Porsche 997 GTS to Vantage V8 S?

[JW1]

Hi All,
I'm considering changing my 997 GTS CAB PDK to a Vantage V8 S with SSII gearbox. Just wondering if anyone else has made the change? I use my car daily and clock up roughly 12,000 miles a year. The Porsche has been a reliable car, I'm wondering how reliable a Vantage would be with daily use? I've read many times over how special an AM is to drive, is this because they are generally 'Garage Queens' with only occasional use so more of a novelty factor compared with a car driven everyday? I could come under fire for the last comment. I would probably spend £75-80k, depreciation seems reasonable but AM's in this bracket seem to sit on dealers forecourts for a long time so this is a concern when the time comes to sell. I have the Grant book already so am just seeking opinions from owners.
Thanks,
James.

[RobDown]

There seem to be a lot making a similar switch recently (997 to vantage). I'm sure some will be along to comment soon, but also if you look back over a few pages of threads you'll come across some

[polar8]

Hi-
I went from a 997 GTS coupe (PDK) to a Vantage S coupe with SSII - both were daily drivers (albeit with a few cars in between). I never found the 997 quick enough, was expecting more. You'll certainly appreciate the step up in quality of cabin, and an all round more special experience on every drive. The VS sounds great too (there's a fuse to pull or a switchable exhaust option for not much money if you want full on sound all through rev range).

The Porsche has the better driving position and great steering but the Vantage S is up there with steering too. I wouldn't worry about reliability either - as long as you have a FSH. Finally, I managed to sell the Vantage S privately to the first person that called and came to look at the car, so it wasn't too painful in depreciation or moving it on either. Both great cars - I doubt you'll be disappointed with the Aston. Good luck!

Edited by polar8 on Sunday 11th December 20:16

[bogie]

I drive about 20k miles a year on average. I used my original Vantage most days for a few years for 12-15K miles and then in later years as a 2nd car it did 3-6K miles. Over 83K miles it never let me down. The only thing I was recovered for was by choice, when a wheel bearing had got that bad and so noisy I just didn't want to drive it a speed. Otherwise it was a reliable as any other car Ive owned.

They take the miles really well. Id keep an eye on the oil, early on in its life I would put in 2-4L between oil chainges, later on it reduced to 1-2L between 10K mile services.

Otherwise no issue with being used daily, in fact this is one of the attractions to me, its a special sportscar that can be used daily if you wish, no issue with durability or practical things like speed bumps.

[JW1]

Thank you, I appreciate all of your comments.

[haworthj]

Went from a 997 S to a DB9. Completely different cars. Never looked back though,.

Edited by haworthj on Monday 12th December 08:30

[northernmedia]

As above I went from a 997S to a V8V. Haven't looked back. Now in a V12VS
Do it!

[C997]

As the name might suggest, C997S to a V8V to a V12V and working on a V12VSRM. No regrets and no going back.

[JW1]

Those that have gone from a 997 with PDK gearbox to a Vantage with SSII gearbox, how did you find it, presume the PDK is better, albeit a different driving experience? It would be good to hear your opinions especially those that drive their V8V regularly.

[JKay]

JW1 said:

Those that have gone from a 997 with PDK gearbox to a Vantage with SSII gearbox, how did you find it, presume the PDK is better, albeit a different driving experience? It would be good to hear your opinions especially those that drive their V8V regularly.

I can half answer your question.
I had an M3 with DCT and then some time after a 997 and now an V8V

I like the SSII. The DCT (and PDK) is much better engineered in every way tho, just like the whole car is, ie 997 vs V8V (in my opinion)

The SSII needs to be driven in a certain way, and I find it rewarding and more engaging once you understand how to drive it.

If you prefer a box which can just be driven and forgotten, PDK for sure. If Yu don't mind a it if engagement, then the SSII

I prefer the Aston by the way personally

[J12KJR]

JKay said:

JW1 said:

Those that have gone from a 997 with PDK gearbox to a Vantage with SSII gearbox, how did you find it, presume the PDK is better, albeit a different driving experience? It would be good to hear your opinions especially those that drive their V8V regularly.

I can half answer your question.
I had an M3 with DCT and then some time after a 997 and now an V8V

I like the SSII. The DCT (and PDK) is much better engineered in every way tho, just like the whole car is, ie 997 vs V8V (in my opinion)

The SSII needs to be driven in a certain way, and I find it rewarding and more engaging once you understand how to drive it.

If you prefer a box which can just be driven and forgotten, PDK for sure. If Yu don't mind a it if engagement, then the SSII

I prefer the Aston by the way personally

+1 to the above.

SSII needs you to work with it to get the best out of the system. For me that makes it more enjoyable than the PDK which whilst a much better engineered box is too efficient to be enjoyable.

[TKP]

J12KJR said:

SSII needs you to work with it to get the best out of the system. For me that makes it more enjoyable than the PDK which whilst a much better engineered box is too efficient to be enjoyable.

I sometimes don't get you guys... first you go for this ~5k EUR option of SS, which is lousy compared to a PDK/DSG/whatever, and then you tell everyone how great it is that you have to work with it... just save the money and live happily ever after with a manual?

[J12KJR]

TKP said:

J12KJR said:

SSII needs you to work with it to get the best out of the system. For me that makes it more enjoyable than the PDK which whilst a much better engineered box is too efficient to be enjoyable.

I sometimes don't get you guys... first you go for this ~5k EUR option of SS, which is lousy compared to a PDK/DSG/whatever, and then you tell everyone how great it is that you have to work with it... just save the money and live happily ever after with a manual?

A/When I tried it I don't find the manual in the Vantage very comfortable to use, have one currently as a loaner and still feel the same.
B/Agreement with the boss is that if spending the amount I do on my special car it has to be an auto/automated manual which she is happy to drive. Small price to pay to keep her happy and have a special car to enjoy.
C/If I wanted slush box changes I would buy a DB9/Vanquish and suffer the wrath.

I have DSG in my daily its boring but efficient, ie ideal for a boring commute to work and back. Had PDK in a Cayman S it was boring but efficient, thought I would try it in a 991 C4S but guess what even with a lovely engine to mate it to I still find it boring.

We are all different and have different reasons for wanting a particular something.

Sportshift is a compromise but it is a compromise I and many others enjoy.

[JKay]

TKP said:

I sometimes don't get you guys... first you go for this ~5k EUR option of SS, which is lousy compared to a PDK/DSG/whatever, and then you tell everyone how great it is that you have to work with it... just save the money and live happily ever after with a manual?

Test drove a manual V8 when I was looking. Didn't like it for some reason. And clutch felt too stiff for me too i that particular example.

SSII ticked my boxes at the time so I went for it

[Rik Blythe]

I've got both a 997 and db9. The Porsche is a easy daily driver while the Aston is an experience every time I get in it ! I love them both but for very different reasons. If I'm honest I'd really like v12v but can't afford one yet !!!! Or maybe a manual db9, owning an Aston is at least half it. Shallow I know, but that's how it is for me :-)