RE: Aston V8 Vantage N430: Review
Discussion
Matt,
Thank you for reminding people that the V8 Vantage is a truly great driving experience. Many people seem to assume, since it’s been on the market for 9 years, that it isn’t as good to drive as some of the recently-introduced competitors (and others ignorantly assume that people only buy Astons for the looks or the badge). As you say, it remains a wonderful driver’s car, with superbly balanced and exploitable handling, steering feel among the absolute best (or better) as any car currently on the market, and plenty of performance from a naturally aspirated engine that produces among the best sounds in the business.
But I disagree with you on a few things…
Subjective though it is, I have to completely disagree with you regarding the “showroom factor” and that is loses in that regard to the F-type and possibly even to the 991. To me, the V8 Vantage is better-looking even than the F-type (and certainly the 991, pretty though it is), and by a significant margin. A few days ago I visited my local Jaguar dealer to see the F-type Coupe, and I took my V8V so that I could compare them directly. The Jag looks great, but not as good as the Aston. IMO, the Jag looks a bit tall in comparison (not much, just a little), and it has far more shut lines than the Aston. Most of the “vents” on the Jag are fakes, including the Aston-like ones in the front wings behind the wheels and those outboard of the grille. The craftsmanship and attention to detail of the Aston (inside and out) is on a completely different level.
About the interiors, I’m not blind – the Aston’s interior is no paragon of ergonomic perfection, and the tech is not up-to-date. However, it is gorgeous to look at, it is a wonderful place to be, and the driving position is perfect. Also, the quality of materials used is in a completely different league than that of the F-type and the 991. Both the Jag and the Porsche have interiors that are full of plastic, including plastic masquerading as metal. In the Aston, everything that looks like metal is metal, and there is almost no plastic. For example, the F-type’s instruments look and feel extremely cheap compared to the gorgeous machined-from-a-plate-of-alloy Aston instruments. You may say that the Aston’s instruments are hard to read, but in truth it’s only the analogue speedo that is difficult, and that’s because it reads all the way to 220mph (pointlessly). However, this problem is alleviated by the large and clear digital speed readout. Alloy switchgear provides a bespoke and quality feel that neither plastic (Porsche and Jaguar) nor rubber (Jag) can come close to. The Aston’s interior looks and feels like it costs 3 times as much as the others’ interiors. BTW, regarding tech, I’ll take the Aston’s “out-of-date” switchgear over a “modern” touchscreen every time. Having so many controls in something that requires the driver to look at it rather than the road is simply stupid. I own both, so I’m familiar with both.
The sheer specialness and desirability of the Aston – combined with its being a superb car to drive (a vital element in the equation) -- put it, IMO, in a completely league from the others. If it sounds like I’m biased toward Aston, to be clear, I have been a Porsche and Jaguar enthusiast and owner for a long time. I’ve driven the 991 (and R8), and I drove the F-type R Coupe a few days ago. It was fantastic. Hugely fast. But where would I be able to use the additional speed over my V8V? Also, it MUST have a manual ‘box before I’d buy it, but I’d love to have one. Ultimately, though, neither F-type nor 991 (nor R8) makes me want to replace my V8 Vantage – the Aston still makes me WANT it deeply.
Thank you for reminding people that the V8 Vantage is a truly great driving experience. Many people seem to assume, since it’s been on the market for 9 years, that it isn’t as good to drive as some of the recently-introduced competitors (and others ignorantly assume that people only buy Astons for the looks or the badge). As you say, it remains a wonderful driver’s car, with superbly balanced and exploitable handling, steering feel among the absolute best (or better) as any car currently on the market, and plenty of performance from a naturally aspirated engine that produces among the best sounds in the business.
But I disagree with you on a few things…
Subjective though it is, I have to completely disagree with you regarding the “showroom factor” and that is loses in that regard to the F-type and possibly even to the 991. To me, the V8 Vantage is better-looking even than the F-type (and certainly the 991, pretty though it is), and by a significant margin. A few days ago I visited my local Jaguar dealer to see the F-type Coupe, and I took my V8V so that I could compare them directly. The Jag looks great, but not as good as the Aston. IMO, the Jag looks a bit tall in comparison (not much, just a little), and it has far more shut lines than the Aston. Most of the “vents” on the Jag are fakes, including the Aston-like ones in the front wings behind the wheels and those outboard of the grille. The craftsmanship and attention to detail of the Aston (inside and out) is on a completely different level.
About the interiors, I’m not blind – the Aston’s interior is no paragon of ergonomic perfection, and the tech is not up-to-date. However, it is gorgeous to look at, it is a wonderful place to be, and the driving position is perfect. Also, the quality of materials used is in a completely different league than that of the F-type and the 991. Both the Jag and the Porsche have interiors that are full of plastic, including plastic masquerading as metal. In the Aston, everything that looks like metal is metal, and there is almost no plastic. For example, the F-type’s instruments look and feel extremely cheap compared to the gorgeous machined-from-a-plate-of-alloy Aston instruments. You may say that the Aston’s instruments are hard to read, but in truth it’s only the analogue speedo that is difficult, and that’s because it reads all the way to 220mph (pointlessly). However, this problem is alleviated by the large and clear digital speed readout. Alloy switchgear provides a bespoke and quality feel that neither plastic (Porsche and Jaguar) nor rubber (Jag) can come close to. The Aston’s interior looks and feels like it costs 3 times as much as the others’ interiors. BTW, regarding tech, I’ll take the Aston’s “out-of-date” switchgear over a “modern” touchscreen every time. Having so many controls in something that requires the driver to look at it rather than the road is simply stupid. I own both, so I’m familiar with both.
The sheer specialness and desirability of the Aston – combined with its being a superb car to drive (a vital element in the equation) -- put it, IMO, in a completely league from the others. If it sounds like I’m biased toward Aston, to be clear, I have been a Porsche and Jaguar enthusiast and owner for a long time. I’ve driven the 991 (and R8), and I drove the F-type R Coupe a few days ago. It was fantastic. Hugely fast. But where would I be able to use the additional speed over my V8V? Also, it MUST have a manual ‘box before I’d buy it, but I’d love to have one. Ultimately, though, neither F-type nor 991 (nor R8) makes me want to replace my V8 Vantage – the Aston still makes me WANT it deeply.
Speedraser said:
The craftsmanship and attention to detail of the Aston (inside and out) is on a completely different level.
About the interiors, I’m not blind – the Aston’s interior is no paragon of ergonomic perfection, and the tech is not up-to-date. However, it is gorgeous to look at, it is a wonderful place to be, and the driving position is perfect. Also, the quality of materials used is in a completely different league than that of the F-type and the 991. Both the Jag and the Porsche have interiors that are full of plastic, including plastic masquerading as metal. In the Aston, everything that looks like metal is metal, and there is almost no plastic. For example, the F-type’s instruments look and feel extremely cheap compared to the gorgeous machined-from-a-plate-of-alloy Aston instruments. You may say that the Aston’s instruments are hard to read, but in truth it’s only the analogue speedo that is difficult, and that’s because it reads all the way to 220mph (pointlessly). However, this problem is alleviated by the large and clear digital speed readout. Alloy switchgear provides a bespoke and quality feel that neither plastic (Porsche and Jaguar) nor rubber (Jag) can come close to. The Aston’s interior looks and feels like it costs 3 times as much as the others’ interiors. BTW, regarding tech, I’ll take the Aston’s “out-of-date” switchgear over a “modern” touchscreen every time. Having so many controls in something that requires the driver to look at it rather than the road is simply stupid. I own both, so I’m familiar with both.
The sheer specialness and desirability of the Aston – combined with its being a superb car to drive (a vital element in the equation) -- put it, IMO, in a completely league from the others. If it sounds like I’m biased toward Aston, to be clear, I have been a Porsche and Jaguar enthusiast and owner for a long time. I’ve driven the 991 (and R8), and I drove the F-type R Coupe a few days ago. It was fantastic. Hugely fast. But where would I be able to use the additional speed over my V8V? Also, it MUST have a manual ‘box before I’d buy it, but I’d love to have one. Ultimately, though, neither F-type nor 991 (nor R8) makes me want to replace my V8 Vantage – the Aston still makes me WANT it deeply.
