You have presented a spread of vehicles with very different characteristics and philosophy of design and intended use.

Before anyone can really give you an appropriate answer, we would need to know what kind of driver are you, what are your expectations or needs from a "summer only" car, and what are your priorities; Design? Performance? Level of driver involvement?

... answer and organize these and you'll be able to get a better more objective opinion.

 

Thanks for all the responses . Well I know the maintenance is going to be high that regard is fine, although I have not owned a sports car I have driven a few and I like the feel of being in control and being able to just floor it a little and I'm gone basically so the power goes to gt-r . I have a heavy foot lets say I like to drive fast but comfort and luxury is important as well I need an all around purpose this car is just going to be my side fun car currently I am driving a x5 but it's just my winter suv . I get double minded everyday about these cars If only I could get all 3 somehow . And also I like having some attention to the car for its looks I have been researching for months on these cars. Just can't seem to figure out witch one I should go for the only down side to the am v8 is there is a lot of them where I live so not many of then stand out in the crowd where as Bentley and gt-r are rare to see around. I'm a big bulky guy I don't know if a sports car would even suit me . Where as the Bentley comes into play luxury . Has performance as well and I'm sure it will get a lot of attention throwing some 22's on there basically , so you guys would choose the amv8 I'm guessing out of these 3? Thanks for the help again this forum is awesome

 

Based on your criteria and preferences, the AMV8V is not the right car for you.
Why:
- Size; a big, bulky bloke such as yourself would not the find the interior generous.
- Commonality. You wanted a head turner, a V8 is not exactly a head turner where you live as you mentioned.
- Speed. You said you like the feeling of involvement and just being able to floor it. While the V8 is the only "analog" car of the group and requires the most driver involvement - it is the slowest of the three in both acceleration and speed.


So now we're left with two options of your three: Bentley or GT-R.
The GT-R is a head turner, but for all the wrong reasons. It's frankly unsettling to look at. There is not a single flattering angle and almost comical with its four grossly oversized exhaust tips and its attempt to resemble a Gundam Suit / Mecha anime robot.

It also has the least driver involvement and analog experience. Everything about this car is designed to make you look like Schumacher even if you have the driving skill of a Grandmother. Suffice to say, the car can take care of itself to 8/10ths of its performance envelope without you. If Herbie the Love Bug were reincarnated, it would be a GT-R.

But with that going against it (or for it depending on how you look at the glass), its performance is undeniable. It'll out accelerate to 100mph 99% of the cars on the road including the three on your list.
As a driving platform it is supremely capable for both road, spirited, track, and even inclimate weather duty. But from what I read it may not be the best "all day" car because even in its softest setting, the suspension is firm.

Which leaves the Bentley GTC. It's decidedly not a sports car - which is what you were looking for.
It's a Grand Tourer with sporting intentions. Whereas the F599 is more sport than touring, this is more touring than sport but is admirable considering its weight. It'll make a fine long distance or all day car.

It has the finest interior of your three. You'll feel like you're sitting in the cabin of a Private Jet moreso than a car, but on the flipside it does feel a bit stodgy. A bit Harvard Club smoking room. Again, that may be a plus or a minus depending on your individual taste.

If you want to "mash and go" the Bentley will fit the bill. Its engine is a TORQUE MONSTER. I've been in one and was surprised at how fast it "feels" despite its weight.

Styling is subjective. The AMV8 looks the best in my opinion and its classic styling and proportions has legs and as such, the design will still look attractive years/decades from now, however, you'll never be accused of being inappropriate or said to have questionable tastes driving around town or pulling up in Bentley.
I believe it has the most interior room which would be perfect for your frame as well.

Performance, although is has AWD, reactive suspension, and a paddle automatic transmission it's not full of techno-wiz bang electronics that make the car perform far better than it should on paper like the GT-R. The weight will make it a challenge to drive properly at a spirited pace so you'll be definitely more involved.

I guess the only part that irks me about the Bentley GTC is the price and knowing that I'm paying a hefty premium for a car heavily based on, and uses 85% of its parts from, the VW Phaeton ... a car which I can purchase used for 1/3rd the price of a same year and mileaged Bentley.


And so there it is. Heist's honest assessment and opinion of the three.
On your part, you need to go to a dealer and test drive all three for 20 minutes and then take your own personal feedback into consideration.


