You need to test drive a CLK 63 Black Series. You will change your mind right away!

 

Ok, so I had a nice test drive day yesterday while here in San Diego on biz.

Vantage
First I drove an 07 Vantage 6spd with 30k. Now I don't know whether it was the mileage or too much air in the tires or what... but this Vantage felt too harsh.

Not harsh in a focused, I can take any corner sort of feel - like say a Viper, GTR etc. But harsh as in sharp bumps like reflectors hit too hard and also had a slightly rattle-y sound as well. It sounded great although I wish it had a lighter weight flywheel so it rev'd faster. Steering was heavy and the car felt significant. Made me wonder if it feels like owning a toy or something too serious... The interior had leather everywhere so you definitely feel special behind the wheel.

Lotus Evora
Then I drove an 11 Lotus Evora S. While I wonder if I could get over the thought of paying nearly $90k for a car with a supercharged Camry V6 the performance was quite impressive. It pulled super hard and was quite smooth. The ride was actually smoother than the Vantage by a longshot and yet it is a focused track toy (not a GT). AND it actually had 20's! The AC didn't blow cold for some reason and the sound of the door closing didn't sound so great if you know what I mean. Dash was wrapped in leather and the seats were quite supportive. It definitely looked the part and had presence.

XKR
Finally I drove an 11 XKR. First impression is how finished the car felt particularly when I closed the door. Super tight, satisfying thump. Steering was a bit light and I hate the black plastic around the navi screen. Had a nice sound and pulled like there was no tomorrow. Absorbed bumps like a real GT. Overall I was impressed. Although I have a hard time stomaching $100k for a Jag. The 12' looks even better with more aggressive nose - sharper headlights and stronger character line down the side. Very good looking car. The 12' will age very well like the older XKR coupes still look good today.

Verdict
All in all, I wasn't moved to buy either of these cars. The Vantage didn't feel like a very good GT particularly with its ride. Yet it isn't a beast from a performance standpoint. I like to know what my car really is. If it doesn't have the best interior quality like a Viper but it is quite nearly the king of the road I can live with that. I know what I'm giving up. In this case the 07 Vantage may not be the fastest in a line or around a track but it should be at least be an impeccable grand tourer but I'm not sure this specimen was. The 11' Vantage I previously drove felt perfect. Balanced sporty yet ride that provided proper insulation from the road. What year does the suspension improvements happen?

The Evora is a focused track car but I'd have to get over the Toyota power and quality issues for $90k. The XKR had the best overall package. However, I really prefer a 6speed so I couldn't pull the trigger.

I guess I'm still on the hunt! Need to drive some newer Vantages or different 07's, perhaps a 997TT.

 

Analysis paralysis.

 

Analysis paralysis.

 

Quite possibly. I was telling my wife this is part of the challenge of being a car nut and having owned so many different types of cars. You can appreciate any of them for their unique merits that its hard to just know you want that specific dream car!

 

I also found the V8V to have a harsh ride. What's interesting is that the V12V has a much better ride quality while also being more firm in the corners. Think it may have something to do with the tires (Bridgestones (emphasis on the "stones") vs the Pirellis) and also the mass in each corner (less for the V12V).

 

The V12V I drove felt the same in ride quality/corners as the V8V with the handling upgrade. The major difference to me was the brakes followed by the torque.

 

I also feel the V8V has a hard ride (especially here in NJ). I love the car though and was going to purchase one in 2007 but the Audi R8 got in the way. I loved everything about the R8 but I had to sell it a year later (I had one of the first R8's in the country) when the economic recession came along and gutted my business. Two years later I came across a 2007 Goodwood Green V8 Vantage and I pulled the trigger on it (just 2,000 mies and $75K). No regrets although if I could have purchased my R8 back for 90K I would have. My 2008 Audi R8 had better all around driving dynamics than my 2007 V8V. I still miss than car.

 

Can't say anything re: the handling upgrade, but the ride quality difference between the stock '07 V8 and the V12 is significant, especially on uneven surfaces, like pock-marked city streets.

 

I took it out on smooth twisty roads at the V12V was brilliant, perhaps one day!

My V8V does not like pot holes/expansion gaps etc at all......the handling upgrade made it even more significant. I wonder if OP drove one with the handling upgrade because it really increses the harshness (but also does wonders in the corners)!

 

Ha that's the vantage that I test drove and had exactly the same reaction. Now I have been in a few newer ones as a passenger and did not feel the same way. Little torn on the two tone interior as well.