As more established PHers may remember, I was an Aston doubter for a long time, until I accidentally ended up with a V8V Roadster for a few days as a courtesy car when somebody crashed into my M5. I hardly got to drive it because it was just as the financial crisis hit and I was busy on a bank rescue, but the car made a deep impression on me. About the interiors, I’m not blind – the Aston’s interior is no paragon of ergonomic perfection, and the tech is not up-to-date. However, it is gorgeous to look at, it is a wonderful place to be, and the driving position is perfect. Also, the quality of materials used is in a completely different league than that of the F-type and the 991. Both the Jag and the Porsche have interiors that are full of plastic, including plastic masquerading as metal. In the Aston, everything that looks like metal is metal, and there is almost no plastic. For example, the F-type’s instruments look and feel extremely cheap compared to the gorgeous machined-from-a-plate-of-alloy Aston instruments. You may say that the Aston’s instruments are hard to read, but in truth it’s only the analogue speedo that is difficult, and that’s because it reads all the way to 220mph (pointlessly). However, this problem is alleviated by the large and clear digital speed readout. Alloy switchgear provides a bespoke and quality feel that neither plastic (Porsche and Jaguar) nor rubber (Jag) can come close to. The Aston’s interior looks and feels like it costs 3 times as much as the others’ interiors. BTW, regarding tech, I’ll take the Aston’s “out-of-date” switchgear over a “modern” touchscreen every time. Having so many controls in something that requires the driver to look at it rather than the road is simply stupid. I own both, so I’m familiar with both.
The sheer specialness and desirability of the Aston – combined with its being a superb car to drive (a vital element in the equation) -- put it, IMO, in a completely league from the others. If it sounds like I’m biased toward Aston, to be clear, I have been a Porsche and Jaguar enthusiast and owner for a long time. I’ve driven the 991 (and R8), and I drove the F-type R Coupe a few days ago. It was fantastic. Hugely fast. But where would I be able to use the additional speed over my V8V? Also, it MUST have a manual ‘box before I’d buy it, but I’d love to have one. Ultimately, though, neither F-type nor 991 (nor R8) makes me want to replace my V8 Vantage – the Aston still makes me WANT it deeply.
The interior is less well developed ergonomically than a BMW's and the tech is much older, but the materials are in a different league and it just feels a much more special place to sit. I say this as a serial and current BMW owner and admirer.!
I've wanted on of these for a very long time, I'm going to have to scratch the itch at some point.
I'm glad to read that they are dynamically decent, if a little underpowered.
Although I could forgive every shortcoming for the looks alone
Hopefully Aston will progress with a new design, and engines/drivetrains that can compete with the best of them.
I'm glad to read that they are dynamically decent, if a little underpowered.
Although I could forgive every shortcoming for the looks alone
Hopefully Aston will progress with a new design, and engines/drivetrains that can compete with the best of them.
Zod said:
s more established PHers may remember, I was an Aston doubter for a long time, until I accidentally ended up with a V8V Roadster for a few days as a courtesy car when somebody crashed into my M5. I hardly got to drive it because it was just as the financial crisis hit and I was busy on a bank rescue, but the car made a deep impression on me.
The interior is less well developed ergonomically than a BMW's and the tech is much older, but the materials are in a different league and it just feels a much more special place to sit. I say this as a serial and current BMW owner and admirer.!
Zod - I do remember. I've always wanted to hear more about your transition from BMW man to Aston Martin man. What exactly made such an impression on you?The interior is less well developed ergonomically than a BMW's and the tech is much older, but the materials are in a different league and it just feels a much more special place to sit. I say this as a serial and current BMW owner and admirer.!
Apart from the looks, I think it's the manual 'box, hydraulic steering, proper handbrake and lack of downsized turbo engine (and other such gimmicky comprises in the name of "efficiency") that makes this car the default choice for those, like me, who aren't interested in a synthesised, compromised 991 etc.
Actually, I think the fact that it's a refreshing tonic compared to the rationalised, sanitised opposition means the V8V now appeals even more than it did when it was launched nearly a decade ago...
...well played, Aston. Well played.
Actually, I think the fact that it's a refreshing tonic compared to the rationalised, sanitised opposition means the V8V now appeals even more than it did when it was launched nearly a decade ago...
...well played, Aston. Well played.
Clivey said:
Apart from the looks, I think it's the manual 'box, hydraulic steering, proper handbrake and lack of downsized turbo engine (and other such gimmicky comprises in the name of "efficiency") that makes this car the default choice for those, like me, who aren't interested in a synthesised, compromised 991 etc.
Actually, I think the fact that it's a refreshing tonic compared to the rationalised, sanitised opposition means the V8V now appeals even more than it did when it was launched nearly a decade ago...
...well played, Aston. Well played.
