I agree on your opinion of Bridgestone tyres, they are too hard and delivery a compromised ride quality. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S's were fitted to my DB9 when I purchased it and I have not even thought about the tyres, which must be the biggest compliment I could give them. Good review delivered in a calm and considered manner unlike some of the shouty, over enthusiastic RUclipsrs out there.
I too have a Porsche 996 ( 02 ) and I have an AM V8 -06. I think there is a great difference between these cars! For me, the Porsche is my daily driver and more of a of a Gocart you drive harder and more precise,but not has the feeling of a luxury car ( My car has full leather equipment and also carbon fibre parts -especially the vital midpart, between the seats ...) . and The Porsche is also so much easier to place on the road.. The Aston is more of a real GT car,that we use for longer journeys in Sweden, but especially for journeys in Europe. 1. It is a very comfortable car, with huge storage for 2 persons. 2. With modifications, you could get about the same HP as the 4,7 with a descent MPG ( I have an average of 13,7 L/ 10 km ) 3. I can have higher average speeds on long Journeys with the Aston, than the 996.That is partly depending on the better comfort, but also on that nobody on the " Autobahn " moves for an old Porsche, but instantly move for the Aston... 4. People are friendly when you park the car and when you go to a petrolstation!!! Often I have had conversations with strangers over the car and it has always been positive! 5. You can get parts very cheap... One example .. I have bought Carbon Sidemirrors for my car for 230Euro -from AM they cost 1200 Euro!! The Parts are made by the same company and is actually parts from a Volvo S60...
Nice review, I've owned my 4.3 for three years, upgraded the clutch, flywheel, cats, suspension plus other things. Mine has been totally reliable. I'm 6'3" and not the slimmest and fit comfortably in it.
A 911 is a great car....but will always be yet another Porsche..most people don't know a boxster from a 911 these days.. . A V8 Vantage is a gorgeous work of art and gets admiring glances from all ages wherever you take it....its just special...its an Aston!. I've owned both.. the 911 and currently own a 4.3.. V8 Vantage..... They are two very different cars. If you want technical driving and something superbly teutonic...buy a Porsche 911. If you want to to feel special every time you go out...buy the Aston. The two should have never been compared when new and shouldn't now...however...if you want one...take the plunge...you won't be disappointed!.
Hi Jason. I have and owned the Vantage V8 for over 5 years now. Great video and I cant fault your comments. I wouldn't be without mine and it goes and does everything I ask it to do. I am still on the single plate clutch which a lot of people don't like but I manage with it and it is hard on the peddle but the reliability is very good. My only criticism of the car is the sat nav system which is taken from a Volvo its absolute diabolical for a car of this standard but I have upgraded the whole sat nav system which I find is superb now. Other than that I am a happy owner
@Moejoe213 If ypu take a look at Aston Installations you can buy the full upgrade kit from them. They can obviously fit it for you at a cost but if you are technically minded ypu can do it all yourself. It does come with full instructions and they are very helpful
I haven’t thought about one of these in a long time - pretty much forgot they even existed. Great video, thank Jason! Reliability in an Aston - never would have thought someone would say that!!
It really is reliable compared to the competition. Every car has its issues, but there are nowhere near the amount of horror stories online for the Vantage as their are for the 997.
Lovely car. Always thumbs up from the public. Even when among other premium sportscars and luxury cars the Aston is still the headturner due to its perfect golden ratio proportions. Fisker did a great job in delivering a timeless design. The ride is more grandtourer than sportscar and that was what it was intended for. Get the lighter colours as the darker tones don’t do justice to the perfect curvy lines. To summarise: elegance.
If my wife had her way she would be driving a Vantage. Her absolute favourite car and she very rarely uses the Bond name. Sound quality was much better by the way. Hey and the colourful language wasn't missed either😉 . Your doing good, keep it up and I for sure will keep watching. Thanks.
