Daily Drive Supercar - again! Stradale/911 Turbo/Virage/i8
Discussion
If it were me I would get a Stradale in a heartbeat. They feel faster and more responsive than a regular MC-Shift and the noise in race is a step up from the MC-Shift, but as with the older car can be toned down when you need to, but is simply one of the best sounding cars you can buy, bar none. Astons are good, but not in the same league.
These cars are also the last swan song for an era that I fear we will never see the likes of again, analogue, naturally aspirated V8 that safety and emissions legislation will not allow to be made again. In years to come I believe the Stradale is going to be the GranTurismo that everyone wants, with prices to match and there is a reason for that. Whilst they may not be the most technically advanced and the i8 and 911 will feel far more modern, the Stradale has that elusive thing called soul, something the Germans simply do not have. To be fair, the Astons also have it to a degree and also have fine engines and again are the last of their kind before the twin turbo V12 comes in, but to my mind they do not offer the same sense of occasion or interaction as the Maser and that is why if it were my money the Stradale would be an easy choice.
Good luck and let us know what you go for.
These cars are also the last swan song for an era that I fear we will never see the likes of again, analogue, naturally aspirated V8 that safety and emissions legislation will not allow to be made again. In years to come I believe the Stradale is going to be the GranTurismo that everyone wants, with prices to match and there is a reason for that. Whilst they may not be the most technically advanced and the i8 and 911 will feel far more modern, the Stradale has that elusive thing called soul, something the Germans simply do not have. To be fair, the Astons also have it to a degree and also have fine engines and again are the last of their kind before the twin turbo V12 comes in, but to my mind they do not offer the same sense of occasion or interaction as the Maser and that is why if it were my money the Stradale would be an easy choice.
Good luck and let us know what you go for.
I run a BMW i8 as a daily driver and it is fantastic (I did the same with a couple of 991s and DBSs - never owned a Maserati). The i8 really grows on you and I think I'll now find it hard to go back to an Aston/Porsche from here - it just feels years ahead. It's a no-brainer for London driving (if relevant to you), and it's fantastic long distance. I found the build quality to be as good as anything and far better than Astons which all came with squeeks, rattles and occasional niggles as standard.
You're obviously missing the sound element when compared to Masers and Astons (esp the Stradale which sounds about as good as it gets). It's very cheap to run - there's no road tax, no service bills for 5 years (if optioned) and fuel costs are obviously far cheaper than most. With a DBS, factor in 1.5-2k pa servicing, 10-15mpg, + a couple of dealer trips for things that tend to happen.
i8 downsides; the boot is tiny (but back seats almost usable), fuel tank too small, and I'm getting c. 30mpg driving it hard (but I never charge it).
On balance, a great car - definitely worth a weekend test drive if you can. Keep it in the mix.
You're obviously missing the sound element when compared to Masers and Astons (esp the Stradale which sounds about as good as it gets). It's very cheap to run - there's no road tax, no service bills for 5 years (if optioned) and fuel costs are obviously far cheaper than most. With a DBS, factor in 1.5-2k pa servicing, 10-15mpg, + a couple of dealer trips for things that tend to happen.
i8 downsides; the boot is tiny (but back seats almost usable), fuel tank too small, and I'm getting c. 30mpg driving it hard (but I never charge it).
On balance, a great car - definitely worth a weekend test drive if you can. Keep it in the mix.
Here's my two thoughts from experience...
Bentley Conti GTC - hugely underestimated as a daily, great sense of occasion, everyone seems to love them, great reaction, loved mine.
Ferrari FF - Again great as a daily, I use mine every day, sound fantastic, great sense of occasion, attracts little attention, free servicing!
Bentley Conti GTC - hugely underestimated as a daily, great sense of occasion, everyone seems to love them, great reaction, loved mine.
Ferrari FF - Again great as a daily, I use mine every day, sound fantastic, great sense of occasion, attracts little attention, free servicing!
I've got a DB9 LM which I use on a daily basis. It's not as fast as a DBS or Virage, but is very capable. I find the looks to be miles ahead of your other options. I'm not a fan of the Maser at all...it just looks too big. And it may sound good, but so does the AM V12.
I test drove a Conti GT a couple of weeks ago. Very fast, very nice inside but didn't feel remotely sporty. And no one ever let me out of a side road, unlike in my DB9.
Downsides to the AM's are the boot is pretty small, the back seats are useless unless the passengers are sub 7/8 years old, reliability can be an issue. Mine had loads of issues over first 12 mths of ownership (mostly all sorted by warranty).
