Discussion
I have recently fallen for an Italian, went out test drive a few weeks ago and loved it. 95% sure my next car will be a Maserati Granturismo S MC Shift. Suppose that’s what can happen if you drive through Egham often enough. An invitation from H R Owen for an extended test drive at Longcross proving ground probably sealing the fate tomorrow. I know this will bring sneers from some of you, but the world would be a boring place if we were all the same…
If I had the money there would always be an Aston in the garage, but alas I don’t. So the vantage has to go. Even though, there has never been a point where I’ve failed to smile while gazing at my car and pressing that start button. The car was never planned to be a keeper anyway.
I do like to drive with enthusiasm at points and I’m guessing there may come a point where I may regret being in the gigantuous and heavy GTS. Every time I step out of a GTS into my vantage it feels like a tiny go-kart…which isn’t a bad thing for the vantage. One thing I already know I’m not fond of is the seats. Undecided on the skyhook option. There’s only one way to find out what it’s like to live with.
As they, the forums have answered most of my questions, there is one question I haven’t found an answer to. I’m posting on here as it’s a comparison between the vantage and the GTS and I know of at least one person on here that’s owned both.
Ground clearance comparison between the vantage and the GTS. Is there any significant difference? Anywhere where you’ve been able to take one and not the other? My driveway could be an issue. The vantage manages fine, however my load lugger saab 93 aero scrapes just about everything that goes underneath it.
If I had the money there would always be an Aston in the garage, but alas I don’t. So the vantage has to go. Even though, there has never been a point where I’ve failed to smile while gazing at my car and pressing that start button. The car was never planned to be a keeper anyway.
I do like to drive with enthusiasm at points and I’m guessing there may come a point where I may regret being in the gigantuous and heavy GTS. Every time I step out of a GTS into my vantage it feels like a tiny go-kart…which isn’t a bad thing for the vantage. One thing I already know I’m not fond of is the seats. Undecided on the skyhook option. There’s only one way to find out what it’s like to live with.
As they, the forums have answered most of my questions, there is one question I haven’t found an answer to. I’m posting on here as it’s a comparison between the vantage and the GTS and I know of at least one person on here that’s owned both.
Ground clearance comparison between the vantage and the GTS. Is there any significant difference? Anywhere where you’ve been able to take one and not the other? My driveway could be an issue. The vantage manages fine, however my load lugger saab 93 aero scrapes just about everything that goes underneath it.
It’s exactly that, I just like a change after a year. I’ll always come back if we don’t get on. Both are stunning looking cars. Both have a sense of exclusivity. Both make the right, but very different loud noises. Both have crap sat navs and crap looking keys.
Searching the web has revealed equal numbers of people that have went from masser to aston and vice versa all with their own opinions of which one they prefer. I know there will be lots of things I’ll miss about the aston and a few I won’t. Plus four usable seats would be handy.
As being discussed on another thread. I’ll miss the reactions from people out on the road. From the approving nods, to the enthusiastic thumbs up from wagon drivers. Unless they know their cars, somehow I don’t think I’ll get this from the masser,
Searching the web has revealed equal numbers of people that have went from masser to aston and vice versa all with their own opinions of which one they prefer. I know there will be lots of things I’ll miss about the aston and a few I won’t. Plus four usable seats would be handy.
As being discussed on another thread. I’ll miss the reactions from people out on the road. From the approving nods, to the enthusiastic thumbs up from wagon drivers. Unless they know their cars, somehow I don’t think I’ll get this from the masser,
I've had both. Done 2800 miles in two years in the Mazza. Had the v12V since mid March and done 1300 miles already. Says it all really.
Please, I don't wish to put you off. The Maz makes a glorious noise in Sport mode and when driven in mc sport shift mode, the gear changes are a true marvel. But...............but, it ain't an Aston. It can be clumsy round town and the seats are more like benches, they're just not cosseting enough for me. Even the upgraded Bose system lacks punch, the Peugeot sat nav / infotainment system is a bit cheap, the electrics have a mind of their own and the wheels don't seem big enough for the arches, the plastic flip key is horrible and it all feels like its been screwed together by a team not quite good enough to work for Ferrari. A used one for about 60k would be a good buy, but it can't hold a light to a DB9 and is way off a DBS.