Thank you I’m glad to hear it! I’m also censoring a lot of my non-review videos (I find it difficult to not swear when I keep spilling oil over myself, the driveway etc) so hopefully that makes everyone happy. As for the Vantage. Buy now or forever regret would be my advice! They’re gunna keep creeping up in value
Nice video about a great looking car! I always end up wanting an Aston whenever I watch a review. Now that I have learned they are reliable I think I must go and try one🤣
A couple of comments. Firstly regarding the engine. It's not sure it really only Jaguar engine as such. I believe Ford asked Jaguar to design an engine to power several of their brands including Lincoln, Ford USA (for the Thunderbird), Jaguar itself and of course Aston Martin. There are very few parts that are actually interchangeable between any of these engines, and at least in Aston's case, not even the block itself. The AJ-V8 was really more about the general architecture of the engine which are loosely based the Ford Duratec architecture. As I understand it, a Jaguar engine could not be easily swapped into any of the other brands and vice versa. Regarding the Bridgestone tyres, you are right. They are not well thought of and are often changed for something more suitable such as Michelin pilot sports. All in all a very well balanced review which I enjoyed.
Indeed you're right, the AJ-V8 is a series of engines that share architecture, but differ at component level. I didn't necessarily mean they're interchangeable, although, as engine swaps go I imagine it wouldn't be too difficult if you really had money to burn! LOL In particular, as you mention, the parts of this version (4.3 and later 4.7) are all bespoke for the AML product (Dry sump, rods, pistons, block etc) and assembled in Germany by AML. I believe the rest of the AJV8's were mostly made within Ford, later moved to Jaguar when Ford discontinued its use. As for tyres, I have another review of a Manual DB9 that was on my personal favourites, Michelin Pilot Sport (4S). Night and day better, as you'd expect! Many thanks for the kind words and extra info :)
Looking good with the new kit. I love the old V8 Astons from 1970 - 199* but will never own one as the price has always been a step ahead of me. These are the next best thing and everything I hear about them makes me want one more, which probably means the price will go up & I'll miss the boat again! So yeah; cheers. 🙄
Great vid. Brought back some nice memories but seriously, the remap on the 4.3 does not make it almost the same power as the 4.7, you certainly notice the lack of torque. If you want that then DAE will get you as close as you'll get and that's a 6k upgrade.
Love the videos 👍 I’ve owned an 86 911 for 20 years and it just never gets used. Literally MOT mileage only each year. Then five years ago I went to Le Mans in a friends DB9 and I was hooked on AMs. I actually prefer the Vantage V8, and decided that I’d have one for my 60th. They are just so much car for the money and cracking looking - and I’ve always loved all V8s. Three years ago I came across the SL55s and could not believe the price of them, half the cost of the AM. Worried that prices wouldn’t stay that low I bought one. So I’ve owned it three years. It’s been used a lot - unlike the 911 which will now be sold. I love the SL. However, I still find myself drawn to the AM. So, I don’t know, maybe I’ll change. I have to admit the negative comments about the quality has put me off - Ford parts bin etc. but the convertible is such a lovely looking car. Timeless.
The funny thing is with the AMV8 is that most of the parts bin stuff is either very well hidden, or things like the sat nav - it’s a Volvo system which is a good thing in my book! You also have to look at much higher priced cars, as they steal so much from the parts bin. McLaren F1 has the rear lights from a Bova Coach, the Pagani Zonda (and Lamborghini Murci) have the air con controls from a Rover 45.
Nice place to be. How is the seating position? It looks very low with a high dash. I am fairly tall so hopefully my height allows for this. Inside and out looks much better than latest version I think. Removing fuse 22 might make the sound better below 4k revs.
You feel quite low down yes. And more enclosed than a 911. But I really do like it, as I say reminds me of a TVR in many ways. Just more refined and reliable.
If you had an Evora S.... would you consider the V8 Vantage a trade up, or a trade down??? Especially if this particular Evora has never had a single issue. I ask because my tastes are starting to change as I'm getting older. I love race cars, but they are starting to hurt getting in and out of.
I'm really surprised to be honest. I agree, see them absolutely everywhere, worse now with Macan and Cayenne. Some days I see more Porsches than other cars. Especially when Porsches are not cheap cars either...
