AM Vantage or Audi R8 V8
Discussion
I had the exact same quandry recently, between the AM Vantage V8 4.7, the R8 V8 and the Nissan GTR. I thought I wanted the Aston until I drove one and wasnt that impressed but they do look so good, but I went for the R8 in the end. The GTR was the quickest though no doubt and Ive driven one on track too and they have impeccable manners, so if track days are your thing, maybe consider one.
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I was looking at exactly the same option a few years back - R8 V8 manual or Vantage 4.7 manual. I loved them both and it wasn't an easy choice. The R8 felt a slightly sharper tool but the Aston still had plenty of feedback and both went well and sounded great. The R8's gear change was great though - the lovely "snick snick" of the open gate! I did think the R8 may have been less good on longer trips due to the engine noise behind your head and the Aston's interior was the nicer place to be. The Aston had better storage space as well if you're using it as a daily or doing trips away.
However, they were so close that the main thing that swung it for me in the end was that I already had an RS4 and the R8 was just too similar. So I got a 2010 Aston and absolutely loved it. Used as a DD and was pretty much faultless, save a couple of paint issues sorted under warranty. I'd have another in a heartbeat - one of the most beautiful cars ever made IMO.
They're both great cars, though, but as mentioned above, if you're planning the occasional track outing the R8 may be the better bet, for touring, the Vantage would be my preference.
However, they were so close that the main thing that swung it for me in the end was that I already had an RS4 and the R8 was just too similar. So I got a 2010 Aston and absolutely loved it. Used as a DD and was pretty much faultless, save a couple of paint issues sorted under warranty. I'd have another in a heartbeat - one of the most beautiful cars ever made IMO.
They're both great cars, though, but as mentioned above, if you're planning the occasional track outing the R8 may be the better bet, for touring, the Vantage would be my preference.
Edited by drcarrera on Tuesday 7th January 11:34
Edited by drcarrera on Tuesday 7th January 11:34
I’ve owned both an R8 V8 and an AM V8 Vantage ( although the 4.3).
As mentioned, they are quite different cars, the V8 Vantage is a sports GT and will comfortably take 2 people and luggage away on a trip. It’s best cruising and not something you want to throw around a track (although I did do the Nurburgring in mine). It doesn’t feel that quick (4.3) but sounds awesome even with the standard exhaust.
The R8 is a pure sports car, and dynamically very sharp. You feel comfortable on track or throwing down your favourite road. Luggage is very poor though so you’d struggle with anything more than an overnight bag. The car is very quiet with the standard exhaust.
Personally I enjoyed driving the R8 more, but I kept the Aston longer as it was more useable.
As mentioned, they are quite different cars, the V8 Vantage is a sports GT and will comfortably take 2 people and luggage away on a trip. It’s best cruising and not something you want to throw around a track (although I did do the Nurburgring in mine). It doesn’t feel that quick (4.3) but sounds awesome even with the standard exhaust.
The R8 is a pure sports car, and dynamically very sharp. You feel comfortable on track or throwing down your favourite road. Luggage is very poor though so you’d struggle with anything more than an overnight bag. The car is very quiet with the standard exhaust.
Personally I enjoyed driving the R8 more, but I kept the Aston longer as it was more useable.
EpsomJames said:
I’ve owned both an R8 V8 and an AM V8 Vantage ( although the 4.3).
As mentioned, they are quite different cars, the V8 Vantage is a sports GT and will comfortably take 2 people and luggage away on a trip. It’s best cruising and not something you want to throw around a track (although I did do the Nurburgring in mine). It doesn’t feel that quick (4.3) but sounds awesome even with the standard exhaust.
The R8 is a pure sports car, and dynamically very sharp. You feel comfortable on track or throwing down your favourite road. Luggage is very poor though so you’d struggle with anything more than an overnight bag. The car is very quiet with the standard exhaust.
Personally I enjoyed driving the R8 more, but I kept the Aston longer as it was more useable.
My other half and I have done weekends away in the R8 - you can fit a fair amount of stuff behind the front seats and in the frunk. I think you'll struggle with a week away but certainly could do a long weekend jaunt in Europe. Still not as much space as the AM though.As mentioned, they are quite different cars, the V8 Vantage is a sports GT and will comfortably take 2 people and luggage away on a trip. It’s best cruising and not something you want to throw around a track (although I did do the Nurburgring in mine). It doesn’t feel that quick (4.3) but sounds awesome even with the standard exhaust.
The R8 is a pure sports car, and dynamically very sharp. You feel comfortable on track or throwing down your favourite road. Luggage is very poor though so you’d struggle with anything more than an overnight bag. The car is very quiet with the standard exhaust.
Personally I enjoyed driving the R8 more, but I kept the Aston longer as it was more useable.
Exhaust is all down to opinion - for me it's not quiet and just about right for a V8 but I appreciate I might be in the minority!!!
I've just moved from a V8 Vantage S (to a V6 Exige) and had a V10 R8 in the past.
The R8 was a very good car but I just didn't gel with it, it was blisteringly fast and pretty good on track but only really came alive at 9/10ths so really didn't get any real enjoyment out of it on most journeys, might as well have had an A4. It certainly got a lot of positive attention, was well made and I had no problems with it.
The V8S isn't as good a car as the R8 but to me I enjoyed driving it more of the time, it had some real drama about it. With the engine behind the front axle it is surprisingly nimble when pushing on but it does take a bit of bravery to push it as it feels heavy and a bit "lose". It will also lose traction quite easily where as the R8 just gripped everywhere.
Both cars were great cars to munch miles across Europe.
The Aston isn't too expensive to service with main dealers doing fixed price servicing (cheaper to maintain than our Range Rover) but parts are expensive so I'd recommend keeping it under warranty which I think last time I renewed was £1,800 pa.
So overall the R8 is probably the better, faster, better handling and least depreciating of the two.....I'd have the Aston though.
The R8 was a very good car but I just didn't gel with it, it was blisteringly fast and pretty good on track but only really came alive at 9/10ths so really didn't get any real enjoyment out of it on most journeys, might as well have had an A4. It certainly got a lot of positive attention, was well made and I had no problems with it.
The V8S isn't as good a car as the R8 but to me I enjoyed driving it more of the time, it had some real drama about it. With the engine behind the front axle it is surprisingly nimble when pushing on but it does take a bit of bravery to push it as it feels heavy and a bit "lose". It will also lose traction quite easily where as the R8 just gripped everywhere.
Both cars were great cars to munch miles across Europe.
The Aston isn't too expensive to service with main dealers doing fixed price servicing (cheaper to maintain than our Range Rover) but parts are expensive so I'd recommend keeping it under warranty which I think last time I renewed was £1,800 pa.
So overall the R8 is probably the better, faster, better handling and least depreciating of the two.....I'd have the Aston though.
PompeyReece said:
EpsomJames said:
I’ve owned both an R8 V8 and an AM V8 Vantage ( although the 4.3).
As mentioned, they are quite different cars, the V8 Vantage is a sports GT and will comfortably take 2 people and luggage away on a trip. It’s best cruising and not something you want to throw around a track (although I did do the Nurburgring in mine). It doesn’t feel that quick (4.3) but sounds awesome even with the standard exhaust.
The R8 is a pure sports car, and dynamically very sharp. You feel comfortable on track or throwing down your favourite road. Luggage is very poor though so you’d struggle with anything more than an overnight bag. The car is very quiet with the standard exhaust.
Personally I enjoyed driving the R8 more, but I kept the Aston longer as it was more useable.
My other half and I have done weekends away in the R8 - you can fit a fair amount of stuff behind the front seats and in the frunk. I think you'll struggle with a week away but certainly could do a long weekend jaunt in Europe. Still not as much space as the AM though.As mentioned, they are quite different cars, the V8 Vantage is a sports GT and will comfortably take 2 people and luggage away on a trip. It’s best cruising and not something you want to throw around a track (although I did do the Nurburgring in mine). It doesn’t feel that quick (4.3) but sounds awesome even with the standard exhaust.
The R8 is a pure sports car, and dynamically very sharp. You feel comfortable on track or throwing down your favourite road. Luggage is very poor though so you’d struggle with anything more than an overnight bag. The car is very quiet with the standard exhaust.
Personally I enjoyed driving the R8 more, but I kept the Aston longer as it was more useable.
Exhaust is all down to opinion - for me it's not quiet and just about right for a V8 but I appreciate I might be in the minority!!!
But to the average person, they won't want the hassle of cramming things into the cabin and will take one look at the boot and decide they can fit a squishy overnight bag in there.
The Vantage on the other hand has a decent sized boot that's perfectly capable of holding luggage for a week.
The V8 R8 is so quiet and smooth I occasionally (and embarrassingly) found myself bouncing off the limiter on track. The V8 in the Aston is much louder. But like you say, it depends what you like.
Jmracing66 said:
Hi All,
Im sure this has been done a few times on here, but if you had the choice of an Aston V8 Vantage, 2009 4.7L or a 2009 Audi R8 V8 for basically the same money what would you chose and why ?
Cheers, James
Can't provide any comparison comments but having owned an R8 V8 for two years and 20,000 miles I've found it an easy car to live with and use as an (almost) daily. It's easy to drive in and out of town, is easy to park, visibility is excellent and ground clearance also good (not grounded once - had more issues with front splitter on a TT). The front trunk storage is a good size, depth and shape.The car is often described as being low and wide with relatively long doors, but I've had no issues with parking it in car parks, driving through town, commuting, spirited drives on winding B-roads etc. It has retained that special feel, despite the heavy use, and I get excited about every trip out in it. Im sure this has been done a few times on here, but if you had the choice of an Aston V8 Vantage, 2009 4.7L or a 2009 Audi R8 V8 for basically the same money what would you chose and why ?
Cheers, James
But it's not all about being practical - it's an absolute joy to drive and the sound of the V8 is intoxicating. I'm running the stock exhaust and I can understand why some say it's too quiet, but with the window at least cracked a little I think it's plenty loud enough to enjoy without upsetting every village you pass through. The steering feel, and way you can place the car so precisely is an absolute joy on undulating country lanes. And the pace is more than enough for public roads.