Sounds good though...........well, from the outside.
But hey, each to their own.
Please, I don't wish to put you off. The Maz makes a glorious noise in Sport mode and when driven in mc sport shift mode, the gear changes are a true marvel. But...............but, it ain't an Aston. It can be clumsy round town and the seats are more like benches, they're just not cosseting enough for me. Even the upgraded Bose system lacks punch, the Peugeot sat nav / infotainment system is a bit cheap, the electrics have a mind of their own and the wheels don't seem big enough for the arches, the plastic flip key is horrible and it all feels like its been screwed together by a team not quite good enough to work for Ferrari. A used one for about 60k would be a good buy, but it can't hold a light to a DB9 and is way off a DBS.
Sounds good though...........well, from the outside.
But hey, each to their own.
They look great but depreciation from new and fuel consumption - painful and they still seem to have the flat battery syndrome of the previous model - a friend has had two but regrets the purchase despite the great looks .Anyway if you know all about it and it scratches the itch - why not
Oh yeah, forgot the flat battery. And the passenger door deciding it wasn't going to open. And the wheel nuts that went rusty. And the fit and finish of the dash. I recall the four holes adjacent to the corners of the stereo system just like what I had in my 80's Escort.
Not sure why on earth I bought it now..........oh yeah, the noise!!
Not sure why on earth I bought it now..........oh yeah, the noise!!
This is exactly why I posted in the Aston forum. To get some feedback on the bad. As not many people seem to be posting negatives online about living with GT. Where as the aston forums seem to be quite open about all the niggles and problems.
Agreed, I've always thought the wheels look lost on the GTS
nav/infotainment? Yes, not great. However, Aston have just released new models with dot matrix radio displays...
Bose systems are well known for sounding poor
Electrical niggles, well its Italian, I'll have a warranty, I've read the warranties are pretty robust.
Deprecation/fuel? Really? worse much than an Aston?
You had to post photo of that god awful, blinding red leather didn't you? haha
hartley, if they were that bad why did your mate buy two?
Whats the story with the flat battery?
Comparisons, cost wise the GTS is not in the same league as the V12V or the DBS so no comparison in my mind. These cars are well out out my budget anyway. Maybe, someday if I'm able to afford a DBS. The masser wouldn't even get a look.
DB9 to me seems, I never thought I'd say this...a bit dated and soft looking. I much prefer my vantage, the DBS, or the new DB9. They are much more aggressive looking cars.
TBH, if alfa made a brera with 400 odd HP, id probably buy that despite its problems. Love the styling of that car. I can't even buy an older cheap one to try and justify it as a 'practical car' as its not that practical.
I love my Vantage and Aston as a brand will always be up there in my mind, but the 'itch' no doubt will be scratched. Hopefully I'll be back aston one day with a V12 under the bonnet!
Sorry to be a pain, back on topic? Ground clearance? I've found no official data to compare with the vantage. I've even resorted to parking my car up against a GTS at maranello egham. Seems close.
Agreed, I've always thought the wheels look lost on the GTS
nav/infotainment? Yes, not great. However, Aston have just released new models with dot matrix radio displays...
Bose systems are well known for sounding poor
Electrical niggles, well its Italian, I'll have a warranty, I've read the warranties are pretty robust.
Deprecation/fuel? Really? worse much than an Aston?
You had to post photo of that god awful, blinding red leather didn't you? haha
hartley, if they were that bad why did your mate buy two?
Whats the story with the flat battery?
Comparisons, cost wise the GTS is not in the same league as the V12V or the DBS so no comparison in my mind. These cars are well out out my budget anyway. Maybe, someday if I'm able to afford a DBS. The masser wouldn't even get a look.
DB9 to me seems, I never thought I'd say this...a bit dated and soft looking. I much prefer my vantage, the DBS, or the new DB9. They are much more aggressive looking cars.
TBH, if alfa made a brera with 400 odd HP, id probably buy that despite its problems. Love the styling of that car. I can't even buy an older cheap one to try and justify it as a 'practical car' as its not that practical.
I love my Vantage and Aston as a brand will always be up there in my mind, but the 'itch' no doubt will be scratched. Hopefully I'll be back aston one day with a V12 under the bonnet!
