Hello

Since attending the 24 Hour of Le Mans in 2005 with my fiance (now wife), after seeing the DB9s and DB9Rs, she has been hot for me to get an AM V8 Vantage. If you'll excuse my comment, I wasn't ready to slow down from my '04 Porsche GT3. IMO, the Vantage is a spectacularly beautiful car, but doesn't have the driving dynamics with which I was comfortable.

Still not certain I'm ready to make the move although I have been considering moving to a Porsche 997S, a kinder/gentler sports car than the GT3 since I am no longer tracking the car, but I have an opportunity to buy an '07 Vantage, 6300 miles, asking $80K, probably could get at $73-75K. Looking at sale postings, this seems $10-15K lower than most others. So, a good buying opportunity.

I have driven it, 6-spd, BTW, and was not excited about its performance or sound. But it is BEAUTIFUL!!

Anyone here have a similar transition from a very edgy sports car to the Vantage that would be willing to share their impressions either here or in a PM?

 

I moved from a very modded 996tt that I tracked often. You can see several threads here that talk about people's experience moving to a Vantage. The price you are stating is a bit low so you are getting a good deal. Depending on your thoughts you will probably take a hit on your 996 GT3 sale. The market is extremely soft right now, new or used. You can mod the 4.3 Vantage w/ exhausts and ECU tunes - probably get something like 400-420 HP. The drive is a bit different than what you have now - in my case I really like my Vantage, I actually got bored of my P-cars. I have tracked my Vantage and it compares w/ a 997S or GT3 depending on the driver - the 2009 4.7 is faster. GT3RSs go right around me - most were basically on slicks. This is a higher reving 8 so do not think of it as an American V8 w/ low end torque - run it like a 6 cyl., it will get up and move at the top end. I think of it as grabbing by the back of the neck and being the boss! Again the drives are different - you will also get a ton of looks in the AM so be prepaired if you make the purchase.

 

How could you not like the sound? It's one of the best sounding cars I've ever heard. That's one of the things that killed me about the Porsches...they sound a bit like an old VW. I had a 997TT on order but changed my mind after driving both. I got the Vantage instead and I've been very happy. The 997TT is good looking (although nothing like the Vantage) and fast, but I didnt gel with it and it didnt feel right, whereas the Vantage felt perfect right away. It's an attention grabber, that's for sure.

 

There was no sound!! We hit the freeway, the sales guy in an '09 in front of me barked a bit when he hit the gas, I heard nothing inside from the '07 I was driving. Could be I'm used the the aural intensity of my GT3 with Cargraphic mufflers, but the Vantage emitted next to nothing in comparison.

 

The Vantage - stock - exhaust only opens at above ~4,0000 RPM (2006-2009)! The majority of owners "tie off" the stock exhaust - you get the sound all the time and does not effect the ECU (I have done this). Others have removed Fuse #22 - some cars have a negative fuel effect w/ this mod. Tie off the exhaust (open all the time - guess the factory thought about this !) or get an aftermarket one like you did w/ Cargraphic and your GT3 (they sell em for AM too ). I bought a RSC exhaust and 200 cell cats ... I have soound ... more than the GT3 ... I owned one too w/ a custom exhaust from the Father Land ... that was killer but not as good as AM Vantage I have now.

 

Look on youtube for videos under 'vantage sound' and vantage c'...stock the car is very loud and personally I wouldn't want it any louder, but if you want to get nuts there are high-flow cats and aftermarket exhausts.

 

I can't believe that I was loafing it below 4K rpm when we "merged" onto the freeway. I'll see tomorrow when I go back to see what final deal I can do. Now, to sell the GT3.

 

plz keep us posted. i'm looking at one as well, will be interested to see what kind of number you work.

these things used are helluva deal... i'm thinking it would make a great DD - for a while at least

and yeah, not fair to compare to your gt3 setup! i had a SY GT3 as well with straight pipes on it... even the Fcars sound like a lexus compared to that thing.

 

I have owned 5 Porsches. A 996TT modified with 600+ HP. A cayenne turbo, a 997S Cab and 2 boxsters. None of those cars sound like my Vantage. I have a quicksilver sport exhaust which gives me tremendous notes from 0 rpm's- forward. I figure my car is running around 400 hp in its current state. I have tried to describe the difference with this car in a number of other threads. You have to drive it and really get into the ZEN of the soul of something hand built in such exclusive company. I suggest a roadster. You can enjoy so much more sound with the top down and though I may be partial, I think the car looks better as a cab. I have always been protective of my Porsche backround, and I'm sure I will own another in the future. For now though I am in a state of bliss with this car.

 

That would be odd to not like the sound, its like a combo of ol' school American muscle and exotic mixed together. Did you floor it, or drive moderatley? B/C I thought the V8 Vantage was one of the loudest factory cars I've heard at full throttle.

 

Joe,
That sounds like a nice deal if you can get in low $70's. I debated a '07 AMV8, nothing sexier looking and sounding however, compared to the 6GT3 handling and power aren't in the same league. Given your current situation, this could be a good fit.
If pricing falls more in line (low $70's), I'd be tempted.
Let us know and good luck.

 

I made this exact transition from my RS spec, 05 996 GT3 to a 09 V8 Vantage. (gosh, I can't believe it's been 4+ years...)

While the GT3 is certainly a beast, that is also its downside. It is not a subtle car by any means. The Aston martin range provides the rarity and soul of an exoitc without the "look at me" d-baggery. It's a gentleman's car for people who have grown past showing off

There are some really good deals floating around on these exceptionally beautiful cars.

 

Here's a good video picking up the sound of the Vantage...hard to call this quiet!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm1_AtHKVz8