M3 vs Aston Martin Vantage?

[gtlexec]

Lately I've been seeing a number of publications compare the new BMW M3 to the new Aston Martin Vantage V8 (with 4.7L motor).

In some of these tests, the M3 is beating the AM Vantage!

Can this be true? The German made M3 is beating the English made AM at 1/2 the price?

Anyone here own both, or have a friend that owns AMV8V that can chime in?

Also, I take it the M3 is much more reliable than the AM... and probably holds it value better?

[amgthis]

But too bad the Vantage looks so damn beautiful, so I don't care about its performance, honestly.

[J08M3]

slightly different style of car aren't they. I was under the impression that the AM is more of a touring car, while the M3 is more of a track car. Probably better to compare an AM to a M6?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by gtlexec

Can this be true? The German made M3 is beating the English made AM at 1/2 the price?

Well, as far as pricing is concerned the 2008 Vantage with the 4.3L motor cost about as much as the new one, and the M3 certainly killed it then. So that it could do it in 2009 is no big surprise. For that matter lots of more expensive cars are slower than the M3 such as the SL550 or base 997. Similarly there are cheaper cars that can beat the M3 in some tests also.

Bigger surprise to me is how much the Vantage weighs (3600lbs) given the aluminum construction and the fact that its only a 2-seater. This is why the M3 can still run with it in some cases, even with the AM now making the same peak power and 10% more peak torque.

[rzm3]

The Vantage is sooo beautiful that I wouldn't care as long as it moved...

Just wait for the V-12 Vantage...

[ChrisFastM3]

Vantage FTW! Too sexy to deny

[JEllis]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Well, as far as pricing is concerned the 2008 Vantage with the 4.3L motor cost about as much as the new one, and the M3 certainly killed it then. So that it could do it in 2009 is no big surprise. For that matter lots of more expensive cars are slower than the M3 such as the SL550 or base 997. Similarly there are cheaper cars that can beat the M3 in some tests also.

Bigger surprise to me is how much the Vantage weighs (3600lbs) given the aluminum construction and the fact that its only a 2-seater. This is why the M3 can still run with it in some cases, even with the AM now making the same peak power and 10% more peak torque.

I thought the latest Car and Driver lightning lap (maybe its road and track) showed that the latest Vantage with upgraded engine is actually faster around a road course than the M3....

To be honest, its kinda nice to see AM finally back.....

EDIT: I think it was actually the CAR Magazine lap test

Jason

[rzm3]

Originally Posted by J08M3

slightly different style of car aren't they. I was under the impression that the AM is more of a touring car, while the M3 is more of a track car. Probably better to compare an AM to a M6?

In AM Vantage's price range there are many competitions: M6, Jag XK-R, 911, R8, SL, CL, Maser GT... Although everyone of them are built for a slightly different purpose.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by JEllis

I thought the latest Car and Driver lightning lap (maybe its road and track) showed that the latest Vantage with upgraded engine is actually faster around a road course than the M3....

To be honest, its kinda nice to see AM finally back.....

EDIT: I think it was actually the CAR Magazine lap test.

No doubt JEllis but I am taking the OP's word that some mags have shown the M3 better in certain tests. I'll bet in a drag race its a driver's race. Probably there are some things that one does better, some things that the other does better. So subjectively, one could rate the M3 ahead depending on what the criteria were in the test.

[Sedan_Clan]

The Vantage is sexy though!

[Speedtrap]

M3 for me anyday. Was considering the 997 C4S after I sold my E60 m5 and went for the M3 instead. Not much space in rear seats

[JEllis]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

No doubt JEllis but I am taking the OP's word that some mags have shown the M3 better in certain tests. I'll bet in a drag race its a driver's race. Probably there are some things that one does better, some things that the other does better. So subjectively, one could rate the M3 ahead depending on what the criteria were in the test.

I agree, it truly is a drivers race between the two and from a price standpoint the M3 is the better performance bargain.

However, for me, Aston Martins have an emotionally dramatic presence. I am glad to see them performing as they should!

Jason

[Kobaiyashi]

Originally Posted by amgthis

But too bad the Vantage looks so damn beautiful, so I don't care about its performance, honestly.

+1 million.

Though it's less practical, I'd take a Vantage over an M3 any day of the week (if I could afford it). That thing is gorgeous.

Nonetheless, having bought an M3, I love reading about all the super expensive cars it can compete with... gives me that extra little bit of confirmation that I made the right choice

[Great White]

Honestly: who would not give up thier M3 if they could get an AMV8V ?
I personally would. I was looking at one actually before I got my E92 but the service costs OMG !!
They were both priced same but the Aston had a 10000 milage already down so I decided to go with the new Great White. But still the Aston would be my choice if it werent so darned expensive.
When you have one of those who cares about the power ? The looks alone compensate everything.

Originally Posted by Kobaiyashi

Nonetheless, having bought an M3, I love reading about all the super expensive cars it can compete with... gives me that extra little bit of confirmation that I made the right choice

So true too

[montreal red]

if i could afford a vantage, i'd still take it even if an m3 can beat it around the track... a vantage is sexy!

[bruce.augenstein@comcast.]

Originally Posted by gtlexec

Lately I've been seeing a number of publications compare the new BMW M3 to the new Aston Martin Vantage V8 (with 4.7L motor)...

Way back when they were doing noise tests to see if the plane could possibly fly into U.S. airports, I saw the Concorde SST on the runway at Boston Airport as we turned in for a landing.

It looked like a swan amongst the suddenly ugly ducklings (737s, 747s, etc.) clustered around it.

That's what an Aston Martin looks like next to an M3 - or nearly anything else, for that matter. Performance comparisons are secondary, at best.

Bruce

[gtlexec]

So, it sounds like the best solution is to buy BOTH!

I wish!

[inmotion]

The Vantage is a great cruiser, but from a performance point of view, it is stll lacking especially when you compare vehicles in its price cat.

[daltonnnn]

Might as well have both in the garage!! The AM has its pimp, sleek, look to it, while the M3 is, well, the M3.

If the AM is faster than the M3, then we'd just have to try a bit harder to beat it and it would probably be more fun that way.

I love it when I see them in Entourage, if anyone else watches that.

[ersin]

Originally Posted by bruce.augenstein@comcast.

Way back when they were doing noise tests to see if the plane could possibly fly into U.S. airports, I saw the Concorde SST on the runway at Boston Airport as we turned in for a landing.

It looked like a swan amongst the suddenly ugly ducklings (737s, 747s, etc.) clustered around it.

That's what an Aston Martin looks like next to an M3 - or nearly anything else, for that matter. Performance comparisons are secondary, at best.

Bruce

But the Concorde will scream past any other passenger planes. The Vantage won't do the same to the M3.

Still, I'd take the AM over the M3. There aren't too many really good looking new cars left. Aston Martins are definitely one of the really good looking ones. I love the interior too. The leather is gorgeous!

[spearfisher]

Who cares about going fast, I'd rather look pretty in an Aston, such a good looking car

[apw2607]

Yea, its not everyday you can say "I'm just popping up to Safeway in the Aston".