Considering Vantage GT, thoughts?

[baege]

I am considering a move from my 2014 Cayman S into a 2015 Vantage GT (apparently there are still allocations in Canada).
I test drove a 2014 Vantage S last week. I was fortunate enough to be able to drive it over some of the very same roads I drive my CS. which allowed an excellent opportunity for direct comparison.
My impressions:
the Engine and exhaust sound are incredible, the S, as does the GT, has a Sport Exhaust system, the car sounds absolutely incredible, exactly what a v8 should sound like. It has a very smooth engine with great torque. I was amazed how much quicker the S felt than my CS. From what I can tell online it does have a 0-60 time of about 4.3seconds flat and I was surprised how perceptible the difference in power was from my CS. The throttle response was excellent.
But aside from it's aesthetics and v8 sound and power, that was about all the vantage had over my CS for me. The CS to me is just so much more of an immediate, electric experience. The vantage felt less connected and direct. I could feel its greater weight, more body roll and less flat feel. The S definitely felt better than the 2010 vantage v8 I drove, but it still didn't leave me grinning like I did the first time I ever drove a 981 S. Even the driving position and view didn't fit me as well, there's less visibility and you don't feel like you're right on the road like you do with the CS.
In the end, for me it was just as I suspected the Vantage was much more of a GT than a sports car and for me I think the CS will actually bring me overall driving fun and joy. But as for which car pulls at my heart strings more, it has to be the vantage, the v8 and its look just grab me. I am still in contemplation about whether I should make the move...

[Desert_Fox]

Aston Martin makes some of the most beautiful cars to ever grace our planet. There is something special about every single one, something that can't be felt in a German car. Im a massive Cayman S fanboy as well, so take that with some credit. My dad is a pretty big Aston enthusiast, I grew up marveling at his DB7 Vantage every day on the way to school. He watched Die Another Day, and that was pretty much it... He almost bought a DBS after watching Casino Royale, but was not very keen on the transmission. Absolutely gorgeous and passionate cars.

What I kept thinking when you wrote this is why not a used Vantage V12? It is genuinely one of the fastest cars i've ever been in, and the power delivery is absolutely unreal. It was one of those smiles for miles kind of test drives. I don't know how much a New V8 S is selling for, but why not get something more potent and save some depreciation cost?

EDIT: I didn't realize the new Vantage GT was about $100k. I think those used V12's are still commanding around $140k, I was under the belief the car you were looking to buy was about $130k anyways. That might change things a bit depending on your budget.

[ShocknAwe]

From what you said in your original post, I think you, in your heart, want more performance than the Vantage GT can offer you. I second the above poster recommending the Vantage V12

Might be you'll be able to find a Vantage V12 from last year used, Astons seem to depreciate like rocks. Anyways, I think last years Vantage V12 still had a Manual gearbox. They switched to a single clutch automated manual this year. Reviews aren't good. Bummer on that.

[Redline2894]

The V12 Vantage would be a good choice as the others have said. That thing is gorgeous! Sounds great too.

[baege]

Appreciate the replies, but the V12 is at another level cost wise, with 2011's still going for $120k ish CDN
I can get a 2015 GT which has the S motor and S sports suspension for $110kish

[KingOfJericho]

The Vantage GT looks so damn cool! I was ready to jump on the "V12 or bust" bandwagon but the paint scheme and look of the GT have swayed me.

[Mark]

Also, i'm assuming you test drove a manual transmission. The most glaring difference between the two cars will be the Sportshift transmission, which completely ruins an otherwise very fun car. You will regret every minute of it compared to the CS PDK.

Fun factor wise, its hard to say, I found the Vantage more fun to drive, the CS is just too perfect, if that makes sense.

Performance wise the Vantage is just ancient compared to the CS, and you will feel it as you live with the car more, i'm sure. If its performance that drives you, stick with the CS. If its the looks that are you primary concern, well the Vantage wins every time IMO. But beware, theres a reason the GT is going more cut-rate on price. The car is on its way out (eventually) and the replacement will surely be a major step up, as just a few mild upgrades will significantly improve the car (seating position, transmission, AMG engine)

[Canaletto]

Have you considered a Lotus Evora S?

As far as being connected to the road, I think that the Evora easily beats out the Cayman, and the Evora is probably even more exclusive (in the sense of there not being very many of them on the road) than the Vantage.

And the Evora's certainly no slouch when it comes to aesthetics, either.

[Lups]

Damn, now I'm googling these.

[b0bab0i]

Originally Posted by Canaletto

Have you considered a Lotus Evora S?

As far as being connected to the road, I think that the Evora easily beats out the Cayman, and the Evora is probably even more exclusive (in the sense of there not being very many of them on the road) than the Vantage.

And the Evora's certainly no slouch when it comes to aesthetics, either.

Camry V6 Power!

Evora is like ~3000lbs, very un-lotus like.

[Canaletto]

Originally Posted by b0bab0i

Evora is like ~3000lbs, very un-lotus like.

Yes, but you can actually hear yourself think in it!

And in an era where a BMW 2-series weighs 3,500 lbs, 3,000 starts to look pretty good.

