911 vs V8 Vantage - Specifically Inner City & Urban Driving
Discussion
Hello All
I know the 997 vs V8 Vantage has been done to death and Ive read over probably all the threads I could find, but was just curious from the point of view if all (or most) of the driving will be around the city
Currently have a 997 Turbo and feel I am only ever utilising 20% of its power living in the inner city. That plus the draconian speed laws in Australia (which I personally find MUCH worse than the UK) are making me feel the 997 Turbo is going to waste. (do 70 mph on a huge interstate highway in the dry with no traffic and it will get you a ticket and points here, limit is a STRICT 110kmh/68mph)
I need to drive for at least 45-60 minute in the Porsche before I can open her up, and for me thats too far
Therefore was wondering what the AMV8 (4.7) is like for moderate speeds around urban areas, how fun it is when driven sedately fast.
Needles to say I am in love with the looks of the V8 Vantage as well.
Thank in advance
JKay
I know the 997 vs V8 Vantage has been done to death and Ive read over probably all the threads I could find, but was just curious from the point of view if all (or most) of the driving will be around the city
Currently have a 997 Turbo and feel I am only ever utilising 20% of its power living in the inner city. That plus the draconian speed laws in Australia (which I personally find MUCH worse than the UK) are making me feel the 997 Turbo is going to waste. (do 70 mph on a huge interstate highway in the dry with no traffic and it will get you a ticket and points here, limit is a STRICT 110kmh/68mph)
I need to drive for at least 45-60 minute in the Porsche before I can open her up, and for me thats too far
Therefore was wondering what the AMV8 (4.7) is like for moderate speeds around urban areas, how fun it is when driven sedately fast.
Needles to say I am in love with the looks of the V8 Vantage as well.
Thank in advance
JKay
I can only half answer - I came from a 996 turbo, but to a 4.3 Vantage.
It's perfectly good around town - although I'd say most cars aren't really exciting when doing that kind of driving. Clutch is significantly heavier in the Vantage than the turbo - but that's partly because I think mine is on the original clutch still and partly because the 996 turbo clutch was horribly light anyway. (And I think 4.7s might be lighter anyway).
Vantage feels like a much bigger car, but not enough that it causes any issue anywhere.
It does feel "special" when you're driving it though, much more than a 996 turbo ever did to me - and the quality of the car inside is much much nicer.
I don't know if I'd ever call my Vantage "fun" to drive. I am very happy with it, and as I said above it feels fairly special driving it. It sounds lovely, looks gorgeous etc. - but I'd say the turbo was probably more "fun" than my Vantage, and that's considering that I thought the turbo was one of the most sterile cars I've had. The Aston is a different kind of experience (and a very positive one).
It's perfectly good around town - although I'd say most cars aren't really exciting when doing that kind of driving. Clutch is significantly heavier in the Vantage than the turbo - but that's partly because I think mine is on the original clutch still and partly because the 996 turbo clutch was horribly light anyway. (And I think 4.7s might be lighter anyway).
Vantage feels like a much bigger car, but not enough that it causes any issue anywhere.
It does feel "special" when you're driving it though, much more than a 996 turbo ever did to me - and the quality of the car inside is much much nicer.
I don't know if I'd ever call my Vantage "fun" to drive. I am very happy with it, and as I said above it feels fairly special driving it. It sounds lovely, looks gorgeous etc. - but I'd say the turbo was probably more "fun" than my Vantage, and that's considering that I thought the turbo was one of the most sterile cars I've had. The Aston is a different kind of experience (and a very positive one).
JKay, I think the V8V would suit that environment very well indeed. It's a very comfortable car and is a pleasure to drive even at restricted speeds due to the AM feel good factor. It's a very nice place to be inside and the reception from others is invariably positive. When you do shake off the law, the car is not slow at all. In fact, it's very quick but lacks the punch of excessive torque. A quick glimpse at the speedometer will, however, raise your eyebrow so be careful if you're within sight of the cops.
Grab a test drive and let us know what you think.
Grab a test drive and let us know what you think.