Sorry to be a pain, back on topic? Ground clearance? I've found no official data to compare with the vantage. I've even resorted to parking my car up against a GTS at maranello egham. Seems close.
In terms of a 'brand', Maserati is one of the only ones that makes me feel as comfortable as Aston Martin. The GTS is a big car (on the QP chassis), but you know that; the back seats are genuinely useable as as well, a huge plus over a DB9.
Enjoy the car, they're terrific! And go and say hi here, some old friends of mine
www.sportsmaserati.co.uk
Enjoy the car, they're terrific! And go and say hi here, some old friends of mine
www.sportsmaserati.co.uk
baz86 said:
TBH, if alfa made a brera with 400 odd HP, id probably buy that despite its problems. Love the styling of that car. I can't even buy an older cheap one to try and justify it as a 'practical car' as its not that practical.
I love my Vantage...
Interesting to hear you say the Brera is not practical but you run a V8V. Granted, lack of rear legroom means you'd struggle to get Douglas Bader comfortable in the back of a Brera but consider it as a two seater (a la V8V) and it's not bad at all.I love my Vantage...
I'm looking at moving to a V8V from the Brera later in the year - genuinely interested in anything specific re. practicalities from your point of view.
I have also owned two, a 4200 (manual)and a Gransport (cambiocorsa). Both lovely cars and always put a smile on my face 
When the time came for a change, I tried out both a Granturismo and a Grancabrio, but neither of them quite "clicked" with me so I decided to give the DB9 a go instead 
I do miss the useable rear seats in the Maseratis though ...
When the time came for a change, I tried out both a Granturismo and a Grancabrio, but neither of them quite "clicked" with me so I decided to give the DB9 a go instead I do miss the useable rear seats in the Maseratis though ...Straightenout said:
Interesting to hear you say the Brera is not practical but you run a V8V. Granted, lack of rear legroom means you'd struggle to get Douglas Bader comfortable in the back of a Brera but consider it as a two seater (a la V8V) and it's not bad at all.
I'm looking at moving to a V8V from the Brera later in the year - genuinely interested in anything specific re. practicalities from your point of view.
I run a V8V and a saab. The vantage is hugely practical, I use it whenever I can. Even going to the supermarket. Only annoyance is that arse that parks right next to you despite 200 other spaces to choose from.I'm looking at moving to a V8V from the Brera later in the year - genuinely interested in anything specific re. practicalities from your point of view.
Load space is cavernous. You'd be amazed the amount you can get in it. You just have to ditch the big wheeled suitcase and remove, or even just lay down the parcel shelf. Just to remember not to buy bulky items when out and about.
Sadly the vantage can't take a pair of road bikes. I know it can take one dismantled, quick search will show you pictures. I can't be arsed with that. Hence the practical saab that can swallow a road bike without even taking a wheel off. Plus it can house 4 people for a long journey comfortably.
baz86 said:
I run a V8V and a saab. The vantage is hugely practical, I use it whenever I can. Even going to the supermarket. Only annoyance is that arse that parks right next to you despite 200 other spaces to choose from.
Load space is cavernous. You'd be amazed the amount you can get in it. You just have to ditch the big wheeled suitcase and remove, or even just lay down the parcel shelf. Just to remember not to buy bulky items when out and about.
Sadly the vantage can't take a pair of road bikes. I know it can take one dismantled, quick search will show you pictures. I can't be arsed with that. Hence the practical saab that can swallow a road bike without even taking a wheel off. Plus it can house 4 people for a long journey comfortably.
Cheers for the info. The V8V would be a daily driver for me so supermarket, etc. would be a necessary evil (like you I seem to attract a parking companion no matter how far away I park Load space is cavernous. You'd be amazed the amount you can get in it. You just have to ditch the big wheeled suitcase and remove, or even just lay down the parcel shelf. Just to remember not to buy bulky items when out and about.
Sadly the vantage can't take a pair of road bikes. I know it can take one dismantled, quick search will show you pictures. I can't be arsed with that. Hence the practical saab that can swallow a road bike without even taking a wheel off. Plus it can house 4 people for a long journey comfortably.
).A pain with the bikes. Luckily I seldom need more than two seats and the biggest load I tend to carry is a couple of golf bags which I know should fit fine.
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