Aston v Tesla

[SlartiF430]

The whole alternative fuel thing reminds me of when I had my LPG powered Land Rover. It was my daily driver and served it's purpose very well. The running costs were low thanks to the dual tank, very high range LPG system. I don't think people realise what happens to you when you have an alternative fuel vehicle. In my case, I started taking mental notes of LPG stations along various regular routes. I was determinded to get a return on the 2k LPG installation cost and so I started downloading LPG station finder apps to my iphone (that were always out of date), I started calling ahead before long journeys to see if certain petrol stations still sold LPG, I'd get in a real huff if my LPG ran out and I dropped to petrol as I had a big thirsty engine....and more. In the end I got totally fed up of having an alternatively fueled car and bought my current A8 3.0 Diesel. Frankly the relief of being able to fill up anywhere, no matter where I go is something I no longer take for granted. I think owning a Tesla S would drive me bonkers.

[SlartiF430]

williamp said:

Autocar certainly felt the Tesla and. Rrapide were comparable:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/video-tesla-mod...

Actually, I think he does say that they're not comparable. Anyway...Watching that entire video just makes me want to have the Aston Rapide more. It just looks so effortlessly beautiful next to the Tesla.

[BigScotty]

Vanin said:

Your little flex of the throttle and the music that follows will seem a little limp as you watch the Tesla disappear in a cloud of rubber smoke!

To make it quicker than my aston, you need to spec it with the dual motor option, P85D model and then it's producing near on 700bhp?

That's impressive. I also happen to think it's a fine looking thing too. I love the dash and the interior.

But, I won't be struggling to sleep at the thought of a 700bhp car out dragging me at the traffic light GP. Especially if it sounds like the washing machine on the spin cycle ;-)

Sorry mate, just seems a bit apples and oranges. Yep, it's a quick car, no denying that. But it's still limited by the charging infrastructure and range. I'll stick with my grandfather clock, that will easily show any Tesla a clean bum on the autobahn, and can be instantly "recharged" at any fuel station.

[BigScotty]

BTW, why don't they fit solar panels in the roof?

[montecristo]

All this talk of apples and oranges, but I* do sometimes buy apples instead of oranges, and often buy apple juice instead of orange juice. So, you never know when an apple or an orange will blindside you.

[*my man]

[t0s]

Hi all,

I test drove the Tesla S P85 in the US, fully intending to purchase one in the UK as a replacement for my ancient daily driver S-type R (also have a V8 Vantage for "sporting" use).

I expected both exhilarating acceleration, and a hushed highway ride. Was disappointed on both counts. Tesla need to spend more time dealing with road noise which I thought was really off the chart. Its not to do with lack of engine noise - my old Jag's motor is quiet while cruising too, but the Jag is far quieter while cruising.

And while the acceleration is indeed as immediate as you could wish - it was like being in a very fast golfcart - or taking off on a plane. It felt somehow that I wasn't ....driving.

Also the interior quality wasn't the best and seemed rather spare - and I didn't quite like the look of the smudged screen on the tester.

I feel like an old fart typing that out - but actually I'm quite into my electronic gadgets. I think though that like my watches - I'll have my cars analog please.

[montecristo]

t0s said:

And while the acceleration is indeed as immediate as you could wish - it was like being in a very fast golfcart - or taking off on a plane. It felt somehow that I wasn't ....driving.

Yes, well put. The acceleration is similar to my Vantage but somehow I felt disconnected from the surge. Maybe it's too clean and tidy.

[Phil74891]

I wonder how many fossil fuels they have to burn to generate the electricity to charge these cars?

Solar panels on the roof is a great idea. How about strapping on one of those big windmills as well?

I was in Greenwich CT the other day. Teslas everywhere. The hedge fund community love them. I think they're very smart but no Aston obviously.

[SFO]

t0s said:

I expected both exhilarating acceleration, and a hushed highway ride. Was disappointed on both counts. Tesla need to spend more time dealing with road noise which I thought was really off the chart. Its not to do with lack of engine noise

Also the interior quality wasn't the best and seemed rather spare - and I didn't quite like the look of the smudged screen on the tester.

Not driven a Tesla so can't comment on road noise, but no doubt Tesla's lack of extensive experience building cars shows in this road noise issue.