The Aston will make you smile every time you see it, let alone every time you get into it. Once you're ensconced, you'll have time to savour the hand-crafted interior and smell of top-quality leather - as a friend who recently changed his 997 GTS for an Aston N430 put it to me: "It's like getting a promotion". Then there's the sound of that V8; a symphony orchestra compared to the off-key 'Dyson Drone' (TM) of the Porsche Turbo!
You'll then discover (unbelievably, but it's true) that you're suddenly everyone's friend. Exactly why, I don't know, but Astons are just incredibly cool in the general public perception, whereas even a Turbo Porsche is just seen as another car (to anyone but those of us who know what we're looking at). Everyone wants to admire, talk about, or photograph your car. Mental!
Then there's the feedback and driving experience. Around town, the Aston's steering is quicker than the Porsche, with very little to choose between the two for feel (weights-up nicely and communicates front grip levels well). Turn-in is far better then the lightly-loaded front-end of the 911 can provide. Brakes as good, or better, than the 911. Outright pace is nowhere near a 911 Turbo, but I promise you, you won't care!
The only real downside, for urban use, is the manual gearbox is notchy and recalcitrant as hell for the first couple of miles. Strangely, after 3 months of Aston ownership, I've already stopped noticing as I just unconsciously drive around it.
As you can probably tell, I don't regret changing from my old 997S (PDK) to the Vantage, one bit!
You'll then discover (unbelievably, but it's true) that you're suddenly everyone's friend. Exactly why, I don't know, but Astons are just incredibly cool in the general public perception, whereas even a Turbo Porsche is just seen as another car (to anyone but those of us who know what we're looking at). Everyone wants to admire, talk about, or photograph your car. Mental!
Then there's the feedback and driving experience. Around town, the Aston's steering is quicker than the Porsche, with very little to choose between the two for feel (weights-up nicely and communicates front grip levels well). Turn-in is far better then the lightly-loaded front-end of the 911 can provide. Brakes as good, or better, than the 911. Outright pace is nowhere near a 911 Turbo, but I promise you, you won't care!
The only real downside, for urban use, is the manual gearbox is notchy and recalcitrant as hell for the first couple of miles. Strangely, after 3 months of Aston ownership, I've already stopped noticing as I just unconsciously drive around it.
As you can probably tell, I don't regret changing from my old 997S (PDK) to the Vantage, one bit!
Edited by Ian_UK1 on Monday 10th October 13:27
Ian_UK1 said:
The only real downside, for urban use, is the manual gearbox is notchy and recalcitrant as hell for the first couple of miles. Strangely, after 3 months of Aston ownership, I've already stopped noticing as I just unconsciously drive around it.!
I've never noticed this with mine, even when I was a new owner. Then again, I've had a few years with Italian gearboxes, so perhaps it's all relative!Ian_UK1 said:
You'll then discover (unbelievably, but it's true) that you're suddenly everyone's friend. Exactly why, I don't know, but Aston's are just incredibly cool in the general public perception, whereas even a Turbo Porsche is just seen as another car (to anyone but those of us who know what we're looking at). everyone wants to admire, talk about, or photograph your car. Mental!
Yep - think I've mentioned it before, but when I got my Vantage even close friends suddenly announced that it was their favourite car ever and they'd always wanted one (although I think that was a generic brand comment rather than specifically Vantage). Friends / neighbours all believe it's the best car I've ever owned - according to them, my 360 is a poor second.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw-R0BuhJqo
Everyone has a 911. No one has an Aston.
Oh, and reliability: when people on this board said to me that a modern day Aston Martin is more reliable than a Porsche, i wouldn't believe them. But it tuns out they're right.
Everyone has a 911. No one has an Aston.
Oh, and reliability: when people on this board said to me that a modern day Aston Martin is more reliable than a Porsche, i wouldn't believe them. But it tuns out they're right.
DAMIT said:
For City driving Sportshift is NOT recommended!
I don't agree. You have to learn how to use it properly & it takes a little getting used to, but once mastered it's excellent even in city traffic. SS is not an automatic, rather a robotised manual. AML made a mistake by adding the D button, it adds nothing to the driving pleasure & just lulls potential owners into thinking it performs the same function as a full auto .... it certainly doesn't!
Edited by HBradley on Monday 10th October 16:21
Edited by HBradley on Monday 10th October 16:25
Edited by HBradley on Monday 10th October 16:27
Edited by HBradley on Monday 10th October 16:35
Thanks again for the replies. I'm going to view a few this week
I've never driven a V8 Vantage, let alone any Aston Martin in my life.
I do suspect the looks and sound will massively cloud my judgement, quickly hiding any flaws which may arise. But if that's the case then I'm still happy because it's all about how it makes one feel as an owner I believe. Don't give a single rats arse about lap times Etc
I shall let everyone know how I go
I've never driven a V8 Vantage, let alone any Aston Martin in my life.
I do suspect the looks and sound will massively cloud my judgement, quickly hiding any flaws which may arise. But if that's the case then I'm still happy because it's all about how it makes one feel as an owner I believe. Don't give a single rats arse about lap times Etc
I shall let everyone know how I go
Judged on objective terms, Porsche beats Aston pretty much every time. But when was the last time you acquired any car, particularly a sports car, for objective reasons alone? Factor in the subjective, which in many cases is just as important, if not more important than numbers and stats, and I think you will find Aston irresistible.
I'm going to possibly upset the collective here. I love my 4.7L manual vantage but I do not think its a great companion in a city.
Although I haven't owned a 997 but I've driven a few and they were easier in traffic and city driving than the AM. Why?
The vantage is still a fairly big car and visibility in the vantage is a challenge. Pulling out of junctions the bonnet is so long its half way down the road before you can see if there is traffic coming, especially with parked cars around. Reversing the C pillar is right were cars will be coming from and the design is such that you can't see the corners. It drops out of view in every direction and this is not because I'm a short arse, I'm comfortably over 6 foot.
Manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces isn't easy, especially in reverse which is a high enough gear ratio that you a doing approx 17-18kph backwards at idle.
Hill starts in the pre hill assist cars are a dexterity test. Especially uphill traffic light turns. Left hand gearstick, right hand for handbrake, no hand for steering wheel.
Speed, well you have to be careful, the speedo is next to useless and the car does not want to stick to urban speeds. Because it is so insulating you can be going quicker than expected. 65kph in a 50kph zone is so easy by accident.
Things it does well, it doesn't scrape very often even with nasty cambers and curbs. It's generally well received so even when I do stick my nose in front of traffic rarely are they awful to me. People generally let you change lane etc.
Generally I think that hot hatches are best for cities however the sports car thats can be hilarious to drive in the city is my Lotus Elise.
Apart from the scraping that you have to be careful with it does all the other stuff. Small, nimble, good visibility and feels faster than it is. You can be a real hoon if in the mood for that. Mini roundabouts are such good fun. Because the drivetrain comes out of a hatch type car but hauling only 2/3rds of the weight it seems to cope with the stop start stuff so easily.
Although I haven't owned a 997 but I've driven a few and they were easier in traffic and city driving than the AM. Why?
The vantage is still a fairly big car and visibility in the vantage is a challenge. Pulling out of junctions the bonnet is so long its half way down the road before you can see if there is traffic coming, especially with parked cars around. Reversing the C pillar is right were cars will be coming from and the design is such that you can't see the corners. It drops out of view in every direction and this is not because I'm a short arse, I'm comfortably over 6 foot.
Manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces isn't easy, especially in reverse which is a high enough gear ratio that you a doing approx 17-18kph backwards at idle.
Hill starts in the pre hill assist cars are a dexterity test. Especially uphill traffic light turns. Left hand gearstick, right hand for handbrake, no hand for steering wheel.
Speed, well you have to be careful, the speedo is next to useless and the car does not want to stick to urban speeds. Because it is so insulating you can be going quicker than expected. 65kph in a 50kph zone is so easy by accident.
Things it does well, it doesn't scrape very often even with nasty cambers and curbs. It's generally well received so even when I do stick my nose in front of traffic rarely are they awful to me. People generally let you change lane etc.
Generally I think that hot hatches are best for cities however the sports car thats can be hilarious to drive in the city is my Lotus Elise.
Apart from the scraping that you have to be careful with it does all the other stuff. Small, nimble, good visibility and feels faster than it is. You can be a real hoon if in the mood for that. Mini roundabouts are such good fun. Because the drivetrain comes out of a hatch type car but hauling only 2/3rds of the weight it seems to cope with the stop start stuff so easily.
