The Porsche 911 is the ultimate sports car that has been in production since 1963. Or is it? Tons of manufacturers over the years have tried to knock the 911 from the top spot, but, most have failed. Until now. There is one car that really can in my opinion give the Porsche 911 a proper run for its money. It’s English with a German twist. It costs a heck of a lot more than a 911 new, but on the used market it goes for a similar price to a used 911. What is this car? Well, it’s the Aston Martin Vantage.
The Vantage? I’m joking, right? Nope. The previous 2005 Vantage yes was a car that couldn’t get anywhere near the 911’s league despite its good looks and beautiful 4.3 V8. The current 2018 upwards Vantage may not look as good as its predecessor, but in every single way possible (apart from the door handles) it is a far different car.
The latest Vantage is a full-on sports car. No messing about at all. The center of gravity is low, the wheelbase is short, the feel of the car is compact and the suspension setup is phenomenal. In fact, the car doesn’t even have a “comfort” drive mode at all. The most comfortable suspension and power setting for this car is “sport” which is pretty bold. Despite this though, the Vantage is still a very comfortable car.
Under the hood is an AMG 4.0 Biturbo V8 from the. It has 503hp and 505 lb-ft of torque, which is the same as the Mercedes AMG GT S and C63 S models. The Vantage hits 60 in just 3.6 seconds and flat out it does 195 mph. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S may have a quicker 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds, but it is less powerful, and the 3.0 twin-turbo Flat-6 simply doesn’t sound as good.
The Vantage starts at $146,000 which is a lot of money. The 911 Carrera 4S starts at $120,600 which is considerably less. An AMG GT coupe starts at just under $120,000 too and that has the same engine as the Vantage. So why does the Vantage cost more? Is it due to the name? Well, mostly yes. However, the Vantage does use more high-quality materials inside, and it does look a whole lot better.
If you want a Vantage, look on the used market. There, you will find cars for a whole lot less, usually at a similar price to a new 911 Carrera 4S. However, why on earth would you buy a used car over a new one? Well, a decently specced 911 will cost you quite a bit, a lot more than a newish second-hand high spec Vantage.
The current market for Porsche 911 vehicles is very strong. Hence why so many of them are not depreciating at all. That’s a good thing right? Well, until you find out the waitlist for a new 911 is at least 7 to 8 months.
The Vantage Will Suprise You.
Think Aston Martin, and you think “gentleman’s express.” You think of 007, style, and class. Sure the new Aston is classy, but it sounds brutal. In fact, it is one of the best-sounding cars ever. All the pops and bangs from the exhaust, you just don’t expect that from an Aston Martin at all. It’s criminal!
Inside, the noise is somewhat different. Unfortunately, there is artificial noise. However, roll the window down and put the car into track mode, and everything changes. The exhaust comes alive and the car just feels so special. The handling is very good too, even in the standard “sport” suspension mode. However, if you want the absolute best out of this car the “track” suspension mode needs to be on.
The Vantage isn’t a soft GT at all. It’s sporty, it’s a proper full-on driver’s car. Inside, it feels like a cockpit with its low driving position and racing like square steering wheel. The metal shift paddles are massive and very easy to access. The area where the large Mercedes multimedia screen is and where most of the buttons are too feels like something out of a spaceship. The standard car has an Alcantara interior to make things even more sporty. Admittedly it is very naff indeed, but leather options are available.
The Vantage is a great car for the track too. The 50:50 weight distribution helps the car feel so much more secure and the wide tires really boost the handling. The gearbox may be an 8-speed automatic, but it is just as fast as a double-clutch gearbox. Maybe not as quick as a PDK, but that’s a very hard gearbox to beat.
Can it be a handful? It sure can, especially with traction control off. Don’t forget, this is an RWD car which means in the wet it can be vulnerable. The Carrera 4S and even the S is a better handling car in the wet for sure.
But in the dry, the Vantage will give these two cars a proper run for their money. Sure, the brakes on the 911 are a tad better but the Vantage has more torque. The car does not have rear-wheel steering, but that isn’t an issue due to the size of the car.
It’s Timeless and Perfect For Anybody.
Previously, Aston Martin has made cars for old people. Those with grey hairs. They still do, but the Vantage is a car that has been targeted massively at younger people. Of course though, if you are a tad older, you can of course spec your Vantage in a more suitable color and spec.
The Vantage is a car for people who want to have fun. It’s a perfect first supercar. Whether you want to use it every day or use it on a Sunday morning for a blast, this car will really put a smile on your face. Take this to the track for a blast, or take it on a long drive to Monaco. This car can do all sorts.
Is it as practical as a 911? Well, it may not have pointless rear seats, but the rear luggage space is quite large and the cabin feels quite spacious. Unfortunately, there is no glovebox which is irritating. So, I’d say no. However, the interior does feel more special and it sure does turn many more heads.
To Conclude.
Not saying the Vantage is better than the 911. But, it’s a car you should consider. It is a serious sports car that does give the 911 a run for its money. It’s different and it fills in the gaps where the 911 falls. For example, on looks and exhaust note. It truly is a special car that feels
The Vantage is also a far better purchase in comparison to the current DB11. Same engine, lighter and more fun. This is the best Aston Martin on sale right now, which is good because it’s also the cheapest car that they sell.