@@Jim-v3o You can politely disagree, but, since you are wrong, I suggest you take the time to research it. Not hard to do. I had dinner with Fisker in 2005, btw, and we discussed his thinking, which is unique, regarding the shut lines. Glad you like the car though.
I had a 2015 vantage 4.8 one year ago and a Porsch 911 2S before that - and both a bit meh... OK at best - my advice is to sell it & get a Ferrari F430 - you wont believe the step-up = after 12 months its still awesome - exhilarating - and the 430 is an entry-level car. And the build quality is amazing, the paint finish is the best I've ever seen - even the boot lid is a work of art - suspension & brakes are way way beyond these two pretenders above - you need to try it ! (no - I dont work for Ferrari)
Best looking Aston of it's era- super proportions and just the right size- DB9 is too big and bulky in my humble opinion. The Vantage has stunning aesthetics and it sounds glorious. Far better looking than a 911, with more character and class. People will let Aston's emerge from side roads- something 911 owners will rarely experience! ;)
“People will let Astons emerge from side roads” ? - Sorry, but this is quoted everywhere and is a complete urban myth. Believe me, I’ve owned the 4.7 and now the latest 4 litre and the jealousy still exists - 911 or Aston doesn’t make any difference.
Great video, enjoyed it however I’ve never ever heard of anyone comparing an Aston Martin against a 911. They are totally different vehicles and not produced or sold in the same category and a different genre of market buyer.
Hi David - Its very well known that the V8V was Aston's attempt to produce a competitor to the then Porsche 911. Here is a quote from Car & Driver 2006 in a comparison between the V8V and Carrera S; "Aston plans to assemble 3000 Vantages per year, compared with about 30,000 Carreras. Which one do you think the valet will park by the door? The Aston exclusivity, the beguiling shape, and the fact that the Vantage works a road with the best exotics we have driven is why it takes the pole in this test. We don't dare you to disagree. You can't lose, no matter how you take your trip to the 100-grand mark." I've had my V8V for 2 1/2 years now and put 40,000 trouble free kms on it. It's a delight to own.
Still a beautiful shape 15 years later. The only thing that looks slightly dated are the shape of the headlights, but other than that, the car is gorgeous.
whats very tall for you? if you don't say your height is kinda pointless .. for me 6' and down is short , 6'1 to 6'3 is normal 6'4 up is tall for a man..
I love the 911 and kne of my favourite cars but I still think the vantage looks better , this period of astons are the last truly beautiful cars especially the dbs .
The V8 Vantage may not be quite up there with the Porsche 911 on a track, but damn if it isn't one of the most gorgeous cars of all time.
I agree on your opinion of Bridgestone tyres, they are too hard and delivery a compromised ride quality. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S's were fitted to my DB9 when I purchased it and I have not even thought about the tyres, which must be the biggest compliment I could give them. Good review delivered in a calm and considered manner unlike some of the shouty, over enthusiastic RUclipsrs out there.
I too have a Porsche 996 ( 02 ) and I have an AM V8 -06. I think there is a great difference between these cars!
For me, the Porsche is my daily driver and more of a of a Gocart you drive harder and more precise,but not has the feeling of a luxury car ( My car has full leather equipment and also carbon fibre parts -especially the vital midpart, between the seats ...) . and The Porsche is also so much easier to place on the road..
The Aston is more of a real GT car,that we use for longer journeys in Sweden, but especially for journeys in Europe. 1. It is a very comfortable car, with huge storage for 2 persons.
2. With modifications, you could get about the same HP as the 4,7 with a descent MPG ( I have an average of 13,7 L/ 10 km ) 3. I can have higher average speeds on long Journeys
with the Aston, than the 996.That is partly depending on the better comfort, but also on that nobody on the " Autobahn " moves for an old Porsche, but instantly move for the Aston...
4. People are friendly when you park the car and when you go to a petrolstation!!! Often I have had conversations with strangers over the car and it has always been positive!
5. You can get parts very cheap... One example .. I have bought Carbon Sidemirrors for my car for 230Euro -from AM they cost 1200 Euro!!
The Parts are made by the same company and is actually parts from a Volvo S60...
Nice review, I've owned my 4.3 for three years, upgraded the clutch, flywheel, cats, suspension plus other things. Mine has been totally reliable. I'm 6'3" and not the slimmest and fit comfortably in it.
This video made me get a vantage last week, love it :)
Blimey, thats a lot of pressure on me! haha. Glad you enjoy it! Great cars for the money.
Typical tyre upgrade for these are the PS4S - transforms the ride.👍
They are the best tyres full stop. Any car!
true that
On the bucket list... prices only going one way now I think. Enjoying all the content - nicely presented, good job
A 911 is a great car....but will always be yet another Porsche..most people don't know a boxster from a 911 these days.. . A V8 Vantage is a gorgeous work of art and gets admiring glances from all ages wherever you take it....its just special...its an Aston!. I've owned both.. the 911 and currently own a 4.3.. V8 Vantage..... They are two very different cars. If you want technical driving and something superbly teutonic...buy a Porsche 911. If you want to to feel special every time you go out...buy the Aston. The two should have never been compared when new and shouldn't now...however...if you want one...take the plunge...you won't be disappointed!.
oh, you’ve written one here as well :)
Hi Jason. I have and owned the Vantage V8 for over 5 years now. Great video and I cant fault your comments. I wouldn't be without mine and it goes and does everything I ask it to do. I am still on the single plate clutch which a lot of people don't like but I manage with it and it is hard on the peddle but the reliability is very good. My only criticism of the car is the sat nav system which is taken from a Volvo its absolute diabolical for a car of this standard but I have upgraded the whole sat nav system which I find is superb now. Other than that I am a happy owner
Where/How did you upgrade the nav? Can you share some details?
@Moejoe213 If ypu take a look at Aston Installations you can buy the full upgrade kit from them. They can obviously fit it for you at a cost but if you are technically minded ypu can do it all yourself. It does come with full instructions and they are very helpful
I haven’t thought about one of these in a long time - pretty much forgot they even existed. Great video, thank Jason! Reliability in an Aston - never would have thought someone would say that!!
It really is reliable compared to the competition. Every car has its issues, but there are nowhere near the amount of horror stories online for the Vantage as their are for the 997.
@@TyredFormat as you said, sometimes being forced into the Jag/Volvo parts bin has an upside, even if your key is hiding a Volvo badge lol
Had my 2011 4,7S for 2,5 yrs now i have put 20.000 km on it, no issues at all, prefer it over the 911
Lovely car. Always thumbs up from the public. Even when among other premium sportscars and luxury cars the Aston is still the headturner due to its perfect golden ratio proportions. Fisker did a great job in delivering a timeless design. The ride is more grandtourer than sportscar and that was what it was intended for. Get the lighter colours as the darker tones don’t do justice to the perfect curvy lines. To summarise: elegance.
silver, for instance?
I watch from Austria and its like a breath of fresh air and funny More on the Range Rover please
If my wife had her way she would be driving a Vantage. Her absolute favourite car and she very rarely uses the Bond name. Sound quality was much better by the way. Hey and the colourful language wasn't missed either😉 . Your doing good, keep it up and I for sure will keep watching. Thanks.
Thank you I’m glad to hear it! I’m also censoring a lot of my non-review videos (I find it difficult to not swear when I keep spilling oil over myself, the driveway etc) so hopefully that makes everyone happy.
As for the Vantage. Buy now or forever regret would be my advice! They’re gunna keep creeping up in value
Nice video about a great looking car! I always end up wanting an Aston whenever I watch a review. Now that I have learned they are reliable I think I must go and try one🤣
A couple of comments. Firstly regarding the engine. It's not sure it really only Jaguar engine as such. I believe Ford asked Jaguar to design an engine to power several of their brands including Lincoln, Ford USA (for the Thunderbird), Jaguar itself and of course Aston Martin. There are very few parts that are actually interchangeable between any of these engines, and at least in Aston's case, not even the block itself. The AJ-V8 was really more about the general architecture of the engine which are loosely based the Ford Duratec architecture. As I understand it, a Jaguar engine could not be easily swapped into any of the other brands and vice versa. Regarding the Bridgestone tyres, you are right. They are not well thought of and are often changed for something more suitable such as Michelin pilot sports. All in all a very well balanced review which I enjoyed.
