V8V roadster or F430 - tough decision

[GG33]

Having finally arrived at the time in life when I can afford to own a very nice car, I'm finding it very difficult to choose between the two types listed in the title. Both would be roadsters (or spider) the AM would be manual whereas the 430 would be F1. They are both stunningly gorgeous to look at whereas the AM is probably the coolest automotive brand. I'm a little worried that the 430 says 'look at me'
I realise that there is a fair difference in performance between the two and the future values will vary somewhat.
What surprises me is that I cant actually decide...I would have thought that one or the other would really be getting me excited (they both do to some degree)but I seem to be able to talk myself into, or out of both.

Help....what do you think? What factors would make you choose?

I have also posted this in the Ferrari forum.

GG

[michael gould]

the problem is what ever car you decide to go for, your always going to gave an itch for the other.........the F430 is a stunning car and will probably hold its value better, but its a bit obvious

Nice problem to have !

[sukh_m]

I did consider the F430 before going the Aston route, do I regret it? Not one bit

Don't get me wrong the F430 is a better performance car but it is a "look at me" car like you say. Not sure the appreciation towards it either from other road users (compared to an Aston), and not sure I could just park it "anywhere" either. I personally also think its less practical than as Aston. All just my opinion of course

Have you driven both back to back? Good luck!

[X7LDA]

Intersting topic for me. I have had a couple of V8V's, my latest was a roadster - and have recently chopped it in for a F430 F1 spider.

The V8VR is very understated compared. I thought it got a lot of attention, but nothing like the Ferrari. Aston has a very elegant look about it. Always thought it was a gorgeous car. Smooth power delivery and comfortable drive.

However, the F430 is just on another planet. Brutal power compared, sharper, more direct, better built, looks incredible. And the sound..... For me the list goes on. It does get 10x more the attention, which is unfortunate at times.

Both very different cars (with very different price tags at the bottom of the market) so it all comes down to what you want out of it and where your budget stands.

[Jon1967x]

X7LDA said:

Intersting topic for me. I have had a couple of V8V's, my latest was a roadster - and have recently chopped it in for a F430 F1 spider.

The V8VR is very understated compared. I thought it got a lot of attention, but nothing like the Ferrari. Aston has a very elegant look about it. Always thought it was a gorgeous car. Smooth power delivery and comfortable drive.

However, the F430 is just on another planet. Brutal power compared, sharper, more direct, better built, looks incredible. And the sound..... For me the list goes on. It does get 10x more the attention, which is unfortunate at times.

Both very different cars (with very different price tags at the bottom of the market) so it all comes down to what you want out of it and where your budget stands.

I agree - the Ferrari, like the Lambos and to a (much) lesser extent the R8 look like a super car - low on practicality, high on thrills and a shouty "look at me" thing going on (which is not a criticism). I've also just been sent a mailshot from Graypaul Birmingham about a used 458 they have in for 150k (which would fight hard for my cash against a new V12VS if I was looking) but it made me think Ferrari cars date quickly whereas the Astons have a more timeless appeal.

What do you want the car for? The DB9 is the accomplished GT and then some, the Ferrari the out and out sports car, the Vantage can cover both those bases and depending on spec/model can be near either of those extremes in my opinion. A long weekend in Wales with likeminded enthusiasts, I'd prefer an Aston. Something close to the ultimate driving machines, the Ferrari.

[SlartiF430]

I went from a v8v to a 430.
I will get another Aston but will not go back to a v8v.
Many people go from Aston to ferrari and don't come back.

[benters]

Driving both is a given, but I would favour the Fezza. I understand the look at me comment, but Im not so sure you can get away from it with either car. Both are attractive and cool motors.

[yeti]

I can't believe this discussion is even being had!! The F430 Spider in a heartbeat, every single time.

If you don't want 'look at me', get grey, black or blue which are all stunning.

The performamce compared to a V8V isn't comparable in any way.

If you'd compared a DBS Volante or a V12 Vantage Roadster with the Spider, that might be a different matter and heart might rule head...

[bentley01]

yeti said:

I can't believe this discussion is even being had!! The F430 Spider in a heartbeat, every single time.

If you don't want 'look at me', get grey, black or blue which are all stunning.

The performamce compared to a V8V isn't comparable in any way.

If you'd compared a DBS Volante or a V12 Vantage Roadster with the Spider, that might be a different matter and heart might rule head...

If performance was the only consideration when choosing a car we would all be driving Nissan GTRs. I found myself feeling too exposed in the Ferrari and uncomfortable with the reaction of other motorists . Having said that it was a blast to drive for the weekend .

