Couldn't agree more. That's why I also love having a sporty SUV, in my case a Cayenne V8 TwinTurbo. A very different drive from the V12 but just as fun.

 

^^^ Racer_X that's a good idea...I remember we were discussing offline about that...how is your research coming along bud? My race car is what I use on the track, although I plan on using the GT2 intermitently for student ride-alongs...my race car has been built for a specific purpose only and it's the right car for that environment, at 2632 lbs dry (BMW M3 CSL - IP/GTS-3 Spec) and an inline 6 it's capable on track, I've campaigned it for severalyears since I was 27 but within the last 5 or so years have been using it when I instruct for PCA and other groups.

 

I've been thinking that I probably don't want a dedicated track car. Instead, I think a road/track car would be a good choice. While I was initially considering a Challenge Stradale, I'm now wondering if I might be able to swing a Scuderia. The latter ticks all the boxes in terms of being fast, light, and minimalistic. Not race-car stripped out, but definitely performance focused. Thing is, I recently got engaged and I need buy a house that has more closet space than my current loft. This may put a dent in my car fund for a while. The good news though is, whatever house I buy, there will be plenty of garage space for future acquisitions.

 

I love and appreciate the Porsche brand(current Cayenne and previous 911 owner) but as a AM V8V owner I really love the uniqueness of the Aston. It seems that Porsche has over produced the 911 with way too many versions of it. I agree, we buy exotics for specific reasons( I'm not an obsessive track driver). Let me just say that in a busy pedestrian area, I notice more people taking pics and thumbs upping the Aston versus a 911. The ultimate compliment is not when the 20 something's compliment your car (which you'd expect) but when a 60 -70ish year old couple gives you the thumbs up and inquires about your car!

 

With a GT3 parked next to the V12V, I'm always giving myself sh*t about how much better the Porsche is. Wait....what?

Hard to believe that there are so many insecure people about something as silly as what they drive.

 

Nice thread thanks for the read.

The first post is really disappointing. If you like your car and want to say nice things about it then go ahead but it is bad form to disrespect someone else's car. I just had an opportunity to drive Vantage and thought it was quite a car. It was not the car the wife thought it was when she first looked at it. Man is it sexy and sharp in white but way to sporty for her. My 17 daughter loved it and begged for it. Yeh right like i'm buying that for her.

I drove a 911 also and it was fast but a tad rough and loud. The F430 was loud and glorious! Son of a gun what a hot car but not sure about a DD when needed.

Since I could only get one car at this time I chose the Bentley GTC. Go figure but rest assured no one car is best.

I like em all!

PS. the 911 is much more common like Pepperspray mentioned and if uniqueness is important i'd say Aston turns more heads. I like the interiors of the British cars.

 

Having driven both on track the CS and Scud are indeed great cars, but unless you have a budget set aside for them, stay away. especially using them on the circuit and street in the dual mode strategy you indicated.

This said, I think the Porsche GT3 is a great fit for you, it's a great car on track, awesome on the street...and much less operation cost overall, especially if you track the car.

If you're getting married though, maybe get something that is more street sedan, and still pretty fun on the track, like an M5...I've had students with those and they are a hoot! and they can haul a family plus your wife can drive it also!

 

OP the 911 owner was trying to convince himself because most people react the same as his wife
I looked at GT3, Gallardo, V10 R8 & 430 16M before my first Aston.
I was hooked on "more power", it took a mate to point out is about the whole experience not the stats

The "reliability horrors" are a throw back to the pre Gaydon cars, can't say I have heard any about VH platform cars, no more than you hear about 911s
My 2 have never let me down
They have both had a fair bit of warranty work
But paying this sort of money for a car I expect it to be perfect so I hammer the warranty

 

Already have the M5. Looking for a curve carver, something lighter and faster than the V12. Why do you say stay away from the CS and the Scud? I can see the CS lacking torque, but I don't believe that's the case with the Scud. As for Porsches, I'm just not a Porsche guy and have always wanted to own a Ferrari.

 

^^^Have you considered a Lotus?

 

I went from an AM N400 Vantage to a 430 Spider.
I will say this - the AM is the most beautiful car ever designed and the interior craftsmanship is amazing. My problem was that I was trying to replace my old Lotus with the Vantage. However, the Vantage lacked power for me. So as long as you understand that it is not the fastest car, and more of a GT cruiser then it will be the right car for you.

The 430 is on a completely different playing field. Performance, power to weight, handling, are far superior than the Vantage. It is an amazing piece of machinery and truly "fun" to drive.

I will conclude by saying that now that I understand and appreciate the Aston Martin for what it is, I am now looking to add a DBS.

One more thing....of all the cars I own, the Lotus is still the most "fun" car to drive. The visceral feedback is incomparable.

 

Definitely Lotus!

 

I think I'm too tall for a Lotus. I sat in an Elise once. The only way I could get in and out was to get horizontal with my hands on the ground! Also, while a Lotus is definitely lighter, it lacks the power I crave. Regardless, a Ferrari has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager, so that's the direction I'm leaning.

 

^^^ even in an Evora? They're pretty roomy inside.

 

Always follow your dreams!