I sat in a Tesla in June 14 at the Canary Wharf Autoexpo .. agree that the interior is not up to the standard of an expensive car that the Tesla is (no better than a Ford). Interior is unimaginative, bland and derivative; just like its exterior.

I think Tesla is a car bought by folks who like the idea of the tech or its "cutting edge" USP much more than the pleasure of driving.

[Vanin]

Just had a look on the BMW i8 thread for a view on perhaps a car which is more competitive in looks than the Tesla and saw this posted by EricS an Aston v12 V owner.

the Tesla is a battery car and is seriously impaired by its range in real life and takes at least 2-3 hours to charge up. And you have to use a dedicated charging spot if you want a quick charge. Plus it looks totally bland and uninspiring.
the day when I did test drive the i8, my main sportscar was an aston v12 vantage. I put it for sale the day I came back from driving the bmw. It was that good.
I disagree with the tester's comments regarding the sound. It is very well done and you can elect not to have it at all when you are not in the mood. It is a very relaxing drive when you want it to be and a great, great car regardless of what powers it.
it is staggeringly fast. The combination of electric and petrol engine gives it a stronger immediate and in gear acceleration than the v12v. In real life at least. The power is so accessible.
Remember that its structure is made of carbon fibre and the amount of technology in the car is staggering. To me, it felt more special and more of an event than the Aston v12v I was driving at the time. At £100k, it is a bargain.
Each to their own, i put my deposit down 2 months ago and I strongly suggest to anyone to go and have a test drive and see for themselves..


RichB. The Tesla I saw had two rear facing seats in the rear which fold flat and are an option, similar to an old Volvo 940 Estate to make it a seven sweater but not for adults in the back, just useful for taking kids on short runs.

[RichB]

Vanin said:

RichB. The Tesla I saw had two rear facing seats in the rear which fold flat and are an option, similar to an old Volvo 940 Estate to make it a seven sweater but not for adults in the back, just useful for taking kids on short runs.

Interesting, I keep seeing these as the UK HQ is in Maidenhead so I guess executives drive them. The one I saw at the FoS was the saloon, I hadn't realised they're doing an SUV as well...

[Gday2]

Do you get that grin on your face driving the Tesla, do you have this unbelievable sound that a Aston produces, does it say and feel Power Beauty Soul, does the recharging take only a couple of minutes (and 100 plus Euros)?
If you answer is yes to any of these questions you might consider getting one, otherwise your'e more into the Aston :-)

Edited by Gday2 on Saturday 18th October 15:57

[Ken Figenus]

I'd need to be very clear what the cost of a set of new Ever Readys's were after year 8 (and how ineffective the existing pack is allowed to get in-warranty). Buying a new set could write it off I imagine - or would it double its used value? New ways to think?!

[adamfawsitt]

A very interesting thread with quite diverse opinions.

I have a P85 Tesla and an 8 speed Vanquish and have just ordered the new 4 x 4 Tesla for delivery in June 2015. I love my Vanquish and my Model S for very different reasons and for different uses.

The Model S is my daily driver, it is a technical masterpiece and has smashed perceptions of what an electric car can achieve in terms of real world usefulness. My wife and I drive the Tesla to Spa to drive Astons at an On Track event - epic journey to an epic driving event.

I have been fortunate over the last 12 years and have owned / driven a variety of fabulous cars. The 8 speed Vanquish is the best performance car I have ever driven (leaps and bounds ahead of the 6 speed version). For a drive with a sense of occasion, for going seriously quickly over distance the Vanquish knocks the Model S into a cocked hat. The quality of the pint and interior of the Vanquish are in a different league to the Tesla. There is no comparison.

Everyday journey in traffic - take the Tesla for an awesome experience

Driving purely for fun or a special occasion - take the Aston for an awesome experience

[Ken Figenus]

Great info Adam. Disgusted at that 85Kw implement burning the 550bhp Rapide in the video clip - and with a head stat too! Wow!

Could potentially connect it to the PV panels on my roof to charge as I don't happen to have have an oil well in the garden! Intriguing.

[Podie]

RichB said:

o these cars really have 7 seats? The one I sat in at the FoS was a 5 seat, 4 door saloon; where do the extra 2 seats come from?

4 door saloon you,saw is the Model S.

Have a look at the SUV like Model X.

[RichB]

Ok thanks Podie.