I test drove a Conti GT a couple of weeks ago. Very fast, very nice inside but didn't feel remotely sporty. And no one ever let me out of a side road, unlike in my DB9.
Downsides to the AM's are the boot is pretty small, the back seats are useless unless the passengers are sub 7/8 years old, reliability can be an issue. Mine had loads of issues over first 12 mths of ownership (mostly all sorted by warranty).
Chaps,
Thank you all so much for your comments and contributions, it really is helpful getting so much insight from people who have actually owned these vehicles rather than journos that have ragged it around a track.
To try to broadly respond to everyone's kind suggestions/comments;
Maserati - I am out on this sadly, having considered it long and hard. I have had 2 x Granturismos before and one reason I got out of it second time round is it felt a bit dated. Having had a 991 turbo since and currently in a Panamera, this reservation definitely wont be overcome by getting in a Stradale instead. I am used to seamless bluetooth streaming, great sat nav, electrics that work, touchscreen etc and going back into a Masser would feel a bit of a step back in this respect. Also had some reliability issues with them in the past. The noise is what draws me toward them, but as someone else has pointed out that cant be a sole reason for buying a car. Still think they're superb cars and would recommend them to someone in the right circumstances, but the reality is noise aside I feel there is a lot of compromise to be made to own one - more compromise than sticking with the Panamera. I will definitely be keeping a keen eye on the next generation of these though!
DBS/Virage - as mentioned, sat in a couple at AM and have test drives for a DBS and Virage lined up for Feb 6th. The DBS is beaut, had seen someone in the Aston forums post a link to this which is just perfect; http://www.stratstone.com/search/vehicledetails/us...
I need to spend a bit more time in one, I am a bit concerned that I couldn't get comfortable in there (6 ft 4 and long limbed). The Panamera is so comfortable from a cabin size perspective, as was the Maserati, not really wanting to buy something I get sick of driving within few weeks. Will see how I go on the drive. Love the Vanquish, amazing, and at £120k not much gap between the price of one of these and a DBS. But definitely too flash to sit on a driveway, would need to be after a house move so perhaps the car after next
I8 - toyed with the idea but realise I am forcing myself to want one rather than really wanting one. Cool car but just not for me, I want something that will do more harm to the environment and burst some ear drums
On the other suggestions, looked at an F Type Coupe, couldn't get comfortable and found it cramped. What a noise though. FF way out my price range but thanks for causing some wishful thinking.
There is a bit of me that thinks exploring these other options has made me realise how much I really like the Panamera - I think dependent on what happens on the DBS test drive the answer may lie in sticking with the Pan but part exing it for the Turbo version if I can get one that has had a big chunk of depreciation taken out of it. I get to keep the refinement, badge, reliability, size, comfort, road presence and practicality but get a great noise and performance too. This is all boxes ticked in a way that a Bentley Continental or FF can do, but within the parameters of being able to be sat on a drive near a main road and not attracting too much attention.
So looking like stick but with a quick change of engine, or DBS if it totally wows me and I manage to find a seating position that doesnt involve my knees by my ears.
Thanks again forumers, your collective wisdom has again proved both helpful and enlightening
Thank you all so much for your comments and contributions, it really is helpful getting so much insight from people who have actually owned these vehicles rather than journos that have ragged it around a track.
To try to broadly respond to everyone's kind suggestions/comments;
Maserati - I am out on this sadly, having considered it long and hard. I have had 2 x Granturismos before and one reason I got out of it second time round is it felt a bit dated. Having had a 991 turbo since and currently in a Panamera, this reservation definitely wont be overcome by getting in a Stradale instead. I am used to seamless bluetooth streaming, great sat nav, electrics that work, touchscreen etc and going back into a Masser would feel a bit of a step back in this respect. Also had some reliability issues with them in the past. The noise is what draws me toward them, but as someone else has pointed out that cant be a sole reason for buying a car. Still think they're superb cars and would recommend them to someone in the right circumstances, but the reality is noise aside I feel there is a lot of compromise to be made to own one - more compromise than sticking with the Panamera. I will definitely be keeping a keen eye on the next generation of these though!
DBS/Virage - as mentioned, sat in a couple at AM and have test drives for a DBS and Virage lined up for Feb 6th. The DBS is beaut, had seen someone in the Aston forums post a link to this which is just perfect; http://www.stratstone.com/search/vehicledetails/us...
