Is this a fair assessment of a V8V?
Discussion
Hi All,
Just sold my Boxster with a view to buying a V8V. I have considered purchasing a GEN 1 997 but have been seriously put off by the potential engine trouble that can manifest itself without any warning, albeit my Boxster which was also GEN 1 has been virtually trouble free.
This morning I happened to visit the Porsche general section on PH forum and found this discussion.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I can only imagine these comments are predominantly from die hard 911 followers.
I haven't driven a V8V as yet, whilst the engine sound and style of these cars is something to get excited about. What about the driving experience, is the 4.3 lacking power for the weight of the car and will the experience of owning one of these cars as a daily driver be marred by relentless things going wrong.
I would very much appreciate your comments.
James.
Just sold my Boxster with a view to buying a V8V. I have considered purchasing a GEN 1 997 but have been seriously put off by the potential engine trouble that can manifest itself without any warning, albeit my Boxster which was also GEN 1 has been virtually trouble free.
This morning I happened to visit the Porsche general section on PH forum and found this discussion.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I can only imagine these comments are predominantly from die hard 911 followers.
I haven't driven a V8V as yet, whilst the engine sound and style of these cars is something to get excited about. What about the driving experience, is the 4.3 lacking power for the weight of the car and will the experience of owning one of these cars as a daily driver be marred by relentless things going wrong.
I would very much appreciate your comments.
James.
Performance is relative to what you are used to. Its quick enough for a road going sportscar and will do a genuine 170mph. You just need to learn how to use the engine , the power delivery is linear and likes to rev. Will do 60mph in 5 secs ish and a ton in 11secs ish. You decide if thats fast enough for you
I used mine for a daily driver for the first 2 years (since 2007) and as a 2nd/3rd car since. Its done 65K miles, still on original clutch and has had the least amount of issues of any car Ive owned in the last 15 years
..people will always find reasons to justify their own opinions/choices, thats just normal behavior ....I try to talk facts not opinions and have spent less than £1k in non scheduled maintenance since purchasing a 6 month old Vantage in 2007
..I have replaced; wheel bearing, aircon compressor, thermostat, aux belt pulley, most of which in the last 3 years
otherwise just routine maintenance at £500-600 a service every 10K miles , and a few sets of discs n pads at similar price to running a premium German saloon
buy the guide book to modern Astons - £20 well spent, www.astonmartinreview.com
happy hunting
I used mine for a daily driver for the first 2 years (since 2007) and as a 2nd/3rd car since. Its done 65K miles, still on original clutch and has had the least amount of issues of any car Ive owned in the last 15 years
..people will always find reasons to justify their own opinions/choices, thats just normal behavior ....I try to talk facts not opinions and have spent less than £1k in non scheduled maintenance since purchasing a 6 month old Vantage in 2007
..I have replaced; wheel bearing, aircon compressor, thermostat, aux belt pulley, most of which in the last 3 years
otherwise just routine maintenance at £500-600 a service every 10K miles , and a few sets of discs n pads at similar price to running a premium German saloon
buy the guide book to modern Astons - £20 well spent, www.astonmartinreview.com
happy hunting
JW1 said:
Hi All,
Just sold my Boxster with a view to buying a V8V. I have considered purchasing a GEN 1 997 but have been seriously put off by the potential engine trouble that can manifest itself without any warning, albeit my Boxster which was also GEN 1 has been virtually trouble free.
This morning I happened to visit the Porsche general section on PH forum and found this discussion.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I can only imagine these comments are predominantly from die hard 911 followers.
I haven't driven a V8V as yet, whilst the engine sound and style of these cars is something to get excited about. What about the driving experience, is the 4.3 lacking power for the weight of the car and will the experience of owning one of these cars as a daily driver be marred by relentless things going wrong.
I would very much appreciate your comments.
James.
First rule of car Internet forums ,don't go on a message board dedicated one make and expect anything other than total bias.Just sold my Boxster with a view to buying a V8V. I have considered purchasing a GEN 1 997 but have been seriously put off by the potential engine trouble that can manifest itself without any warning, albeit my Boxster which was also GEN 1 has been virtually trouble free.
