I went and looked at the V12 Vantage and was really impressed. I haven't driven it yet but plan to do so this week. I'm currently driving a 2004 Gallardo and wanted to get some opinions on the change. I am looking to get into something more practical and easier to drive around town, but I don't want to give up too much performance. From reading here, it sounds like the acceleration is on par, but I'm not sure about the cornering and body roll. Any thoughts from anyone who has driven both (or a Ferrari 430)?

Also, for those of you who recently purchased, how are you faring with negotiations on the sticker pricing?

Thanks.

 

I think that you will find that the V12V compares very well in performance to your G. The steering will be a bit different because of the rear wheel drive but the car will feel smaller an nimble. I know that this will sound crazy, but it it more practical than other cars because of the trunk and the lay out. The finish of the car is also excellent, more like a Bentley than an Italian. I have always love the Gallardo but since the V12 offers similar performance, I couldn't resist.

 

BD...I was also looking at a Lambo. Was considering a new spyder, but after test driving both and polling a few of my trusted friends, getting the AM was a no brainer. Yes, lambos and ferraris may be more of a supercar, but you really cannot find a classier and more prestigious brand that Aston. It just oozes sophistication and luckily with the v12, it combines it with raw muscle. the car is a monster and you def wont regret it.

 

And as V12 owner #3, I will also toss out my two cents.

I haven't driven a Gallardo, but I've spoken with others that have older ones like yours and I hear that they are a bit peaky, meaning that you really need to rev them up to get into the power band. Not so with the AM V12V. There is ample power throughout the rpm range. As for the F430, I have driven one, and a European spec one to boot. That car is faster no doubt (the Ferrari sequential gearbox really helps in this department), but I chose the Aston because of its style, beauty, and practicality. Although I love the more "exotic" exotics, like Lamborghini and Ferrari, I just don't see owning one. Admittedly, part of it for me is how others perceive the car and its owner. When it comes to an Aston, everyone loves it.

I have a thread here describing my impressions of the car. As you will see if you read that thread, I am really pleased with my V12. Then again, I'm coming from an AM V8V so I have an Aston bias. Definitely test drive it. It's the only way to see if it's for you (be sure to press the sport button if/when you do!).

 

I agree with RacerX ... the "Exotic" exotics are very cool and do stir the soul ... but I could never ever picture myself owning one, its just way too flashy IMO. I don't live in South Beach Miami ... my car should reflect that lol

 

Some more thoughts ... Actually ... the Vantage got more looks in South Beach than F or G cars. Been there done that ... just not many AM's around town. Most popular question is "what is it - I love it" women thought it was so mature/sexy ! Thank God I am happily married !

Driven a few G's - nice but a drive/park type car. I think a better comp is I had a 996TT w just about every performance mod you could think of ... too much detail to list here - a genuine 550 HP w fully adj swaybars & coilovers and a blast to drive around Sebring. Was much faster than a stock 997TT. I dumped it for my V8 Vantage - 150 less HP and I am still happy 4 yrs later ... well until I drove the V12.
Stock V12 Vantage - is just as good as my previuos 996TT ... on the track or the street.
And you can take an actual trip in it (10 days w wife in my V8) ... boot is huge w comp to G or other F cars !