AM V8 on Top Gear tonight - 8pm BBC2!
Discussion
In the german sportauto test at N'ring the AMV8 posted a time 0f 8:13 vs the Porsche 911s 8:05. The porsche had the ceramic brakes and sports suspension which the AMV8 did not have. If you simply try to equalize the playing field by putting Pirelli p-0 tires on the vantage, then low and behold the time falls to 8:03 (2s faster than the 911S). One can argue that you can put the same tires on the 911s, and, correct me if I am wrong, but the 911 does not have a dry sump oil pump and the G forces generated would lead to engine oil starvation. Apparently there is a disclaimer in the 911 owner's manual about this. All this to say that the cars are fairly evenly matched and no normal driver would ever notice the difference between the 2 cars. Therefore, the AMV8 is then miles ahead in terms of beauty, elegance, exclusivity, mystique, etc. I can't imagine a 911S owner trying to convince anyone, including himself, that his is the more desireable car because of a theoretical mechanical advantage on a track (assuming the Vantage has stock tires). Also, in terms of cost the price starts to get up there when you add the cost of the ceramic brakes and sports suspension. If you look at depreciation in the first couple of years, the Aston may actually be cheaper to own. I believe the 911 has been de-throned (and it is about time) and I have happily put my name on the list for the vantage and am counting the days. Would love to hear from Porsche owners about the above comments.
birdness said:
In the german sportauto test at N'ring the AMV8 posted a time 0f 8:13 vs the Porsche 911s 8:05. The porsche had the ceramic brakes and sports suspension which the AMV8 did not have. If you simply try to equalize the playing field by putting Pirelli p-0 tires on the vantage, then low and behold the time falls to 8:03 (2s faster than the 911S). One can argue that you can put the same tires on the 911s, and, correct me if I am wrong, but the 911 does not have a dry sump oil pump and the G forces generated would lead to engine oil starvation. Apparently there is a disclaimer in the 911 owner's manual about this. All this to say that the cars are fairly evenly matched and no normal driver would ever notice the difference between the 2 cars. Therefore, the AMV8 is then miles ahead in terms of beauty, elegance, exclusivity, mystique, etc. I can't imagine a 911S owner trying to convince anyone, including himself, that his is the more desireable car because of a theoretical mechanical advantage on a track (assuming the Vantage has stock tires). Also, in terms of cost the price starts to get up there when you add the cost of the ceramic brakes and sports suspension. If you look at depreciation in the first couple of years, the Aston may actually be cheaper to own. I believe the 911 has been de-throned (and it is about time) and I have happily put my name on the list for the vantage and am counting the days. Would love to hear from Porsche owners about the above comments.
Im a 996tt owner and I have no real idea how fast my car would be round a track. And I dont care, straight line speeds are astounding but its not everything..
>> Edited by rich1231 on Tuesday 22 November 20:26
im just looking forward to someone doing a back to back between the new V8 and the 80s Vantage. Whereupon they will discover that the old beast has more grunt, more GT'ness, less ultimate grip (of course) and immensely more presence and soul. *Then* they will have a real problem choosing...
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff