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.