650S Spider or V12 Vantage S Roadster?
Discussion
Hi all,
Having sold a 981 Boxster S a couple of years ago I am feeling the urge to get back into a convertible. Looking at around an up to £85k budget, the two stand out options to me look like a 650S Spider or a V12 Vantage S Roadster.
It might be a long shot, but has anyone on here driven/owned both? Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
In terms of the role of the car, I will be looking to do probably a maximum of 5,000 miles per annum. Needs to get me out for weekend drives down some good B roads, and also a couple of week long trips away such as to Scotland or Europe. I have no desire to track the car, although I wonder how many other Mclaren owners may have initially had the same thought and changed their mind…
I have exhausted all reviews and youtube content and my thoughts are:
Performance & Handling - 650S a step up compared to the Vantage, however for road use is it too capable? I daily a GR Yaris and even with a fraction of the power there are times when it is way too capable for road driving. Looking at the Vantage the potential concern I have is whether it is a bit of a traction nightmare even with some good tyres on, is it quite intimidating to drive fast?
Engine & Sound – Must admit the Vantage is tempting to scratch the V12 itch and to enjoy that noise. Although the more videos I watch I can appreciate the 650S sounds much better than I initially thought, and the ability to drop the rear window seems a brilliant feature.
Ride – Seems to be a massive advantage to the 650S, the idea of being able to still enjoy the state of our B roads really appeals, the Vantage I assume struggles comparatively?
Gearbox - I note the mixed thoughts on the Sportshift gearbox on the Vantage, however I own an MC Stradale and personally really enjoy the MC Shift box due to the required involvement, I am assuming (perhaps wrongly) the Sportshift is a very similar box. I am also assuming the 650S Spider gearbox will feel similar to the PDK box I had on the Boxster.
Looks – Not too bothered here and of course subjective. Vantage already starting to look like a classic in my eyes, but the 650S ticks the supercar looks box.
Luggage – Big plus point for the Vantage and it can take golf clubs albeit that is not a deal breaker. The Mclaren from what I can read seems to have enough space to manage a week away so in summary I have concluded both will work for the role of the car.
Running costs – Fully onboard with ensuring a PPI is essential and personally I will want warranty for at least the first couple of years. All in budgeting £5k per annum (exc fuel).
Depreciation – The dirty word on here and fully accept to take a hit on either if I was to move it on after a couple of years. Longer term I wonder if the Vantage may have the edge but this is not a factor high up the list to base the decision upon.
I should mention I have tried to look further afield. F Type SVR, R8 V10, AMG GT I am struggling to get excited about. If I was to put a third choice into the mix it would probably be a 981 or 718 Spyder but I am not convinced they will feel as special as the two main options I am considering.
Thanks for reading, and I would look to test drive both in due course just conscious there is sometimes only so much you can take away and always keen to hear from people who have driven extensively or owned these cars.
Note I put this in the Mclaren forum on the assumption it will likely have the best chance of finding someone who has experience of both! If thread needs to be moved elsewhere no problem.
Having sold a 981 Boxster S a couple of years ago I am feeling the urge to get back into a convertible. Looking at around an up to £85k budget, the two stand out options to me look like a 650S Spider or a V12 Vantage S Roadster.
It might be a long shot, but has anyone on here driven/owned both? Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
In terms of the role of the car, I will be looking to do probably a maximum of 5,000 miles per annum. Needs to get me out for weekend drives down some good B roads, and also a couple of week long trips away such as to Scotland or Europe. I have no desire to track the car, although I wonder how many other Mclaren owners may have initially had the same thought and changed their mind…
I have exhausted all reviews and youtube content and my thoughts are:
Performance & Handling - 650S a step up compared to the Vantage, however for road use is it too capable? I daily a GR Yaris and even with a fraction of the power there are times when it is way too capable for road driving. Looking at the Vantage the potential concern I have is whether it is a bit of a traction nightmare even with some good tyres on, is it quite intimidating to drive fast?
Engine & Sound – Must admit the Vantage is tempting to scratch the V12 itch and to enjoy that noise. Although the more videos I watch I can appreciate the 650S sounds much better than I initially thought, and the ability to drop the rear window seems a brilliant feature.
Ride – Seems to be a massive advantage to the 650S, the idea of being able to still enjoy the state of our B roads really appeals, the Vantage I assume struggles comparatively?
