be happy with the Vantage (V8 or V12)because you get the best of both worlds. You have sophistication or brutality. Pick your poison.
BTW, I have an early V8 Vantage if that adds any credibility at all.
BTW, I have an early V8 Vantage if that adds any credibility at all.
Cybo, get the black one!
Cybo disappeared. Maybe test driving Vantage. On page 19 of my POCA link below, I saw a frosty white one which looked real nice...as VH say, Get Frosty!!
http://www.poca.com/index.php/...emId=2691&g2_page=19
http://www.poca.com/index.php/...emId=2691&g2_page=19