[drcarrera]

Personally, I would say a V8V if you're using it as an "everyday" car (more or less) - very comfortable, very practical, all mod cons, OK running costs etc. Attracts some attention but always seems to be of the good kind!
F430 as a second or third car for having a good blast or for special trips.

[bogie]

drcarrera said:

Personally, I would say a V8V if you're using it as an "everyday" car (more or less) - very comfortable, very practical, all mod cons, OK running costs etc. Attracts some attention but always seems to be of the good kind!
F430 as a second or third car for having a good blast or for special trips.

I would agree with that too...for me the Aston is a car you can use daily, whereas the Italian stuff is something nice to have in the garage for the weekend

it really depend on useage I think and your expectations...what youve had before

One day I might have an Aston AND a Ferrari or Lamborghini for the weekend...but for now, an Aston to run about in is more than adequate

I wouldnt want to leave an F430 in the multi storey at the airport or outside the office or customer etc...dunno why, its just the kind of attention they can attract I guess

the other consideration is running costs....use an Aston daily and its 10K mile service intervals, costs about the same as a big German saloon to run....not sure how an F430 would cope with 10K-20K miles a year of general use ....

[SlartiF430]

drcarrera said:

Personally, I would say a V8V if you're using it as an "everyday" car (more or less) - very comfortable, very practical, all mod cons, OK running costs etc. Attracts some attention but always seems to be of the good kind!
F430 as a second or third car for having a good blast or for special trips.

Having owned both I can say that the 430 is pretty well suited to daily use. It's comfortable, reliable and there's a decent sized boot up front. I guess it costs a little more to run the 430 but that's a question of what the individual is willing to pay.

[mikey k]

SlartiF430 said:

I went from a v8v to a 430.
I will get another Aston but will not go back to a v8v.
Many people go from Aston to Ferrari and don't come back.

I suspect you haven't driven/owned a V8VS roadster
I test drove 430 spiders and 16M's (even discussed 458 spiders)
The Aston may not be the quickest/best handling of the bunch but it is more than a match for most owners and gives a unique ownership experience (driving, other peoples reaction and socially)

OP go and drive an S roadster

[Jon39]

GG33 said:

I'm a little worried that the 430 says, 'look at me'.

I have driven an F430 on track and I just loved it. Would never even think about owning a Ferrari though (except an historic), for the very reason that you state.

Both cars are 'look at me', but I think people's thoughts are probably very different. With the Ferrari it is possibly, is he a drug dealer or a footballer.
With an Aston there does seem to be a widespread public respect for the cars and the Company.

When driving mine, I often see waves and thumbs-up.

Choose the car that you like the best.
Most Aston owners will say buy Aston.
Most Ferrari owners will say buy Ferrari.

Edited by Jon39 on Thursday 17th April 13:45

[Jon39]

mikey k said:

OP go and drive an S roadster

Or, you could put your name down, for a Vantage V12 S Roadster.

I think mikey k, can even sell you the appropriate number plate for it.

Edited by Jon39 on Thursday 17th April 13:51

[hashluck]

I think the DD aspect and what you are looking to get out of a car is crucial here.

I was shopping for a DD and never even considered a Ferrari. I looked at Merc C63 AMG, Audi RS6/7, Jaguar F-Type etc and realised these were Aston money and thought I would never forgive myself if I bought one of those cars instead of an Aston. The only car that came close to givingme that same feeling was a Maserati GranTurismo.

I am sure the Ferrari is amazing to drive (actually I know it is because I drove a friend's car) but not every day, not for me anyway.

Good luck!

[GG33]

It's never going to be a Daily Driver, just for w/ends, high days, special trips etc.
Thanks for all the feedback...interesting...I've changed my mind five times already :-)

[mikey k]

Curved ball depending on budget
But if you want something that is as fast as a F430 (maybe faster?) and will holder its value better hunt down one of the 101 V12V roadsters. All are manuals if that makes a difference?
Post MY12.25 vantages are a significant step up on handling with quicker steering, better brakes and wider tyres.

[SFO]

Jon39 said:

Or, you could put your name down, for a Vantage V12 S Roadster.

apparently due Aug 14

[yeti]

bentley01 said:

If performance was the only consideration when choosing a car we would all be driving Nissan GTRs. I found myself feeling too exposed in the Ferrari and uncomfortable with the reaction of other motorists

Of course. But Ferrari also has the history, the heritage, the branding and just happens to be vastly superior in terms of handling and performance too.

No offence, but you sound insecure if you're worried about what other drivers think; perhaps the OP doesn't feel that way and wants the best car.

The V8V isn't it.