I need to spend a bit more time in one, I am a bit concerned that I couldn't get comfortable in there (6 ft 4 and long limbed). The Panamera is so comfortable from a cabin size perspective, as was the Maserati, not really wanting to buy something I get sick of driving within few weeks. Will see how I go on the drive. Love the Vanquish, amazing, and at £120k not much gap between the price of one of these and a DBS. But definitely too flash to sit on a driveway, would need to be after a house move so perhaps the car after next
I8 - toyed with the idea but realise I am forcing myself to want one rather than really wanting one. Cool car but just not for me, I want something that will do more harm to the environment and burst some ear drums
On the other suggestions, looked at an F Type Coupe, couldn't get comfortable and found it cramped. What a noise though. FF way out my price range but thanks for causing some wishful thinking.
There is a bit of me that thinks exploring these other options has made me realise how much I really like the Panamera - I think dependent on what happens on the DBS test drive the answer may lie in sticking with the Pan but part exing it for the Turbo version if I can get one that has had a big chunk of depreciation taken out of it. I get to keep the refinement, badge, reliability, size, comfort, road presence and practicality but get a great noise and performance too. This is all boxes ticked in a way that a Bentley Continental or FF can do, but within the parameters of being able to be sat on a drive near a main road and not attracting too much attention.
So looking like stick but with a quick change of engine, or DBS if it totally wows me and I manage to find a seating position that doesnt involve my knees by my ears.
Thanks again forumers, your collective wisdom has again proved both helpful and enlightening
simong800 said:
Chaps,
Thank you all so much for your comments and contributions, it really is helpful getting so much insight from people who have actually owned these vehicles rather than journos that have ragged it around a track.
To try to broadly respond to everyone's kind suggestions/comments;
Maserati - I am out on this sadly, having considered it long and hard. I have had 2 x Granturismos before and one reason I got out of it second time round is it felt a bit dated. Having had a 991 turbo since and currently in a Panamera, this reservation definitely wont be overcome by getting in a Stradale instead. I am used to seamless bluetooth streaming, great sat nav, electrics that work, touchscreen etc and going back into a Masser would feel a bit of a step back in this respect. Also had some reliability issues with them in the past. The noise is what draws me toward them, but as someone else has pointed out that cant be a sole reason for buying a car. Still think they're superb cars and would recommend them to someone in the right circumstances, but the reality is noise aside I feel there is a lot of compromise to be made to own one - more compromise than sticking with the Panamera. I will definitely be keeping a keen eye on the next generation of these though!
DBS/Virage - as mentioned, sat in a couple at AM and have test drives for a DBS and Virage lined up for Feb 6th. The DBS is beaut, had seen someone in the Aston forums post a link to this which is just perfect; http://www.stratstone.com/search/vehicledetails/us...
I need to spend a bit more time in one, I am a bit concerned that I couldn't get comfortable in there (6 ft 4 and long limbed). The Panamera is so comfortable from a cabin size perspective, as was the Maserati, not really wanting to buy something I get sick of driving within few weeks. Will see how I go on the drive. Love the Vanquish, amazing, and at £120k not much gap between the price of one of these and a DBS. But definitely too flash to sit on a driveway, would need to be after a house move so perhaps the car after next
I8 - toyed with the idea but realise I am forcing myself to want one rather than really wanting one. Cool car but just not for me, I want something that will do more harm to the environment and burst some ear drums
On the other suggestions, looked at an F Type Coupe, couldn't get comfortable and found it cramped. What a noise though. FF way out my price range but thanks for causing some wishful thinking.
There is a bit of me that thinks exploring these other options has made me realise how much I really like the Panamera - I think dependent on what happens on the DBS test drive the answer may lie in sticking with the Pan but part exing it for the Turbo version if I can get one that has had a big chunk of depreciation taken out of it. I get to keep the refinement, badge, reliability, size, comfort, road presence and practicality but get a great noise and performance too. This is all boxes ticked in a way that a Bentley Continental or FF can do, but within the parameters of being able to be sat on a drive near a main road and not attracting too much attention.
So looking like stick but with a quick change of engine, or DBS if it totally wows me and I manage to find a seating position that doesnt involve my knees by my ears.
Thanks again forumers, your collective wisdom has again proved both helpful and enlightening
If you are worried about the Maserati feeling dated wait until you live with a DBS(9) - possibly one of the worst experiences I had in owning a car when I had my DB9. Slight drop in battery voltage causes all sorts of niggles and the Nav and audio system are much more dated than in a Maserati - at least we have a hard drive in the Mazza Thank you all so much for your comments and contributions, it really is helpful getting so much insight from people who have actually owned these vehicles rather than journos that have ragged it around a track.
To try to broadly respond to everyone's kind suggestions/comments;
Maserati - I am out on this sadly, having considered it long and hard. I have had 2 x Granturismos before and one reason I got out of it second time round is it felt a bit dated. Having had a 991 turbo since and currently in a Panamera, this reservation definitely wont be overcome by getting in a Stradale instead. I am used to seamless bluetooth streaming, great sat nav, electrics that work, touchscreen etc and going back into a Masser would feel a bit of a step back in this respect. Also had some reliability issues with them in the past. The noise is what draws me toward them, but as someone else has pointed out that cant be a sole reason for buying a car. Still think they're superb cars and would recommend them to someone in the right circumstances, but the reality is noise aside I feel there is a lot of compromise to be made to own one - more compromise than sticking with the Panamera. I will definitely be keeping a keen eye on the next generation of these though!
DBS/Virage - as mentioned, sat in a couple at AM and have test drives for a DBS and Virage lined up for Feb 6th. The DBS is beaut, had seen someone in the Aston forums post a link to this which is just perfect; http://www.stratstone.com/search/vehicledetails/us...
I need to spend a bit more time in one, I am a bit concerned that I couldn't get comfortable in there (6 ft 4 and long limbed). The Panamera is so comfortable from a cabin size perspective, as was the Maserati, not really wanting to buy something I get sick of driving within few weeks. Will see how I go on the drive. Love the Vanquish, amazing, and at £120k not much gap between the price of one of these and a DBS. But definitely too flash to sit on a driveway, would need to be after a house move so perhaps the car after next
I8 - toyed with the idea but realise I am forcing myself to want one rather than really wanting one. Cool car but just not for me, I want something that will do more harm to the environment and burst some ear drums
On the other suggestions, looked at an F Type Coupe, couldn't get comfortable and found it cramped. What a noise though. FF way out my price range but thanks for causing some wishful thinking.
There is a bit of me that thinks exploring these other options has made me realise how much I really like the Panamera - I think dependent on what happens on the DBS test drive the answer may lie in sticking with the Pan but part exing it for the Turbo version if I can get one that has had a big chunk of depreciation taken out of it. I get to keep the refinement, badge, reliability, size, comfort, road presence and practicality but get a great noise and performance too. This is all boxes ticked in a way that a Bentley Continental or FF can do, but within the parameters of being able to be sat on a drive near a main road and not attracting too much attention.
So looking like stick but with a quick change of engine, or DBS if it totally wows me and I manage to find a seating position that doesnt involve my knees by my ears.
Thanks again forumers, your collective wisdom has again proved both helpful and enlightening
Saying that I have not driven a DBS and they do look lovely but I'd have an MC Stradale over one any day of the week IMHO
One question - why not a late DB9? The Virage was a stop-gap car, the DB9 after it got 20bhp more power, all the same kit and the DBSs bootlid.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I think the bootlid makes the world of difference to the rear:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I think the bootlid makes the world of difference to the rear:
Edited by Beefmeister on Thursday 28th January 12:52
My daily driver is a Maserati GTS MC shift and love it. School runs with my three children even ok as bags of room.
It does feel a bit dates after moving from an F10 M5 .. infotainment system mainly but I think everything else stands up and its so gorgeous to look at and the noise of course
It does feel a bit dates after moving from an F10 M5 .. infotainment system mainly but I think everything else stands up and its so gorgeous to look at and the noise of course
Edited by Jonny TVR on Friday 29th January 17:47
Beefmeister said:
One question - why not a late DB9? The Virage was a stop-gap car, the DB9 after it got 20bhp more power, all the same kit and the DBSs bootlid.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I think the bootlid makes the world of difference to the rear:
That looks like a lot of car for the money .. are the rear seats usable though for children.http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I think the bootlid makes the world of difference to the rear:
Edited by Beefmeister on Thursday 28th January 12:52
Jonny TVR said:
That looks like a lot of car for the money .. are the rear seats usable though for children.
Children yes, adults not.My chances of one were scuppered when I turned to the salesman and said "Can you help to extract my wife from the back seat please - I've got a bad back".
Actually, that scuppered my chances of quite a lot of things for a few days.
Hi all,
Sorry for the lack of updates.
Sadly (well not for them I suppose!) the DBS had sold so I wasn't able to drive it. I took the Virage out however, and credit to the AM Dealer in respect to the fact it wasn't a quick 5 minute round the block test drive - probably spent a good 45 mins in the car and drove motorways, country roads etc.
It was hammering down with rain so there wasn't much opportunity for spirited driving, but overall it seemed a superb car - great steering feel, power throughout the range, great noise etc.