Best of luck.

 

Are you kidding me ?!

Thinking about putting 22 inch wheels on one of these cars immediately disqualifies you as a potential owner of one of these fine automobiles.

Go buy yourself a nice hoopty...

 

If you haven't had a sports car, then the dynamic driving experience must not be something you crave.

But interpreting what you've said a few times, it seems you want the car that is likely to impress the most people.

That immediately rules out the Nissan, car guys will know what it is, but everyone else will think its a sporty version of the Nissan Micra. You'll always be making excuses for it. And when women see it, most will think its just fugly

Aston is definitely the coolest brand, but if you're big, it might not look right on you.

Bentley is differently impressive, whereas the Aston Martin means James Bond, Bentley means wealthy businessman. Its big, comfortable, and remarkably quick. Nobody could ever describe it as attractive, its too bulky for that, but its impressive.

Like Aston Martin, Bentley have never made a cheap car, so telling people you have one of those two will be OK to pretty much any any group of people.

 

Do not understand why you did not include Maserati in your search. A great italian design, Ferrari engine, interior as good (or better) as the Aston and I believe better reliability and choice of 2 and 4 seater platforms..

 

QUOTE << i know they are in different categories and cannot be comparable but i really like all 3 of them i forgot to mention I have never owned a Sportscar, all my cars have been luxury, but once in my life i would like to own something that is fast if there are any other cars you would suggest let me know, but i really like those 3 above mentioned cars as i am leaning towards a gt-r because of the all in one purpose awd 530hp, daily use, but then again its a Nissan in the end of the day and it wouldn't attract much attention to the average person>>

I have an Aston Martin V8V and a Nissan GT-R. The Aston is more exotic and sophisticated but the GT-R is MUCH faster and very responsive. It's a BEAST. As far as the looks go... I get WAY more attention in the GT-R. People are always looking at the Aston but people go out of their way to look at and inquire about the GT-R. Doesn't make much sense to me but it's reality.

 

Simple. One expresses its design in a sophisticated and understated way. It slips down the street leaving only a trace of its presence.

The other screams "BANZZZZZZZZZZZZZAI" from a block away and makes people look at it.

 

The only car that fits your budget is the GTR. I've never seen a Bentley that low and a Vantage that low would be a very early car.

 

It sounds like you want some prestige and presence with the car...personally I don't think a Nissan has these qualities (no offence owners). I just don't turn twice to look at it - call me a snob but that's just me. I certainly don't deny it's performance.

Bentley sounds a bit too old for you ... I have considered one as well but feel I may get tired of it.

When I drive my Aston, I will say that I don't get many head turns...it is more subdued as an exotic. But when people do recognize the car, they know it's the most elegantly designed car on the road.

The other aspect is driving experience. For the Aston, I feel it is a bit underpowered with 400 hp. Haven't driven a Bentley, and I'm sure the GTR is a beast.
I will again be in the minority and recommend a Lotus. I had a chrome orange Elise that was highly modified and it turned heads like they were getting whiplash. You can get one for fairly cheap. It has serious presence, and it has the most road feel and visceral driving experience of any street car out there.

 

You must have missed the part where he said "I'm a big bulky guy".

 

... That may present a problem, however an Evora is much more roomier and should be no problem as a "fit"

 

As a two-time Aston owner, I have a bit of a prejudice on this one. That being said, I think your best option for a car choice is a well-loved, low mileage Bentley. It has the luxury, exclusivity, power and room you want. But it may not be able to find one that fits the budget and is well-maintained. A nice second option could be a DB9, but it is far more GT than sports car.

 

Evora is somewhat bigger but it has ZERO rear view visibility AND you do not drive that car in the rain ... Just have a look at the way the water will run down around the engine.... Lovely design but really impractical for a daily driver.

 

thanks for the feedback i have looked into a few bentleys there are a few around 78k mark with about 50,000km witch is not bad just a difficult decision i am leaning towards the gt-r and Bentley but i think Bentley would suit me more as i am a big guy and the interior is just by far superior then then any car ive seen i guess i will keep looking if i find something better of my likings, im assuming the bentleys maintenance is not bad either haven't seen much problems in the bentley forum