[baege]

Originally Posted by Canaletto

Have you considered a Lotus Evora S?

As far as being connected to the road, I think that the Evora easily beats out the Cayman, and the Evora is probably even more exclusive (in the sense of there not being very many of them on the road) than the Vantage.

And the Evora's certainly no slouch when it comes to aesthetics, either.

I actually drove an evora a while back when looking for a replacement for the Z4C. Agreed re connection to the road (although I don't think the difference is as stark as you suggest) but they are very impractical and the asthetics actually do less for me than my cayman does. The engine is also pretty uninspiring.

[2011CrazE89]

Just watched James Bond Casino Royale last night. The Vantage GT is gorgeous!

[Canaletto]

Originally Posted by baege

The engine is also pretty uninspiring.

Wow, really? I think that the Evora's engine sounded great and performed wonderfully (better than the base Cayman's honestly).

I couldn't believe that it was a Camry engine. Toyota should figure out how to get a Lotus-tuned V6 in the FR-S.

[omegaSMP300]

Porsche to Aston? Hmm. Just to reiterate some of what you said. Aston's are not quite the performers that they could/should be for the very very high premium's they demand. That being said they are more about the experience and the occasion than the hardcore numbers. The upkeep is more costly than than Porsche and well in regards to the GT you lose some of the comfort features do you not (heated seats/cruise control?). I was also considering making the switch to Aston (from my BMWs) looked at the Vantage S, DB9 and Virage but I was not quite ready to pay the price that comes with owning such a car. They are beautiful cars (and will be placed before Porsches at valet lots) but until they update the interior a bit more and improve their manual automatic gearbox (currently it is similar to the e60 SMG II) I will be sticking with Porsche.

[954Stealth]

I'd wait for the V8TT, AMG-powered DB9

[Nkc]

Originally Posted by 2011CrazE89

Just watched James Bond Casino Royale last night. The Vantage GT is gorgeous!

Pretty sure that was a DBS in casino royale

[baege]

Originally Posted by Canaletto

Wow, really? I think that the Evora's engine sounded great and performed wonderfully (better than the base Cayman's honestly).

I couldn't believe that it was a Camry engine. Toyota should figure out how to get a Lotus-tuned V6 in the FR-S.

definitely quicker than a base cayman, but to my ears it can't compare to the symphony of a porsche flat six

When I first drove a 981 I flat out grinned like I never had with any car I'd ever driven

That didn't happen with the evora, or with the vantage for that matter

[baege]

Originally Posted by omegaSMP300

Porsche to Aston? Hmm. Just to reiterate some of what you said. Aston's are not quite the performers that they could/should be for the very very high premium's they demand. That being said they are more about the experience and the occasion than the hardcore numbers. The upkeep is more costly than than Porsche and well in regards to the GT you lose some of the comfort features do you not (heated seats/cruise control?). I was also considering making the switch to Aston (from my BMWs) looked at the Vantage S, DB9 and Virage but I was not quite ready to pay the price that comes with owning such a car. They are beautiful cars (and will be placed before Porsches at valet lots) but until they update the interior a bit more and improve their manual automatic gearbox (currently it is similar to the e60 SMG II) I will be sticking with Porsche.

I don't care much about luxury and I'll always drive a manual until they stop making em, but for me it's whether I'll actually really get more enjoyment from a vantage than I do with my cayman. My cayman makes me long for my next drive like I never have with any other car. I am not sure I will have that with the vantage. But the cayman doesn't really stir me outside of its joy to drive. If only I could find the cayman dynamics in a package that also moves me asthetically like the vantage.

[baege]

Originally Posted by 954Stealth

I'd wait for the V8TT, AMG-powered DB9

This crosses my mind as well, perhaps the new vantage will offer both stellar driving dynamics and continue its incredible asthetic.

[omegaSMP300]

Originally Posted by baege

I don't care much about luxury and I'll always drive a manual until they stop making em, but for me it's whether I'll actually really get more enjoyment from a vantage than I do with my cayman. My cayman makes me long for my next drive like I never have with any other car. I am not sure I will have that with the vantage. But the cayman doesn't really stir me outside of its joy to drive. If only I could find the cayman dynamics in a package that also moves me asthetically like the vantage.

Agreed! I always find myself staring when I see an Aston. I think the new 981 is much improved in the aesthetics department (I prefer the Boxster personally) but I think most cars (unless they are other pure bred exotics) will be hard pressed to trump the looks/appreciation an Aston gets (and rightly so). I am no track junkie so I will never be able to appreciate the full abilities of my cars but that being said Aston's are heavy and you can feel it. Beautiful materials inside (I think Porsche does a great job too) but the archaic interior technology in Aston's really bother me. I like the power and creature comforts I find with a Porsche. All that in what is considered a vary reliable package (reasonable yearly upkeep costs) is what seals the deal for me. I don't need more power but if I wanted it I would have gotten a Turbo S. I do hope to one day own an Aston but looks alone won't convert me. I drive my cars too and don't want to have to compromise on things that are very important to me.

[2011CrazE89]

Originally Posted by Nkc

Pretty sure that was a DBS in casino royale

Yep, you're right