Indeed you're right, the AJ-V8 is a series of engines that share architecture, but differ at component level. I didn't necessarily mean they're interchangeable, although, as engine swaps go I imagine it wouldn't be too difficult if you really had money to burn! LOL
In particular, as you mention, the parts of this version (4.3 and later 4.7) are all bespoke for the AML product (Dry sump, rods, pistons, block etc) and assembled in Germany by AML. I believe the rest of the AJV8's were mostly made within Ford, later moved to Jaguar when Ford discontinued its use.
As for tyres, I have another review of a Manual DB9 that was on my personal favourites, Michelin Pilot Sport (4S). Night and day better, as you'd expect!
Many thanks for the kind words and extra info :)
Looking good with the new kit.
I love the old V8 Astons from 1970 - 199* but will never own one as the price has always been a step ahead of me.
These are the next best thing and everything I hear about them makes me want one more, which probably means the price will go up & I'll miss the boat again!
So yeah; cheers. 🙄
great video again
Great vid. Brought back some nice memories but seriously, the remap on the 4.3 does not make it almost the same power as the 4.7, you certainly notice the lack of torque. If you want that then DAE will get you as close as you'll get and that's a 6k upgrade.
Love the videos 👍 I’ve owned an 86 911 for 20 years and it just never gets used. Literally MOT mileage only each year.
Then five years ago I went to Le Mans in a friends DB9 and I was hooked on AMs. I actually prefer the Vantage V8, and decided that I’d have one for my 60th. They are just so much car for the money and cracking looking - and I’ve always loved all V8s.
Three years ago I came across the SL55s and could not believe the price of them, half the cost of the AM. Worried that prices wouldn’t stay that low I bought one. So I’ve owned it three years. It’s been used a lot - unlike the 911 which will now be sold. I love the SL.
However, I still find myself drawn to the AM. So, I don’t know, maybe I’ll change. I have to admit the negative comments about the quality has put me off - Ford parts bin etc. but the convertible is such a lovely looking car. Timeless.
The funny thing is with the AMV8 is that most of the parts bin stuff is either very well hidden, or things like the sat nav - it’s a Volvo system which is a good thing in my book!
You also have to look at much higher priced cars, as they steal so much from the parts bin. McLaren F1 has the rear lights from a Bova Coach, the Pagani Zonda (and Lamborghini Murci) have the air con controls from a Rover 45.
you need to do a review on the vantage v600 or the v8 vantage from the middle to late 70s
I have a good rare Aston lined up…. Not something you’d probably think of!
Nice place to be. How is the seating position? It looks very low with a high dash. I am fairly tall so hopefully my height allows for this. Inside and out looks much better than latest version I think. Removing fuse 22 might make the sound better below 4k revs.
You feel quite low down yes. And more enclosed than a 911. But I really do like it, as I say reminds me of a TVR in many ways. Just more refined and reliable.
@@TyredFormat Great, thanks a lot!
If you had an Evora S.... would you consider the V8 Vantage a trade up, or a trade down??? Especially if this particular Evora has never had a single issue. I ask because my tastes are starting to change as I'm getting older. I love race cars, but they are starting to hurt getting in and out of.
The vantage is certainly an easier car to live with I’m sure!
Exclusivity... they make more porsches in a month than the whole decade run of the vantage.
You see porsches everywhere
I'm really surprised to be honest. I agree, see them absolutely everywhere, worse now with Macan and Cayenne. Some days I see more Porsches than other cars. Especially when Porsches are not cheap cars either...
Review of the horse in the field next?
Great review. Really. One thing. Fisker designed this not Callum. In case no one else mentions.
Omg you’re right! Thanks for the kind words
Thanks for this, no really thanks a lot. Now I want one too.
