Classic or modern V8 coupe?
Discussion
Hi all
So I recently sold a classic car that I finished restoring and I’ve promised myself something really special to replace it. I’ve been looking at both classics and modern cars and have got my shortlist down to 2 very different coupes.
Choice 1 – 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
I’ve always loved these, they look beautiful and make a great sound and it would make a great all year round car that I am sure would be lovely to drive and benefit from the modern refinements that you just don’t get in a classic.
Choice 2 – 1965 C2 Corvette Stingray
Very different option to the Aston and it certainly won’t be as nice to drive and LHD could be a pain but just look at them, stunning. Other benefits would be that the mechanicals are very basic so not big dealership servicing costs and cheap insurance and no tax.
So after spending a few weeks looking at various cars I am still in two minds. My head says the Aston will be the better car and I am sure will give me everything I want from a sports coupe. But, I find myself looking more at Corvettes and while Aston’s are still a fairly rare sight on UK roads I’ve never seen a C2 corvette on the road over here.
So I need some help deciding guys, what would you go for?
Trev
So I recently sold a classic car that I finished restoring and I’ve promised myself something really special to replace it. I’ve been looking at both classics and modern cars and have got my shortlist down to 2 very different coupes.
Choice 1 – 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
I’ve always loved these, they look beautiful and make a great sound and it would make a great all year round car that I am sure would be lovely to drive and benefit from the modern refinements that you just don’t get in a classic.
Choice 2 – 1965 C2 Corvette Stingray
Very different option to the Aston and it certainly won’t be as nice to drive and LHD could be a pain but just look at them, stunning. Other benefits would be that the mechanicals are very basic so not big dealership servicing costs and cheap insurance and no tax.
So after spending a few weeks looking at various cars I am still in two minds. My head says the Aston will be the better car and I am sure will give me everything I want from a sports coupe. But, I find myself looking more at Corvettes and while Aston’s are still a fairly rare sight on UK roads I’ve never seen a C2 corvette on the road over here.
So I need some help deciding guys, what would you go for?
Trev
Just wondering, with the Aston are you trying to kill two birds with one stone? As in are you planning to use it all the time? If it were me I'd be picking up something easy and cheap to run all year round, then buy the Corvette as something special for the weekends, etc. (Which is sort of what I do)
I know many will disagree with my approach with the old "cars are meant to be used" line, but I find the sense of occasion when you haven't driven your other car for a while is immense
Ignore me if I've got the wrong end of the stick though!
I know many will disagree with my approach with the old "cars are meant to be used" line, but I find the sense of occasion when you haven't driven your other car for a while is immense
Ignore me if I've got the wrong end of the stick though!
As an ex Aston owner I would say why limit yourself to one or the other. See what is the best of each when you are looking to buy then in a year or two sell and buy the other. Buy wisely and shouldn't suffer much at all in the way of depreciation.
Both are nice cars but not comparable
Both are nice cars but not comparable
Herbs said:
As an ex Aston owner I would say why limit yourself to one or the other. See what is the best of each when you are looking to buy then in a year or two sell and buy the other. Buy wisely and shouldn't suffer much at all in the way of depreciation.
Both are nice cars but not comparable
I'd go corvette - if it doesn't work for the occasional normal use you said it would be needed for it would be far easier to sell. Both are nice cars but not comparable
Daniel1 said:
I'd go corvette - if it doesn't work for the occasional normal use you said it would be needed for it would be far easier to sell.
This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^I did a similar thing albeit at a lower end of the scale. So ran a Sunbeam Alpine for 4 yrs. My situation changed, Sunbeam no longer suitable, so replaced it with a Merc SL.
You may not have another opportunity to have a Corvette. You can always sell it without losing out.
Hi all thanks for the replies. One other thing to consider with the Corvette will be the hassle of sourcing a car and importing vs just buying an Aston here in the UK.
However as a few people have pointed out there is the option to own both back to back after several years. I could get a Corvette and drive it for a few years and see how I get on. If I decide to sell then I should get back most, all or maybe more than my initial investment as these cars are rare in Europe and going up in price. The 2007 Aston however still has a little way to depreciate in the next few years so that could be a better way to go.
Trev
However as a few people have pointed out there is the option to own both back to back after several years. I could get a Corvette and drive it for a few years and see how I get on. If I decide to sell then I should get back most, all or maybe more than my initial investment as these cars are rare in Europe and going up in price. The 2007 Aston however still has a little way to depreciate in the next few years so that could be a better way to go.
Trev
V88Dicky said:
A boat anchor that produces (up to) 435 hp!
No driver aids, skinnyish tyres, manual 'box and relatively lightweight. Surely the very essence of a sports car?
So the boat anchor that produces 435 BHP isn't going to be able to find the grip to put it down? I'm guessing torque is going to be immense No driver aids, skinnyish tyres, manual 'box and relatively lightweight. Surely the very essence of a sports car?
Is there a diff? I cant help but think of the words Live, Rear and Axle
There's way more to the essence of a sports car than no electrics, a manual box, skinny tyres and lightness. One of them is how it comes together as a package and if you can use it properly
I'm a massive fan of the V8 Vantage. Despite being into classic cars as well, the debate was pretty much over for me before I scrolled down to the Vette. 
That said, I think there is an argument that says if you specifically want a visceral experience then a classic (or a modern classic like a TVR!) is the better option. It's a question of whether or not the extra compromises involved in using and maintaining one get in the way of you using it.
That said, I think there is an argument that says if you specifically want a visceral experience then a classic (or a modern classic like a TVR!) is the better option. It's a question of whether or not the extra compromises involved in using and maintaining one get in the way of you using it.
It all depends what you want from your weekend toy. I have owned older Corvettes (oldest was a 1972) and they are great fun, but not as fast or refined as modern cars. I have a C5 (sort of daily ish use) nowadays and the difference from the C3 is chalk and cheese.
If you want a car that is fast, easy to drive, refined and with all the modern trappings then it's the Aston. If you want something that is quick, fun, loud, easy to maintain, cheap to run, and rather more challenging to drive then it's the Vette.
If you want a car that is fast, easy to drive, refined and with all the modern trappings then it's the Aston. If you want something that is quick, fun, loud, easy to maintain, cheap to run, and rather more challenging to drive then it's the Vette.
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