The new car is proving a very willing partner in my drives around town and in the countryside. Adapting to the dogleg first hasn't been as difficult as I had anticipated. The first day or so I'd push the stick up to first and then halfway through pushing I'd remember where first is. As of yesterday my instinct is now to pull down for first. The gears are stacked very tight so it takes a few tries to get the slots right. I just drove a bit this morning and didn't miss a beat. Compared to my outgoing 911.2 S I'd say this car is much more entertaining and I find the chunkiness of the gear box very enjoyable. The seating position is very comfortable and I like the instrument panel. I was concerned I'd miss Apple Car play but the opposite has happened. Truth is all I need is my music and maybe some navi help once in a while. I think not having text messages exploding on my screen is a welcome step back from our "connection madness" world. The car has the right mix of digital and analogue for me.

I've done a little driving on some local canyon/ mountain roads and the car really opens up and is a blast in those settings. I haven't gone full bore as I want to take some time to really get to know the car but I can tell the potential is there. I'm using the car as a daily driver...going to the grocery, dinner, work. It is absolutely wired for all.

My criticisms are relatively mild and I think very addressable:

-I have the premium stereo and there is nothing premium about it. Aston should offer a top notch option on the Vantage. I see there is this option on the DB11....

-The lack of a glovebox is really a hassle. The armrest storage is fine but very small. There isn't a single secure compartment inside the car to put insurance/ registration and manual. I can't see why it would be difficult to offer some small lockable space for this stuff.

-The parking brake location is fine but I think it would be better placed up near the gear lever. Also the parking brake indicator isn't easy to see. I have trepidation about leaving the car with valet parking which, sadly, is pretty much unavoidable around here.

These issues aren't deal breakers at all but car would be close to, if not, perfect with these addressed.

 

I'm very excited that AM is continuing to offer a manual transmission. There's no other way that I'd own a sports car.

It's very cool that you're enjoying your new toy.

I'm probably in the minority for sports car buyers, but in my mind, "modern" is a four letter word (MDRN?) because of what it includes. Everything that is added to cars today to make them MDRN takes away from the driver/machine relationship that I value dearly. I don't want electomag power steering, I don't want glide ride active suspension, I don't want acutec active driver control systems. I want to be in control and I want to be in constant communication with my car. If that's old school, so be it, but that's what makes driving fun and rewarding. It seems to me that Aston (or at least Matt Becker) gets it and even though these cars are woefully overweight, they are communicative, rewarding and allow you to make your own mistakes and successes.

 

ViaH, have you driven the '17 V12S dogleg before? Wonder if there's much difference between yours and that. Dealer has been trying to get me into an AMR. But I already have a V12S dogleg and wanted a different gear rowing experience. Granted that it's a different car etc.

 

Thanks for sharing your impressions.

Where is the parking brake in the new Vantage?

Old vantage has it to the left of the driver between the driver seat and door sill.

Now that you've had more time, how does the new vantage compare to your old 911? Anything it does better or worse on? Similarities? Major differences?

 

I have only driven the '17 V12 dogleg during a test drive a long time ago so I can't really give you direct comparison. I'd say the engine even with the torque somewhat reduced has tons of grunt down low so downshifting is a bit of a different beast than I'm used to, even after the 911 with a turbo....

 

It's a little button on the left by the door. It's fine but just a little subtle. I still have the 911 so I have driven them back to back. The 911 is rear engine so it's always going to have a specific driving characteristic that is easy to enjoy. The Vantage is close to 50/50 and I find more satisfying to drive. I had a 1994 Mazda RX7 that was 50/50 and I've thought of that car a bit while getting used to the new Vantage. The Vantage interior is more my speed than the Porsche. I like the buttons and the leather and I don't mind the gear lever at all.

 

Appreciate the reply.

 

Thanks for sharing.

It's nice that you have both cars and they are distinct in their driving characteristics. I miss my old 911 (997s) for the rear engine balance and driving experience, but as you mentioned, the fit and finish on Aston Martins are a nice change of pace.

I wasn't a fan of the stock gear shifter on my old Vantage either and changed it to the stainless DBS shift ****. Way nicer! I hope they make something similar for the new Vantage.

 

I just took the car on a short road trip (75 miles). It takes on a very GT feeling on the highway which I enjoyed. I can imagine a trip to Vegas or further which I always have felt is a bit exhausting in the 911. It's a dynamic I'm very happy to discover. Overall, after 10 days with the car I'd give it a 9 out of 10 which is pretty good. I respect differing opinions but I like the look of the car quite a bit and in China Grey it really stands out.