Great review, but while Ian Callum may have been proud of the V8 Vantage, it is completely acknowledged to be Henrik Fiskers' design.
I respectfully disagree
@@Jim-v3o You can politely disagree, but, since you are wrong, I suggest you take the time to research it. Not hard to do. I had dinner with Fisker in 2005, btw, and we discussed his thinking, which is unique, regarding the shut lines. Glad you like the car though.
nah your right, it does look better for some reason. Right blend of racy look without overdoing it. What is it with you and those V8s. :)
Just enjoying the V8s while I can. 😢
@@TyredFormat same here, though I think in the end we will be driving them for years yet.
He's right I Had a TVR
Also an alternative are m2, m3, m4, c63
I had a 2015 vantage 4.8 one year ago and a Porsch 911 2S before that -
and both a bit meh... OK at best - my advice is to sell it & get a Ferrari F430 -
you wont believe the step-up = after 12 months its still awesome - exhilarating - and the 430 is an entry-level car.
And the build quality is amazing, the paint finish is the best I've ever seen - even the boot lid is a work of art -
suspension & brakes are way way beyond these two pretenders above - you need to try it ! (no - I dont work for Ferrari)
Vantage in the UK is £25k and the F430 is minimum £75k in a different league 😄
@@tomdwyer5695
100% , the original poster’s comment was ludicrous!
I think he was trying to boast about owning a Ferrari at least in his dreams .
Put some michilan cup fours on it and get rid of those Bridgestones😊
Best looking Aston of it's era- super proportions and just the right size- DB9 is too big and bulky in my humble opinion. The Vantage has stunning aesthetics and it sounds glorious. Far better looking than a 911, with more character and class. People will let Aston's emerge from side roads- something 911 owners will rarely experience! ;)
I can confirm that is true. Very rarely let out 😂
“People will let Astons emerge from side roads” ? - Sorry, but this is quoted everywhere and is a
complete urban myth. Believe me, I’ve owned the 4.7 and now the latest 4 litre and the jealousy
still exists - 911 or Aston doesn’t make any difference.
the aston is just special , where a 911 just isn't unless its a gt3
Great video, enjoyed it however I’ve never ever heard of anyone comparing an Aston Martin against a 911.
They are totally different vehicles and not produced or sold in the same category and a different genre of market buyer.
Hi David - Its very well known that the V8V was Aston's attempt to produce a competitor to the then Porsche 911.
Here is a quote from Car & Driver 2006 in a comparison between the V8V and Carrera S;
"Aston plans to assemble 3000 Vantages per year, compared with about 30,000 Carreras. Which one do you think the valet will park by the door? The Aston exclusivity, the beguiling shape, and the fact that the Vantage works a road with the best exotics we have driven is why it takes the pole in this test. We don't dare you to disagree. You can't lose, no matter how you take your trip to the 100-grand mark."
I've had my V8V for 2 1/2 years now and put 40,000 trouble free kms on it. It's a delight to own.
RIP my headphones 😂
Get better headphones
Still a beautiful shape 15 years later. The only thing that looks slightly dated are the shape of the headlights, but other than that, the car is gorgeous.
Not the most engaging of video's for this great car - would've benefited from a change of viewpoint a bit more, ie. view of the road?
If you’re volunteering
whats very tall for you? if you don't say your height is kinda pointless .. for me 6' and down is short , 6'1 to 6'3 is normal 6'4 up is tall for a man..
I’m 6ft 4
@@TyredFormat thank you for the reply!
It doesn't look better than a 911, but it's still gorgeous.
A tough decision indeed.
I love the 911 and kne of my favourite cars but I still think the vantage looks better , this period of astons are the last truly beautiful cars especially the dbs .
No one has ever said the Porsche has made the most beautiful car known to man, whereas you read it all the time about AM
Looked at getting one last year but the interior looks not well built after years of German build quality which put me off
What nonsense are you talking about, the interior cannot be compared to the 996 or 997. This is a higher league.
Músicas da rosinha
Ian Callum didn't design the Vantage...
Fisker took over for sure, but it’s widely written that Callum did most of their design.
it doesn't even COMPARE