It's cost under £200 per month in maintenance/servicing at Audi which has included 6 tyres (they wear well but I've had two rear-tyre punctures during ownership), annual services, a rear brake light replacement, one magride replacement. I don't think under £50 a week to maintain a car of this type is bad at all.
It's the longest I've owned a car but I honestly can't think of anything I'd choose to replace it with. Thoroughly recommended!
Edited by NewNameNeeded on Wednesday 8th January 16:52
NewNameNeeded said:
Can't provide any comparison comments but having owned an R8 V8 for two years and 20,000 miles I've found it an easy car to live with and use as an (almost) daily. It's easy to drive in and out of town, is easy to park, visibility is excellent and ground clearance also good (not grounded once - had more issues with front splitter on a TT). The front trunk storage is a good size, depth and shape.The car is often described as being low and wide with relatively long doors, but I've had no issues with parking it in car parks, driving through town, commuting, spirited drives on winding B-roads etc. It has retained that special feel, despite the heavy use, and I get excited about every trip out in it.
But it's not all about being practical - it's an absolute joy to drive and the sound of the V8 is intoxicating. I'm running the stock exhaust and I can understand why some say it's too quiet, but with the window at least cracked a little I think it's plenty loud enough to enjoy without upsetting every village you pass through. The steering feel, and way you can place the car so precisely is an absolute joy on undulating country lanes. And the pace is more than enough for public roads.
It's cost under £200 per month in maintenance/servicing at Audi which has included 6 tyres (they wear well but I've had two rear-tyre punctures during ownership), annual services, a rear brake light replacement, one magride replacement. I don't think under £50 a week to maintain a car of this type is bad at all.
It's the longest I've owned a car but I honestly can't think of anything I'd choose to replace it with. Thoroughly recommended!
To be fair, I could have written exactly the same report on the Aston Martin Vantage I had. As an ownership proposition the costs are more due to luck than any individual factor, my Vantage was very reliable and cheap to own considering. The looks, gorgeous V8 noise, and driving experience are the subjective elements which only the OP can determine.But it's not all about being practical - it's an absolute joy to drive and the sound of the V8 is intoxicating. I'm running the stock exhaust and I can understand why some say it's too quiet, but with the window at least cracked a little I think it's plenty loud enough to enjoy without upsetting every village you pass through. The steering feel, and way you can place the car so precisely is an absolute joy on undulating country lanes. And the pace is more than enough for public roads.
It's cost under £200 per month in maintenance/servicing at Audi which has included 6 tyres (they wear well but I've had two rear-tyre punctures during ownership), annual services, a rear brake light replacement, one magride replacement. I don't think under £50 a week to maintain a car of this type is bad at all.
It's the longest I've owned a car but I honestly can't think of anything I'd choose to replace it with. Thoroughly recommended!
The main thing for me was the awful clutch action on the Vantage, it was the main thing which led me to get rid of it.
In my opinion...
V8 Vantage is one of the most stunning looking cars ever built. It also sounds incredible, not a car for track though.
Don’t bother with an R8 V8, get the V10. Much better and the prices have come down a lot. Great car but doesn’t give me the same event as the Aston does, although it’s quicker.
V8 Vantage is one of the most stunning looking cars ever built. It also sounds incredible, not a car for track though.
Don’t bother with an R8 V8, get the V10. Much better and the prices have come down a lot. Great car but doesn’t give me the same event as the Aston does, although it’s quicker.
ZeroGroundZero said:
I've been looking at options including the R8 and AM Vantage for a good while. Both great looking cars.
Could I ask if there is a main 'go to' UK R8 owner's forum?
There is R8talk.com which is a message board, mainly US based but a few UK owners on thereCould I ask if there is a main 'go to' UK R8 owner's forum?
There is an open, free for all "Audi R8 UK Enthusiasts Page" on Facebook
There is also an "Audi R8 UK Owners Club" which is secured and only accessible by R8 owners on production of their VIN/proof of ownership.
The Surveyor said:
To be fair, I could have written exactly the same report on the Aston Martin Vantage I had. As an ownership proposition the costs are more due to luck than any individual factor, my Vantage was very reliable and cheap to own considering. The looks, gorgeous V8 noise, and driving experience are the subjective elements which only the OP can determine.
The main thing for me was the awful clutch action on the Vantage, it was the main thing which led me to get rid of it.
Later clutches are apparently better, or you can fit an aftermarket twin plat arrangementThe main thing for me was the awful clutch action on the Vantage, it was the main thing which led me to get rid of it.
PompeyReece said:
ZeroGroundZero said:
I've been looking at options including the R8 and AM Vantage for a good while. Both great looking cars.
Could I ask if there is a main 'go to' UK R8 owner's forum?
There is R8talk.com which is a message board, mainly US based but a few UK owners on thereCould I ask if there is a main 'go to' UK R8 owner's forum?
There is an open, free for all "Audi R8 UK Enthusiasts Page" on Facebook
There is also an "Audi R8 UK Owners Club" which is secured and only accessible by R8 owners on production of their VIN/proof of ownership.
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