I agree on the visibility and parking challenges; however, if the "city drive" is from your garage to another garage at work and all the crossing have traffic lights, I don't see the issue.
However, the V8V is a heavy car and as the engine is naturally aspirated, the feeling of power at low revs is not bad but somehow limited. And I wonder if you want to rev up the engine all the time in the city and even if you want to go down that road, is your drive long enough to get the oil to a decent temperature?
However, the V8V is a heavy car and as the engine is naturally aspirated, the feeling of power at low revs is not bad but somehow limited. And I wonder if you want to rev up the engine all the time in the city and even if you want to go down that road, is your drive long enough to get the oil to a decent temperature?
TKP said:
. And I wonder if you want to rev up the engine all the time in the city and even if you want to go down that road, is your drive long enough to get the oil to a decent temperature?
Yes I always get my cars up to operating temperature. When I say city driving, I don't use the car for any sort of commute to work. I either walk, bus it or ride the motorbike sometimes. Its more a case of, its late on a weeknight, kids are asleep, streets are quiet, and I fancy a quick 30-45 minute blast somewhere not too far from home. In order to enjoy the Porsche I have to drive around an hour out of the city to really open her up, Im not even spooling the Turbos up around town. I used to take the time to drive the Porsche out of town but I find I have less and less time these days, as it turns into a half to full day thing jus to enjoy the Porsche, which could happen maybe once a month nowadays.
Im hoping with an Aston, I'd grab the keys to the car late on a weeknight when kids are asleep, go for a quick blast to Watsons bay (by the entrance into Sydney Harbour), then maybe across to Bondi, then to a few other spots then home, clipping a few apexs and mini roundabouts at only a semi fast speed. All in all around 45 mins. Still being able to enjoy that glorious V8 but not having to travel at warp speeds as required by the 911 Turbo.
Anyway, had a test drive of a 2015 Vantage S today, and I must say I really enjoyed it. I won't say too much about the looks as I think that speaks for itself (I am in love with the way they look), and the interior felt like a really nice place to be. Soft leather, glass buttons and Alcantara roof lining were lovely touches. Yes not as light on the feet as the 911, but turn in was nice and quick compared to my AWD 911, which I liked.
The Aston also felt very compliant over bumps and potholes. As for the sportshift, I actually managed to to the "lift foot off throttle" thing whilst shifting and it seemed to work nicely. I found the front very long as expected, but really loved that feeling of being cocooned in and that long nose just felt right somehow.
There are 5 for sale local to me, so I am going to look at all 5.
As quench says, subjectively I have been won over. Thanks everyone for the detailed replies it they've been very helpful
Some are "S" models and some aren't. Apart from some of the cosmetic stuff, Is there much between the two power wise?
Edited to add pic.
Theres the actual one I test drove today. Paint was in excellent condition too, no swirl marks whatsoever I could see
Edited by JKay on Tuesday 11th October 10:21
JKay said:
Some are "S" models and some aren't. Apart from some of the cosmetic stuff, Is there much between the two power wise?
There's only 10 BHP (peak power) between the Standard and 'S' versions, but the 'S' also has more mid-range torque. It's not a massive difference, but noticeable. Far more important is the Sports Suspension fitted to the 'S' - it's night-and-day different to the Comfort Suspension fitted to the standard car (albeit the Sports Suspension is an option on standard cars, so you may find some cars that have it installed). Rather than me trying to describe the (frankly, stark) differences, try to grab a drive in cars fitted with both options - you'll know by the middle of the first corner. Ian_UK1 said:
There's only 10 BHP (peak power) between the Standard and 'S' versions, but the 'S' also has more mid-range torque. It's not a massive difference, but noticeable. Far more important is the Sports Suspension fitted to the 'S' - it's night-and-day different to the Comfort Suspension fitted to the standard car (albeit the Sports Suspension is an option on standard cars, so you may find some cars that have it installed). Rather than me trying to describe the (frankly, stark) differences, try to grab a drive in cars fitted with both options - you'll know by the middle of the first corner.
Sounds like the sports suspension is a must then 
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff