Anybody move one way or the other that can comment on pros and cons? Can't believe how much the Vantages have come down. I know that the C2S is still more of a driver's car, but I love the look of the Vantage (possibly more than the 997)

Looking for opinions from people who have driven both for extended periods of time.

Thanks!

 

I'm very interested in responses as well. However, are we comparing the latest vantage (09 with bigger engine) with the latest C2S (997.2)?

 

I had a DB9,
nice TQ, great sound, amazing appearance
Too heavy and sloppy

 

Do a search on YouTube, topgear did a comparison of the Vantage vs M6 vs 997 C2S

 

I think Im going to wait till next year and pickup a 09 Vantage Roadster. The 09 is even more refined then the 08 plus it has a new motor. You can get a 08 roadster now for $80-90k, figure the same will be true with the 09's next year. Truly one of the most beautiful cars in the world.

 

Kamran - I was looking to compare the 1st generation 997 versus the pre-09 AM Vantage.

StrtSwpr996 - Interesting that you think even a DB9 is sloppy versus a 997S. Wonder if that means a Vantage would be even sloppier?

I'm seeing 07 Vantages in the 10-20k mile range in the 70s. Even a few in the 60s! I'm debating waiting for the 09s to drop as well, but maybe that makes the 07/08s even more of a deal?

 

I have not owned both but have driven both on a number of occasions. The biggest differences to me were:

The AMV8 looks incredible

The interior feels like a handmade suit - beautiful materials, tastefully done.

The 997 has more torque - you don't have to rev it quite so hard to get a change of pace

The 997 has a nicer gearbox action

The 997 has better steering feel

The 997 has more road noise - not a good thing.

The 997 is more "tossable" through corners

I seriously considered an AMV8 but in the end preferred driving a 997.

 

The Vantage is all over the 997 sitting in your garage...until you drive 'em and compare. The AM needs a lot more power and better suspension tuning but for commuting in style its a fantastic car especially at the used prices currently.

 

I traded my modded 996TT for a Vantage and could not be happier. It certainly does not have nearly as much power but overall the ride is much superior. The fit and finish of the car is also spectacular. I almost purchased a 997 C4s but in the end I wanted something a little more different. Here in Chicago you see 911's at every corner. Not the case with AM. Either choice would be great though.

Adam

 

In terms of overall performance, the 911 is a great vehicle. Faster, out of the box better handling.

Before I bought my TT, I drove several Vantage V8s...but not the updated 2009 model. A very sexy car. A lot of "wow" factor when driving around, but not as flashy as the Lambo. And hands down, waaaay better sounding exhaust.

Had I ultimately been forced to choose between a 911 or 911 CS and the Vantage...I think I would have picked the Vantage.

 

This -- Drivers-Republic compares 997.2 Targa 4S, new Vantage roadster and new SL63 -- may help.

 

That was a great review. I like the videos. No matter what you pick you cant go wrong. All these cars just keep getting better. Who need 517hp in the Benz, but you got to love it. Good days....

 

I test drove an 08 towards the end of the year but couldn't work out a deal I was happy with. I agree with the above comments but there are two areas where the Vantage definitely scored higher than the 997. The first one is the exhaust note. Get on it and it's just incredible - way, way better than the 997 (it's also an active exhaust and by removing one fuse you can keep it turned up to 11 all the time). The other, which one may or may not see as an advantage, is the attention you get. I do get the odd thumbs up in the 997 but people just *love* the Vantage.

I'm actually thinking about an aftermarket exhaust on the 997 just to get a little closer to the fun I had in the Vantage - that noise really is intoxicating.

 

 

Is it fair to say that the improvements to both cars in 09 make them still a decent comparison? Or since the HP/torque bump in the 09 Vantage addresses a common complaint, the Vantage is a more complete car? I guess this is all very subjective, but the 997.2, although impressive with its improvements, isn't drastically different (comparing only 6sp) than the original 997.

Some actually prefer the 997 to the 997.2 when doesn't seem like anyone would prefer the 07/08 vantages versus the new 09s.

At the end of the day, guess I'm just trying to determine if I should get an 07/08 instead of waiting for the 09 to drop in price. I have an 05 997S today that I've loved dearly, but want to try something different.