Gearbox - I note the mixed thoughts on the Sportshift gearbox on the Vantage, however I own an MC Stradale and personally really enjoy the MC Shift box due to the required involvement, I am assuming (perhaps wrongly) the Sportshift is a very similar box. I am also assuming the 650S Spider gearbox will feel similar to the PDK box I had on the Boxster.
Looks – Not too bothered here and of course subjective. Vantage already starting to look like a classic in my eyes, but the 650S ticks the supercar looks box.
Luggage – Big plus point for the Vantage and it can take golf clubs albeit that is not a deal breaker. The Mclaren from what I can read seems to have enough space to manage a week away so in summary I have concluded both will work for the role of the car.
Running costs – Fully onboard with ensuring a PPI is essential and personally I will want warranty for at least the first couple of years. All in budgeting £5k per annum (exc fuel).
Depreciation – The dirty word on here and fully accept to take a hit on either if I was to move it on after a couple of years. Longer term I wonder if the Vantage may have the edge but this is not a factor high up the list to base the decision upon.
I should mention I have tried to look further afield. F Type SVR, R8 V10, AMG GT I am struggling to get excited about. If I was to put a third choice into the mix it would probably be a 981 or 718 Spyder but I am not convinced they will feel as special as the two main options I am considering.
Thanks for reading, and I would look to test drive both in due course just conscious there is sometimes only so much you can take away and always keen to hear from people who have driven extensively or owned these cars.
Note I put this in the Mclaren forum on the assumption it will likely have the best chance of finding someone who has experience of both! If thread needs to be moved elsewhere no problem.
I have a 650 spider and a manual V12 Vantage Coupe (not S). I had an extended test drive of the “manual” S and concluded it really still had all the issues of the original with just the small advantage of suspension settings.
I’ve kept the V12V as I was reluctant to let go of a manual NA V12, but it is rarely driven. In comparison to the 650 it is, frankly, awful to drive. Indeed as you’ve noted the 650 actually sounds pretty good and much better INSIDE the car but you need a spider with the backlight for this. Of course the V12 has immediate throttle response (especially in the artificially boosted sports mode), but just keeping the revs up in the 650 actually delivers a much bigger hit. And you can get all that power down in the 650 which you cannot in the Aston.
I also like the interior of the 650s - feels like a nice balance vs the Apple Watch look of the newer cars and the old man look of the Aston.
The steering, forward visibility and mid-engined nimble feel of the 650 make the much slower Aston feel even slower. Yes absolutely noticeable even without breaking the law on the open road.
It’s bit like going for a Harley rather than a sports bike. That’s the choice you’ll have to make for yourself. And also if you’re really about driving or hand-wringing about “value”.
I’ve kept the V12V as I was reluctant to let go of a manual NA V12, but it is rarely driven. In comparison to the 650 it is, frankly, awful to drive. Indeed as you’ve noted the 650 actually sounds pretty good and much better INSIDE the car but you need a spider with the backlight for this. Of course the V12 has immediate throttle response (especially in the artificially boosted sports mode), but just keeping the revs up in the 650 actually delivers a much bigger hit. And you can get all that power down in the 650 which you cannot in the Aston.
I also like the interior of the 650s - feels like a nice balance vs the Apple Watch look of the newer cars and the old man look of the Aston.
The steering, forward visibility and mid-engined nimble feel of the 650 make the much slower Aston feel even slower. Yes absolutely noticeable even without breaking the law on the open road.
It’s bit like going for a Harley rather than a sports bike. That’s the choice you’ll have to make for yourself. And also if you’re really about driving or hand-wringing about “value”.
Edited by 12pack on Sunday 12th May 12:57
I think the v12 vantage is over rated. I tried a load before and ended up in a vanquish. Which is now gone and replaced with a 650s. I think the running costs are the same, 650s will hold its money better.
Also, 650s is a super car. Even today it can hold its own. Vantage is a sports car that doesn’t ride as well as a 650s
Also, 650s is a super car. Even today it can hold its own. Vantage is a sports car that doesn’t ride as well as a 650s
Never had a Vantage, but have a VanqS and a 720s. The Aston never really gets used now. It looks like that's what others will say also. One thing is certain though, the Aston sounds an awful lot better!
