Convertible F type R V8 vs. Vantage (2005-

Convertible F type R V8 vs. Vantage (2005-

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Discussion

ShortBeardy

Original Poster:

242 posts

156 months

Sunday 23rd March
quotequote all
A question for those who have the benefit of experience of both...

A convertible primarily for road trips for old ex-pat in USA. I have previously used convertibles: NA MX-5, V8 NA MX-5, CLK550, 4.2 X150 XKR (Coupe) and currently a rwd 996 Cab. I do my own maintenance.

The budget is ~50kUSD which points to 2016-2020 F type R AWD and 2007- 2013 Vantage.

The F type offers much more power and massive midrange torque and a decent auto for easy driving, reasonable economy on a run and for someone who has road tripped in a NA MX-5, an acceptable boot. Lots of forum support and aftermarket parts appear to make it easy for home maintenance. I have spent some time behind the wheel of an AWD car. It appears the obvious choice...

However, I am nagged by a long standing urge for a V8 Vantage. The Vantage is potentially (much) more expensive for parts and requires more `involvement', but appears to have more room in the cabin with little shelf behind each seat. The boot is also bigger. The interior is also more appealing being less `generic'. It drinks more but it is rolling art. I have not yet driven one and that's the next step, but I anticipate it is perhaps closer to a 996 Cab than my XKR being NA and needing to be exercised and is perhaps a more precise tool(?).

Any thoughts?

mr_spock

3,367 posts

227 months

Monday 24th March
quotequote all
My answer to this was an XKR convertible. So far I've used my 2016 Sequoia since my wife's packing exceeds the Jag's boot space.

ShortBeardy

Original Poster:

242 posts

156 months

Monday 24th March
quotequote all
How do you find the scuttle/cowl shake of the convertible over bumpy roads?

mr_spock

3,367 posts

227 months

Monday 24th March
quotequote all
There isn't any that I've noticed.

ShortBeardy

Original Poster:

242 posts

156 months

Monday 24th March
quotequote all
Great to hear!
I did note that the DB9 Volante is fitted with metal under trays (also called `sheer panels'), that allegedly have a positive impact on chassis stiffness. I can believe it as I have played around with similar bracing underneath and early MX5 with excellent results.

Simpo Two

88,515 posts

277 months

Monday 24th March
quotequote all
ShortBeardy said:
Any thoughts?
My thought is that you'll have to get the Vantage, even though it makes no practical sense...!

My X150 made much more sense than a DB9, so I p/exed it for a DB9 spin

ShortBeardy

Original Poster:

242 posts

156 months

Tuesday 25th March
quotequote all
and how's that working out for you?
The DB9 gas mileage, potential to drink itself dry of oil via faulty PCV and the option to eats the manifold cats and explode would rather concern me, although they are rather lovely.

Just had another look in an F type and there is no significant stowage in the cabin aside from dumping stuff in the passenger footwell, so despite it being the most obvious choice I will continue to look... XKR is looking better and better!

Hoofy

78,321 posts

294 months

Tuesday 25th March
quotequote all
When you have an itch, it needs scratching, even if it doesn't make practical or financial sense. biggrin