This morning I happened to visit the Porsche general section on PH forum and found this discussion.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I can only imagine these comments are predominantly from die hard 911 followers.
I haven't driven a V8V as yet, whilst the engine sound and style of these cars is something to get excited about. What about the driving experience, is the 4.3 lacking power for the weight of the car and will the experience of owning one of these cars as a daily driver be marred by relentless things going wrong.
I would very much appreciate your comments.
James.
I've had several porches and most have had issues from a leaking sunroof through to the engine catching fire (996turbo),full electrical system failure resulting in me making Porsche buy it back ( 997 turbo) ,poor quality paint (997 c2 s) .
I've had my aston2 years and the brakes squeal and you get condensation in the headlights sometimes ,apart from that it has been utterly faultless.
I have had 7 911's (993 targa, 996 Carrera x 2 (version 1 and version 2), 996 4S, 996 gt3 (version 2), 997 Carrera S (version 1) and 997 GT3 (version 1). All were great cars - the performance of the GT3's was on another level. I now have a V8V 4.7. In my view the performance is more than adequate - albeit not on the same level as the GT3 - but very few cars at all can manage that. It really does depend what you want from a car. I have found that driving the Aston puts a smile on my face and it gets a positive reaction from everyone. It feels truly special - something which none of the 911's other than the GT3's ever managed. In my view the "feel good" factor of the V8V and the sound it makes is worth the reduction in performance. Your really need to drive both and decide what is more important to you
Having had a few Porsches and suffered the IMS and RMS replacements, then I can say that Porsches too can be a headache and expensive ones at that. But I've also had a couple of them with no trouble at all and if you do your homework on any car and get them checked by a reputable person with a PPI then at least you can try mitigate issues.
For the price of a V8V you'll get Into a genII 997 now and that's a much better car IMHO than genI..... But if your heart is on changing into an Aston you'll pine until you get one ..... Why wait
For the price of a V8V you'll get Into a genII 997 now and that's a much better car IMHO than genI..... But if your heart is on changing into an Aston you'll pine until you get one ..... Why wait
You will never get an answer from anyone else that fits your own circumstances and likes.
I love fast cars. I bought a Porsche 911 Turbo S and knew on the drive home I had mad a mistake. It was an awesome car but never really felt "right" for me. It was gone within a few months but it would be crazy to say the Porsche wasn't a great car.
A friend, who also likes fast cars, was buying a V8V. I showed no interest and couldn't really understand why he would want one. Nothing to do with performance, I just always thought they had an "older" image. He bought it, I saw it and withing a few weeks also had one since it looked, felt and sounded awesome. I love it.
There will always be faster cars, there will always be cars that break down, blow up or burst into flames. Choosing between a Porsche 997 or an Vantage is a good place to be. You can't really go wrong so just get the one that you like best. Simples
I love fast cars. I bought a Porsche 911 Turbo S and knew on the drive home I had mad a mistake. It was an awesome car but never really felt "right" for me. It was gone within a few months but it would be crazy to say the Porsche wasn't a great car.
A friend, who also likes fast cars, was buying a V8V. I showed no interest and couldn't really understand why he would want one. Nothing to do with performance, I just always thought they had an "older" image. He bought it, I saw it and withing a few weeks also had one since it looked, felt and sounded awesome. I love it.
There will always be faster cars, there will always be cars that break down, blow up or burst into flames. Choosing between a Porsche 997 or an Vantage is a good place to be. You can't really go wrong so just get the one that you like best. Simples
Thank you for all your comments and this did make me laugh from Micheal Gould, the closing line is probably quite true.
"just chucked a grenade into the porker discussion for a bit of fun……to the OP ….good advise is to go and drive both and see what suits you …….and then buy the Aston cuz you will treated like a knob in the porker"
"just chucked a grenade into the porker discussion for a bit of fun……to the OP ….good advise is to go and drive both and see what suits you …….and then buy the Aston cuz you will treated like a knob in the porker"
I have a 996 C4S at moment. Im moving to a V8V (hopefully 4.7). I love the Porsche but ive done it and now i want to do the V8V. Its the noise, the presence and i have chance of owning a car like that which i can afford to own. Maybe down the line ill go back to Porsche but ill kick myself if i dont do it now.
JW1 said:
I can only imagine these comments are predominantly from die hard 911 followers.
I haven't driven a V8V as yet, whilst the engine sound and style of these cars is something to get excited about. What about the driving experience, is the 4.3 lacking power for the weight of the car and will the experience of owning one of these cars as a daily driver be marred by relentless things going wrong.
I would very much appreciate your comments.
James.
I haven't driven a V8V as yet, whilst the engine sound and style of these cars is something to get excited about. What about the driving experience, is the 4.3 lacking power for the weight of the car and will the experience of owning one of these cars as a daily driver be marred by relentless things going wrong.
I would very much appreciate your comments.
James.
James,
I looked at some of the comments. We are all understantably passsionate about our chosen make of car, but there do seem to be some rather critical comments about Aston Martins. On this forum, comments about other makes are noticeably subdued. Porsche make some brilliant cars, and some members of this forum also own a Porsche.
My own experience of Vantage 4.7 ownership has been a delight. The complimentary attention from strangers was unexpected, but pleasant all the same. There is great affection for the marque. My car has been problen free, and every drive is an occasion.
The 4.3 is criticised for needing more power, although 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 secs, and top 175 mph, is hardly slow. The 4.7 has noticeably more torque, which improves the driving experience. You probably know there were many improvements to the 4.7, including the DBS interior. It was introduced for Model Year 2009, with first deliveries in September 2008.
If you want more speed, then the V12 engine might be for you. The new Vantage V12S (top speed 205 mph) is said to be one of the best Aston Martins of all.
By reading this forum you will find lots of helpful information, even some criticisims.
Visit one or two dealers and drive the cars. You will then know if an Aston Martin is for you.
Jon.
Edited by Jon39 on Monday 3rd March 11:44
I just postedon that thread:
I owned a 964 Targa Tiptronic at the same time as a DB7 Vantage Volante Touchtronic - sold the Porsche.
I then owned a 996 C4 Cabrio manual at the same time as a DB9 Volante manual - sold the Porsche.
Whilst I absolutely loved both the 911s and found them stunning to drive, there was never a time I would select the 911 over the Aston so I parted with them. No regrets.
I owned a 964 Targa Tiptronic at the same time as a DB7 Vantage Volante Touchtronic - sold the Porsche.
I then owned a 996 C4 Cabrio manual at the same time as a DB9 Volante manual - sold the Porsche.
Whilst I absolutely loved both the 911s and found them stunning to drive, there was never a time I would select the 911 over the Aston so I parted with them. No regrets.
Two years and just over 20k miles in a pre-owned 2006 4.3 V8V so far, currently at 36k. One thermostat, one air con recharge, one set of tyres (not including winters) one set of pads, one (fixed) oil leak. All over and above three services and MOTs.
Oh and a little box under the dash for my iPod, a set of Sportspaack wheels, a stumpy roof aerial and a replica rear diffuser. Those bits are all just because I could.
So I don't agree with the "unreliable" tag.
Dynamically, yes I have driven and owned sharper cars. However it doesn't mean I find the Vantage lacking. Once you get it, they can be very rewarding at the helm, but they were never intended to be a competitor for an Elise so it's unfair to expect them to be something they're not. At approximately 100kgs heavier than 997 Gen2 they're not exactly bloated in this market segment.
Performance wise I like the way it delivers its power. You can chug around town being lazy with your gear choice or get it on a quiet road and wring its neck to redline with aplomb. No matter what your car purchase, there will always be a faster car out there. Even Veyron owners are starting to find this, but I doubt they care much either.
Oh and a little box under the dash for my iPod, a set of Sportspaack wheels, a stumpy roof aerial and a replica rear diffuser. Those bits are all just because I could.
So I don't agree with the "unreliable" tag.
Dynamically, yes I have driven and owned sharper cars. However it doesn't mean I find the Vantage lacking. Once you get it, they can be very rewarding at the helm, but they were never intended to be a competitor for an Elise so it's unfair to expect them to be something they're not. At approximately 100kgs heavier than 997 Gen2 they're not exactly bloated in this market segment.
Performance wise I like the way it delivers its power. You can chug around town being lazy with your gear choice or get it on a quiet road and wring its neck to redline with aplomb. No matter what your car purchase, there will always be a faster car out there. Even Veyron owners are starting to find this, but I doubt they care much either.
And I just posted this. Please don't get on my case about upgrades....
Interesting debate. FWIW, I've only ever driven a Porsche on a track, at Bedford Autodrome and it was a race prepared monster so no real comparison to be had here. I own an early V8V 4.3 and would wholeheartedly agree that in it's factory form, the engine has to be worked hard to produce the results you'd expect from a sportscar. The lack of low down torque is frustrating if you're in the wrong gear at the wrong time, but as with any car you adapt to the characterisics. There are some horror stories about build quality and servicing costs, but I'm pleased to say that I've not encountered any of these. Servicing will cost no more than a Porsche, I suspect, but the dreaded clutch will cost you between 1.5k and 3k depending on what you replace the OE one with.
Styling is a different proposition. It will be clearly down to the individual, but they look stunning to my eyes, which was one of the reasons I bought it over anything else. That and it's, well, an Aston Martin. For those that look at the Vantage as a poor man's Aston, I'd question that from the off. Had I wanted a DB9 I'd have bought one, but for me the Vantage is a much more sports focussed option. Had I the cash, then a V12V would at the very top of my list.
Finally, there is a way around the 4.3's lack of grunt. Either the Sport Pack or, as I did, new exhaust manifolds and 200 cell cats, which have brought mine from 380 BHP to 420BHP, with the associated increase in Tq. This has totally transformed the car and brought it up to N420/4.7 performance. I'd budgeted for that when I purchased mine as I simply couldn't afford a 4.7.
To the OP, drive both and make a decision based upon that, but if your budget is limited, it's worth buying an early well looked after variant and considering upgrades to take the car to where it should have been in the first place.
Interesting debate. FWIW, I've only ever driven a Porsche on a track, at Bedford Autodrome and it was a race prepared monster so no real comparison to be had here. I own an early V8V 4.3 and would wholeheartedly agree that in it's factory form, the engine has to be worked hard to produce the results you'd expect from a sportscar. The lack of low down torque is frustrating if you're in the wrong gear at the wrong time, but as with any car you adapt to the characterisics. There are some horror stories about build quality and servicing costs, but I'm pleased to say that I've not encountered any of these. Servicing will cost no more than a Porsche, I suspect, but the dreaded clutch will cost you between 1.5k and 3k depending on what you replace the OE one with.
Styling is a different proposition. It will be clearly down to the individual, but they look stunning to my eyes, which was one of the reasons I bought it over anything else. That and it's, well, an Aston Martin. For those that look at the Vantage as a poor man's Aston, I'd question that from the off. Had I wanted a DB9 I'd have bought one, but for me the Vantage is a much more sports focussed option. Had I the cash, then a V12V would at the very top of my list.
Finally, there is a way around the 4.3's lack of grunt. Either the Sport Pack or, as I did, new exhaust manifolds and 200 cell cats, which have brought mine from 380 BHP to 420BHP, with the associated increase in Tq. This has totally transformed the car and brought it up to N420/4.7 performance. I'd budgeted for that when I purchased mine as I simply couldn't afford a 4.7.
To the OP, drive both and make a decision based upon that, but if your budget is limited, it's worth buying an early well looked after variant and considering upgrades to take the car to where it should have been in the first place.
JW1 said:
Hi All,
Just sold my Boxster with a view to buying a V8V. I have considered purchasing a GEN 1 997 but have been seriously put off by the potential engine trouble that can manifest itself without any warning, albeit my Boxster which was also GEN 1 has been virtually trouble free.
This morning I happened to visit the Porsche general section on PH forum and found this discussion.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I can only imagine these comments are predominantly from die hard 911 followers.
I haven't driven a V8V as yet, whilst the engine sound and style of these cars is something to get excited about. What about the driving experience, is the 4.3 lacking power for the weight of the car and will the experience of owning one of these cars as a daily driver be marred by relentless things going wrong.
I would very much appreciate your comments.
James.
Not too much of a surprise from the Porker guys Just sold my Boxster with a view to buying a V8V. I have considered purchasing a GEN 1 997 but have been seriously put off by the potential engine trouble that can manifest itself without any warning, albeit my Boxster which was also GEN 1 has been virtually trouble free.
This morning I happened to visit the Porsche general section on PH forum and found this discussion.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I can only imagine these comments are predominantly from die hard 911 followers.
I haven't driven a V8V as yet, whilst the engine sound and style of these cars is something to get excited about. What about the driving experience, is the 4.3 lacking power for the weight of the car and will the experience of owning one of these cars as a daily driver be marred by relentless things going wrong.
I would very much appreciate your comments.
James.
They are two VERY different cars
Some do feel the 4.3 is underpowered (it is why I first went for a 4.7)
Generally they are reliable and don't often breakdown, they suffer electrical gremlins especially if you let the battery go flat
Go and test drive a 4.3 and 4.7 for yourself
Came upon this thread while checking out options for my brake service for my V8 Vantage.
Servicing is no doubt pricey (especially at my dealer in Wilmslow) but its very thorough and the car seems bullet proof. I've had no significant costs other than maintenance - its been much more reliable than my Jag daily driver and our Mini Cooper (which has been particularly poor).
Regarding the performance/looks/prestige etc - look at it this way. I've always want a VH platform Aston because of the looks and presence, and the Vantage is sporting/quick enough so its not just a poseur.
It may not be the best performance-wise but you would have to get your head examined if you're going to drive quick enough on public streets to tell the difference between it an R8/911 etc. The rest is perception - given its linear response, slow throttle and high gearing in 1st/2nd gear.
BTW check out the Nurburging times by the German rag Speed Auto (using the same driver kinda like the Stig on TG). Compare those to a 997....
Servicing is no doubt pricey (especially at my dealer in Wilmslow) but its very thorough and the car seems bullet proof. I've had no significant costs other than maintenance - its been much more reliable than my Jag daily driver and our Mini Cooper (which has been particularly poor).
Regarding the performance/looks/prestige etc - look at it this way. I've always want a VH platform Aston because of the looks and presence, and the Vantage is sporting/quick enough so its not just a poseur.
It may not be the best performance-wise but you would have to get your head examined if you're going to drive quick enough on public streets to tell the difference between it an R8/911 etc. The rest is perception - given its linear response, slow throttle and high gearing in 1st/2nd gear.
BTW check out the Nurburging times by the German rag Speed Auto (using the same driver kinda like the Stig on TG). Compare those to a 997....
t0s said:
Servicing is no doubt pricey (especially at my dealer in Wilmslow) but its very thorough and the car seems bullet proof. I've had no significant costs other than maintenance - its been much more reliable than my Jag daily driver and our Mini Cooper (which has been particularly poor).
Have a chat with Bridge Mill in Macclesfield 
mikey k said:
t0s said:
Servicing is no doubt pricey (especially at my dealer in Wilmslow) but its very thorough and the car seems bullet proof. I've had no significant costs other than maintenance - its been much more reliable than my Jag daily driver and our Mini Cooper (which has been particularly poor).
Have a chat with Bridge Mill in Macclesfield Even JCT in Leeds will collect it and return it with a Dealer stamp for a cheaper price than Wilmslow - in my experience
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