You should actually post the same question in the Aston Martin forum, it's used a lot more and you'll get more/different replies
You should actually post the same question in the Aston Martin forum, it's used a lot more and you'll get more/different replies
Have just taken delivery of a new to me 650s spider replacing a DB9 volante (convertible) - which I owned for 10 years and thought I’d never sell it. So not a direct comparison, but … Your pros and cons are on the money with just two exceptions… luggage space in the 650s is woeful. Inside the cabin there is barely room for an ipad. I certainly couldn’t see me + 1 going on a trip anywhere in it, but secondly and possibly more importantly what are your expectations of the owner community. I am not in the UK, but the Aston community is quite special. There is something about a line of 20-30 aston’s driving to a lunch venue that I will really miss. 20 McLaren’s won’t have the same vibe. Don’t get me wrong, I love my 650s, its a drivers car, but I am staying in AMOC (the Aston Martin Owners Club). If the community aspect is important to you (and I think it should be..) then perhaps go hang out with some Aston people and then some McLaren people and work out which one you are.
Edited by mrpseudonym on Monday 13th May 10:19
Edited by mrpseudonym on Monday 13th May 10:21
Many thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
12 Pack - Interesting observations, appreciate you own the V12 Coupe but do you think would be inclined to use it more if it was a Convertible with more access to that great sound and perhaps a slightly difference experience? I did not actually cover interior in my observations (you can tell from my current cars the standard to compare to is low), but I will concede the interior of 650 is excellent. I think the Aston is ok, but would only consider with the lightweight seats which would be a deal breaker.
ANOpax - Yes fair comment!
Frankychops - You got by the looks of things a fantastic deal on that spider recently, was a great spec too so hope you enjoy.
MMarkM - If it was not for the noise of the Aston and the V12 angle I would not even be asking this question!
mrpseudonym - If I am honest the community aspect is not something I have ever engaged in, keep in mind it took me 70 months on here to make 1 post so I am not sure what the conversion rate is to then meeting fellow enthusiasts in person. Perhaps I will have the courage in 20 years. Quite surprised by your comments on luggage space, I had convinced myself that with soft bags and careful packing the front book could just about handle a week away, I better look into this further as would be a waste for the car not to fulfill this role. I appreciate the roof can provide a bit of additional storage but not something I find that appealing due to the fact you lose the ability for the roof to go down.
12 Pack - Interesting observations, appreciate you own the V12 Coupe but do you think would be inclined to use it more if it was a Convertible with more access to that great sound and perhaps a slightly difference experience? I did not actually cover interior in my observations (you can tell from my current cars the standard to compare to is low), but I will concede the interior of 650 is excellent. I think the Aston is ok, but would only consider with the lightweight seats which would be a deal breaker.
ANOpax - Yes fair comment!
Frankychops - You got by the looks of things a fantastic deal on that spider recently, was a great spec too so hope you enjoy.
MMarkM - If it was not for the noise of the Aston and the V12 angle I would not even be asking this question!
mrpseudonym - If I am honest the community aspect is not something I have ever engaged in, keep in mind it took me 70 months on here to make 1 post so I am not sure what the conversion rate is to then meeting fellow enthusiasts in person. Perhaps I will have the courage in 20 years. Quite surprised by your comments on luggage space, I had convinced myself that with soft bags and careful packing the front book could just about handle a week away, I better look into this further as would be a waste for the car not to fulfill this role. I appreciate the roof can provide a bit of additional storage but not something I find that appealing due to the fact you lose the ability for the roof to go down.
Trident04 said:
Many thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
12 Pack - Interesting observations, appreciate you own the V12 Coupe but do you think would be inclined to use it more if it was a Convertible with more access to that great sound and perhaps a slightly difference experience? I did not actually cover interior in my observations (you can tell from my current cars the standard to compare to is low), but I will concede the interior of 650 is excellent. I think the Aston is ok, but would only consider with the lightweight seats which would be a deal breaker.
TBH I would never consider a convertible if it didn’t have the super stiff carbon tub. I did have access to a V8 Vantage roadster and previously had a 355 spider, which were the basis for this. You can really feel those cars flexing, even with all the additional weight they carry to stiffest them up.12 Pack - Interesting observations, appreciate you own the V12 Coupe but do you think would be inclined to use it more if it was a Convertible with more access to that great sound and perhaps a slightly difference experience? I did not actually cover interior in my observations (you can tell from my current cars the standard to compare to is low), but I will concede the interior of 650 is excellent. I think the Aston is ok, but would only consider with the lightweight seats which would be a deal breaker.
@trident04 apologies I should have been more specific. My comments on luggage space were purely related to the interior of the cabin. Yes the boot has enough space for the type of car, but if you are going on a trip you need space in the cabin. The 650s has very little. Normally you would expect space behind the seats on a mid engined sports car, but not in this one..
Had a V12VS a while back which I liked alot really great noise and a hugely characterful car with a real feelgood factor to ownership. I probably didn’t keep it for as long as normal as I had a McLaren itch that badly needed scratching so after 18 months in the Vantage I swapped it for a 570s coupe. Quite a step up dynamically and in a different league in terms of pace, last year I changed from that to a 600 Spider which is more of the same but with things dialled right up to 11. Haven’t driven a 650s so can’t comment on how they are but being objective I’d say the only area the Aston wins is in the noise department (which is awesome of course). Having said that I do sometimes miss that V12 noise so would consider a Vanquish S or similar at some point but it seems those who have both tend to choose the McLaren for those b road blasts.
mrpseudonym said:
@trident04 apologies I should have been more specific. My comments on luggage space were purely related to the interior of the cabin. Yes the boot has enough space for the type of car, but if you are going on a trip you need space in the cabin. The 650s has very little. Normally you would expect space behind the seats on a mid engined sports car, but not in this one..
The coupe has some space behind the seats :-) Just sayin' and I know OP was looking for a spider.
ANOpax said:
1 post in 70 months?! Top lurking 
But asking whether you should choose a McLaren or Aston on a Macca forum is like going into a steakhouse and asking whether you should choose the ribeye or the Caesar salad.
“ but has anyone on here driven/owned both? Any thoughts would be much appreciated” But asking whether you should choose a McLaren or Aston on a Macca forum is like going into a steakhouse and asking whether you should choose the ribeye or the Caesar salad.
Why should asking that Q here influence the answer?
Frankychops said:
But the vantage isn’t a super car ??
I’d honestly go for a vanquish over a vantage
I’d say the Vantage is a lot closer to a 650 or other Mac in terms of dynamics. A Vanquish is really a soft roader GT.I’d honestly go for a vanquish over a vantage
But, OP I think you’ve heard enough opinions now - go out and drive them! And let us know how you get on.
We did 1400m round Scotland recently in a superb group of mclarens from the owners club, many of them 650s who seemed to have no trouble whatsoever with soft cases and bags for a weeks holiday. They are also seriously rapid cars. 27 cars in total, stopped traffic and drew a few crowds. The owners club is £50 a year too! Fabulous.
I haven’t owned both but I did look at both .
For me the heart and soul of a car is its engine so the Aston won ,especially as the one I bought was manual Vantage S but those are now very difficult to find .
The McLaren is faster but the question is where can you use it and I’ve never been driving the Aston and thinking I need to go faster in fact I would say it’s a far more engaging car at sensible speeds .
Just go and test drive both and buy the one you prefer , they are both fabulous .
For me the heart and soul of a car is its engine so the Aston won ,especially as the one I bought was manual Vantage S but those are now very difficult to find .
The McLaren is faster but the question is where can you use it and I’ve never been driving the Aston and thinking I need to go faster in fact I would say it’s a far more engaging car at sensible speeds .
Just go and test drive both and buy the one you prefer , they are both fabulous .
franki68 said:
Just go and test drive both and buy the one you prefer , they are both fabulous .
This ^^^^^^^^^^^^Two other things you (OP) haven't considered in your desktop comparison;
1 The Aston is smaller, which matters on B-road blasts.
2 The Aston is fugly with the roof up and it's a soft top vs the Macca's much more robust and aesthetically pleasing hard top.
ANOpax said:
This ^^^^^^^^^^^^
Two other things you (OP) haven't considered in your desktop comparison;
1 The Aston is smaller, which matters on B-road blasts.
2 The Aston is fugly with the roof up and it's a soft top vs the Macca's much more robust and aesthetically pleasing hard top.
Point 1 is so true , a huge reason I went for one ..size does matter .The McLaren though is quite good for a Supercar with excellent visibility .Two other things you (OP) haven't considered in your desktop comparison;
1 The Aston is smaller, which matters on B-road blasts.
2 The Aston is fugly with the roof up and it's a soft top vs the Macca's much more robust and aesthetically pleasing hard top.
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