Unfortunately I just couldn't get beyond the lack of room in the cabin. I felt my knees were up by my ears! Ok so maybe not literally, but compared to sitting in a Panamera it really is chalk and cheese. It wasn't unbearable, it is something which I think would be palatable for a weekend car, but as a daily drive it just isn't comfortable for me. Had a sit in the Vanquish in the showroom too, which was a bit better but sadly out of my price range for the time being. The Virage feels like a hell of a lot of car for the money though!
So I am currently thinking of sticking with the Pan for a little while longer as there just isn't anything else that fits the criteria for me whilst retaining the level of comfort I currently have. The idea of a 5.0 v8 range crossed my mind, but the depreciation on them is frightening! Bit of an anticlimax of a thread, hopefully I will resurrect it at some point in the not too distant future
Sorry for the lack of updates.
Sadly (well not for them I suppose!) the DBS had sold so I wasn't able to drive it. I took the Virage out however, and credit to the AM Dealer in respect to the fact it wasn't a quick 5 minute round the block test drive - probably spent a good 45 mins in the car and drove motorways, country roads etc.
It was hammering down with rain so there wasn't much opportunity for spirited driving, but overall it seemed a superb car - great steering feel, power throughout the range, great noise etc.
Unfortunately I just couldn't get beyond the lack of room in the cabin. I felt my knees were up by my ears! Ok so maybe not literally, but compared to sitting in a Panamera it really is chalk and cheese. It wasn't unbearable, it is something which I think would be palatable for a weekend car, but as a daily drive it just isn't comfortable for me. Had a sit in the Vanquish in the showroom too, which was a bit better but sadly out of my price range for the time being. The Virage feels like a hell of a lot of car for the money though!
So I am currently thinking of sticking with the Pan for a little while longer as there just isn't anything else that fits the criteria for me whilst retaining the level of comfort I currently have. The idea of a 5.0 v8 range crossed my mind, but the depreciation on them is frightening! Bit of an anticlimax of a thread, hopefully I will resurrect it at some point in the not too distant future
simong800 said:
Hi all,
Sorry for the lack of updates.
Sadly (well not for them I suppose!) the DBS had sold so I wasn't able to drive it. I took the Virage out however, and credit to the AM Dealer in respect to the fact it wasn't a quick 5 minute round the block test drive - probably spent a good 45 mins in the car and drove motorways, country roads etc.
It was hammering down with rain so there wasn't much opportunity for spirited driving, but overall it seemed a superb car - great steering feel, power throughout the range, great noise etc.
Unfortunately I just couldn't get beyond the lack of room in the cabin. I felt my knees were up by my ears! Ok so maybe not literally, but compared to sitting in a Panamera it really is chalk and cheese. It wasn't unbearable, it is something which I think would be palatable for a weekend car, but as a daily drive it just isn't comfortable for me. Had a sit in the Vanquish in the showroom too, which was a bit better but sadly out of my price range for the time being. The Virage feels like a hell of a lot of car for the money though!
So I am currently thinking of sticking with the Pan for a little while longer as there just isn't anything else that fits the criteria for me whilst retaining the level of comfort I currently have. The idea of a 5.0 v8 range crossed my mind, but the depreciation on them is frightening! Bit of an anticlimax of a thread, hopefully I will resurrect it at some point in the not too distant future
If you like the Panamera, how about a Rapide S?Sorry for the lack of updates.
Sadly (well not for them I suppose!) the DBS had sold so I wasn't able to drive it. I took the Virage out however, and credit to the AM Dealer in respect to the fact it wasn't a quick 5 minute round the block test drive - probably spent a good 45 mins in the car and drove motorways, country roads etc.
It was hammering down with rain so there wasn't much opportunity for spirited driving, but overall it seemed a superb car - great steering feel, power throughout the range, great noise etc.
Unfortunately I just couldn't get beyond the lack of room in the cabin. I felt my knees were up by my ears! Ok so maybe not literally, but compared to sitting in a Panamera it really is chalk and cheese. It wasn't unbearable, it is something which I think would be palatable for a weekend car, but as a daily drive it just isn't comfortable for me. Had a sit in the Vanquish in the showroom too, which was a bit better but sadly out of my price range for the time being. The Virage feels like a hell of a lot of car for the money though!
So I am currently thinking of sticking with the Pan for a little while longer as there just isn't anything else that fits the criteria for me whilst retaining the level of comfort I currently have. The idea of a 5.0 v8 range crossed my mind, but the depreciation on them is frightening! Bit of an anticlimax of a thread, hopefully I will resurrect it at some point in the not too distant future
I've got s bit of a thing for them at the moment.
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