Maybe it was more luck than judgement or, rather, a lack of cash to develop a replacement. No matter why , it does seem that competitors have evolved to be fatter and more synthetic. Actually, I think the fact that it's a refreshing tonic compared to the rationalised, sanitised opposition means the V8V now appeals even more than it did when it was launched nearly a decade ago...
...well played, Aston. Well played.
Aston have not been left behind. But they have avoided much of the negative aspects of "progress".
I think this has turned out to be a good thing. Aston shouldn't lose sight of this. Aston don't want to replace the vantage with something fatter and synthetic.
Clivey said:
Apart from the looks, I think it's the manual 'box, hydraulic steering, proper handbrake and lack of downsized turbo engine (and other such gimmicky comprises in the name of "efficiency") that makes this car the default choice for those, like me, who aren't interested in a synthesised, compromised 991 etc.
Actually, I think the fact that it's a refreshing tonic compared to the rationalised, sanitised opposition means the V8V now appeals even more than it did when it was launched nearly a decade ago...
...well played, Aston. Well played.
This was my argument, only against the future tie up with AMG. With AMG Aston will become what you rightfully fear. martinActually, I think the fact that it's a refreshing tonic compared to the rationalised, sanitised opposition means the V8V now appeals even more than it did when it was launched nearly a decade ago...
...well played, Aston. Well played.
Pentoman said:
Zod said:
s more established PHers may remember, I was an Aston doubter for a long time, until I accidentally ended up with a V8V Roadster for a few days as a courtesy car when somebody crashed into my M5. I hardly got to drive it because it was just as the financial crisis hit and I was busy on a bank rescue, but the car made a deep impression on me.
The interior is less well developed ergonomically than a BMW's and the tech is much older, but the materials are in a different league and it just feels a much more special place to sit. I say this as a serial and current BMW owner and admirer.!
Zod - I do remember. I've always wanted to hear more about your transition from BMW man to Aston Martin man. What exactly made such an impression on you?The interior is less well developed ergonomically than a BMW's and the tech is much older, but the materials are in a different league and it just feels a much more special place to sit. I say this as a serial and current BMW owner and admirer.!
It's difficult to express, but sound and feel are at the heart of it. The V8 makes a lovely sound, but it just isn't quick enough for my tastes.
With my current car, I have something that gives me some of what I loved in my M3 CSL (rawness and short wheelbase) and some of what I loved in the M5 (lots of power,but with more low down torques), but with a manual box and an interior that feels more special in a body that just looks perfect.
Edited by Zod on Thursday 26th June 18:57
toppstuff said:
Maybe it was more luck than judgement or, rather, a lack of cash to develop a replacement.
Whilst it'd be nice to think that the ranks of AM are made-up of enthusiasts working to keep the flame of involvement burning, I'd be very surprised if you're not 100% correct and the only reason the Vantage hasn't been replaced with something more in the mould of it's current competitors is a lack of investment / resources.toppstuff said:
No matter why, it does seem that competitors have evolved to be fatter and more synthetic.
Aston have not been left behind. But they have avoided much of the negative aspects of "progress".
Also very true IMHO.Aston have not been left behind. But they have avoided much of the negative aspects of "progress".
toppstuff said:
I think this has turned out to be a good thing. Aston shouldn't lose sight of this. Aston don't want to replace the vantage with something fatter and synthetic.
martin elaman said:
This was my argument, only against the future tie up with AMG. With AMG Aston will become what you rightfully fear.
I think that in reality, we can predict what's coming... 
martin elaman said:
We can expect an updated and bigger/heavier VH platform, electronic suspension and (as well as electric) steering systems. And we can expect the turbo 4.0 v8. I think if Aston could have lightened the car we wouldn't need all the gimmickry. martin
FUD: the SLS weighs 1620kg with gull wing doors and lots of "gimmickry". Astons already have electronically adjustable suspension and there's nothing wrong with AMG (non-electric) steering (and no indication that AM will use it).Zod said:
FUD: the SLS weighs 1620kg with gull wing doors and lots of "gimmickry". Astons already have electronically adjustable suspension and there's nothing wrong with AMG (non-electric) steering (and no indication that AM will use it).
Yes even more Gimmickry is coming I'd say, and over 1600kg's? that's too heavy! The new Aston's will be bigger and heavier still. And yes the new small MB coupe will have the now infamous electric steering- its been reported by CAR already. A good weight to shoot for in a sports car is around 1300kg's!! Then its requires less power, power assistance, and "settings". martinGassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff