Replaced the 997 with a Vantage: Initial Impressions
10-27-2012, 12:29 AM
#1
Replaced the 997 with a Vantage: Initial Impressions
After nearly 8 years of 997 ownership overall and 4 years with my 997.2, I recently decided to go a different direction. Suffice it to say that I did not find the 991 desirable, and I don't intend to go into the details here as to why (plenty of threads for that). Chris Sanner at Porsche of North Olmsted (from whom I purchased my last 911) also happens to sell Astons, and we worked out a deal on a new 2012 Hammerhead Silver Vantage last week. I took delivery on Tuesday evening. Here are my initial impressions for those interested.
1. As appearances go, I don't think there is a more beautiful automobile on the planet. It's almost embarrassingly attractive. As much as I like the 911's shape (and particularly the 997's iteration of it), this thing is just on another level.
2. I got the "Sportshift II," which originated in the Vantage S and has trickled down to the base model. It's the first non-stick transmission I've had since I was 15-1/2 years old learning to parallel park. If I'm honest, I'm not currently a huge fan of it yet (although I've only had it 72 hrs). In normal "D" mode, it is virtually unbearable (it shifted from 1st to 6th before I even hit 50 mph). The Sport button takes care of that somewhat, but really, it's only smooth when it's happily within a rev range of a particular gear (and manually flapping the paddles is pretty much required, not that I mind).
3. The ride is very similar to my 997.2 S with the SPASM, only slightly more muffled (which is not saying much). I definitely still feel connected to the road.
4. The 420 hp v8 makes some great music, but I'm not going to call it better than a flat-six roar. The car pulls harder in 2nd and 3rd in moderate driving, but then again it does have a lot more power than my old 385hp 997. They're both fast as hell, which is more than I need anyway.
5. The steering is the most noticeably different driving-related aspect between the two cars that I've noticed. The 911 is much more precise in this regard.
6. The interior of the Vantage is a nice place to be. The ECU leaves a bit to be desired, and while the rest of it is full of British charm and ridiculous leather, I have to say I slightly prefer the 997's interior on this point. The navigation system is a hilariously out-of-place Garmin product, but since I don't use it, it flips down into a seamless part of the dash, and I didn't even have Nav in the 997, this is sort of irrelevant for me.
Bottom line: I'm happy with my choice, and I think those of you desiring to replace your 997 (no reason to obviously, if you are unconcerned about warranties and don't have automobile ADD) but are hesitant about the 991 would be well-served with a test-drive at your local AM dealer.
Attachment 674992
Attachment 674993
1. As appearances go, I don't think there is a more beautiful automobile on the planet. It's almost embarrassingly attractive. As much as I like the 911's shape (and particularly the 997's iteration of it), this thing is just on another level.
2. I got the "Sportshift II," which originated in the Vantage S and has trickled down to the base model. It's the first non-stick transmission I've had since I was 15-1/2 years old learning to parallel park. If I'm honest, I'm not currently a huge fan of it yet (although I've only had it 72 hrs). In normal "D" mode, it is virtually unbearable (it shifted from 1st to 6th before I even hit 50 mph). The Sport button takes care of that somewhat, but really, it's only smooth when it's happily within a rev range of a particular gear (and manually flapping the paddles is pretty much required, not that I mind).
3. The ride is very similar to my 997.2 S with the SPASM, only slightly more muffled (which is not saying much). I definitely still feel connected to the road.
4. The 420 hp v8 makes some great music, but I'm not going to call it better than a flat-six roar. The car pulls harder in 2nd and 3rd in moderate driving, but then again it does have a lot more power than my old 385hp 997. They're both fast as hell, which is more than I need anyway.
5. The steering is the most noticeably different driving-related aspect between the two cars that I've noticed. The 911 is much more precise in this regard.
6. The interior of the Vantage is a nice place to be. The ECU leaves a bit to be desired, and while the rest of it is full of British charm and ridiculous leather, I have to say I slightly prefer the 997's interior on this point. The navigation system is a hilariously out-of-place Garmin product, but since I don't use it, it flips down into a seamless part of the dash, and I didn't even have Nav in the 997, this is sort of irrelevant for me.
Bottom line: I'm happy with my choice, and I think those of you desiring to replace your 997 (no reason to obviously, if you are unconcerned about warranties and don't have automobile ADD) but are hesitant about the 991 would be well-served with a test-drive at your local AM dealer.
Attachment 674992
Attachment 674993
Last edited by am722; 04-12-2013 at 04:13 PM.
10-27-2012, 01:40 AM
#3
Rennlist Member
I agree - it's about the best looking car made.
10-27-2012, 02:33 AM
#6
Nordschleife Master
After nearly 8 years of 997 ownership overall and 4 years with my 997.2, I recently decided to go a different direction. Suffice it to say that I did not find the 991 desirable, and I don't intend to go into the details here as to why (plenty of threads for that). Chris Sanner at Porsche of North Olmsted (from whom I purchased my last 911) also happens to sell Astons, and we worked out a deal on a new 2012 Hammerhead Silver Vantage last week. I took delivery on Tuesday evening. Here are my initial impressions for those interested.
1. As appearances go, I don't think there is a more beautiful automobile on the planet. It's almost embarrassingly attractive. As much as I like the 911's shape (and particularly the 997's iteration of it), this thing is just on another level.
2. I got the "Sportshift II," which originated in the Vantage S and has trickled down to the base model. It's the first non-stick transmission I've had since I was 15-1/2 years old learning to parallel park. If I'm honest, I'm not currently a huge fan of it yet (although I've only had it 72 hrs). In normal "D" mode, it is virtually unbearable (it shifted from 1st to 6th before I even hit 50 mph). The Sport button takes care of that somewhat, but really, it's only smooth when it's happily within a rev range of a particular gear (and manually flapping the paddles is pretty much required, not that I mind).
3. The ride is very similar to my 997.2 S with the SPASM, only slightly more muffled (which is not saying much). I definitely still feel connected to the road.
4. The 420 hp v8 makes some great music, but I'm not going to call it better than a flat-six roar. The car pulls harder in 2nd and 3rd in moderate driving, but then again it does have a lot more power than my old 385hp 997. They're both fast as hell, which is more than I need anyway.
5. The steering is the most noticeably different driving-related aspect between the two cars that I've noticed. The 911 is much more precise in this regard.
6. The interior of the Vantage is a nice place to be. The ECU leaves a bit to be desired, and while the rest of it is full of British charm and ridiculous leather, I have to say I slightly prefer the 997's interior on this point. The navigation system is a hilariously out-of-place Garmin product, but since I don't use it, it flips down into a seamless part of the dash, and I didn't even have Nav in the 997, this is sort of irrelevant for me.
Bottom line: I'm happy with my choice, and I think those of you desiring to replace your 997 (no reason to obviously, if you are unconcerned about warranties and don't have automobile ADD) but are hesitant about the 991 would be well-served with a test-drive at your local AM dealer.
1. As appearances go, I don't think there is a more beautiful automobile on the planet. It's almost embarrassingly attractive. As much as I like the 911's shape (and particularly the 997's iteration of it), this thing is just on another level.
2. I got the "Sportshift II," which originated in the Vantage S and has trickled down to the base model. It's the first non-stick transmission I've had since I was 15-1/2 years old learning to parallel park. If I'm honest, I'm not currently a huge fan of it yet (although I've only had it 72 hrs). In normal "D" mode, it is virtually unbearable (it shifted from 1st to 6th before I even hit 50 mph). The Sport button takes care of that somewhat, but really, it's only smooth when it's happily within a rev range of a particular gear (and manually flapping the paddles is pretty much required, not that I mind).
3. The ride is very similar to my 997.2 S with the SPASM, only slightly more muffled (which is not saying much). I definitely still feel connected to the road.
4. The 420 hp v8 makes some great music, but I'm not going to call it better than a flat-six roar. The car pulls harder in 2nd and 3rd in moderate driving, but then again it does have a lot more power than my old 385hp 997. They're both fast as hell, which is more than I need anyway.
5. The steering is the most noticeably different driving-related aspect between the two cars that I've noticed. The 911 is much more precise in this regard.
6. The interior of the Vantage is a nice place to be. The ECU leaves a bit to be desired, and while the rest of it is full of British charm and ridiculous leather, I have to say I slightly prefer the 997's interior on this point. The navigation system is a hilariously out-of-place Garmin product, but since I don't use it, it flips down into a seamless part of the dash, and I didn't even have Nav in the 997, this is sort of irrelevant for me.
Bottom line: I'm happy with my choice, and I think those of you desiring to replace your 997 (no reason to obviously, if you are unconcerned about warranties and don't have automobile ADD) but are hesitant about the 991 would be well-served with a test-drive at your local AM dealer.
10-27-2012, 07:13 AM
#7
Thanks fellas.
I hear you--all the 911s are beautiful and there's no doubt that Porsche has better engineering. I'm still a Porsche fan for sure.
I hear you--all the 911s are beautiful and there's no doubt that Porsche has better engineering. I'm still a Porsche fan for sure.
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10-27-2012, 07:38 AM
#9
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: North Carolina, '12 cls63 '14 S550V4, 07TT-gone, 07Targa4S-gone
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very wow! and congratulations! I was looking at an 07 Vantage before I settled on the Targa.....and I'm glad I did, despite loving the AS's exhaust note.....it was 72 used! too much for a used car haha....
best of luck and enjoy!!!
best of luck and enjoy!!!
10-27-2012, 09:58 AM
#10
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Rennlist Member
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10-27-2012, 10:12 AM
#12
Instructor
Grrrreat choice! I've always loved AM's and considered one when I sold my XK8. It'll be a different experience to a 911, but probably no less rewarding.
Porsche has entered a different arena with the higher price points on the 991. I'm not surprised to see "the faithful" trying other luxury sport brands.
Porsche has entered a different arena with the higher price points on the 991. I'm not surprised to see "the faithful" trying other luxury sport brands.
10-27-2012, 10:12 AM
#13
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Congrats - very nice. I agree that the AM is better looking. I still would prefer the P cars as they blend in here in LA and once you get past the looks, I think Porsche's have the engineering and total performance edge. But AM certainly is a great GT car.
I am starting to feel the pull of the 991 Cab though. In certain colors it looks great. The 991 is a car where color makes a huge difference. I think the 997 looks great in every color. The 991 looks great in some colors and just OK in others.
I am starting to feel the pull of the 991 Cab though. In certain colors it looks great. The 991 is a car where color makes a huge difference. I think the 997 looks great in every color. The 991 looks great in some colors and just OK in others.
10-27-2012, 10:18 AM
#14
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Great car!
I personally find I am getting "used" to the looks of the new Astons. It's a bit funny too that one of the criticisms I've heard a few times about the 991 is that it is "too Aston Martin"! That said, they still have very different styles IMO.
I think a base V8 Vantage has a MSRP of about $22K more than a Carrera S, is that the sort of price range you saw?
I personally find I am getting "used" to the looks of the new Astons. It's a bit funny too that one of the criticisms I've heard a few times about the 991 is that it is "too Aston Martin"! That said, they still have very different styles IMO.
I think a base V8 Vantage has a MSRP of about $22K more than a Carrera S, is that the sort of price range you saw?
10-27-2012, 10:22 AM
#15
Rennlist Member
Congrats - very nice. I agree that the AM is better looking. I still would prefer the P cars as they blend in here in LA and once you get past the looks, I think Porsche's have the engineering and total performance edge. But AM certainly is a great GT car.
I am starting to feel the pull of the 991 Cab though. In certain colors it looks great. The 991 is a car where color makes a huge difference. I think the 997 looks great in every color. The 991 looks great in some colors and just OK in others.
I am starting to feel the pull of the 991 Cab though. In certain colors it looks great. The 991 is a car where color makes a huge difference. I think the 997 looks great in every color. The 991 looks great in some colors and just OK in others.
While I'm not a cab guy, IMHO the 991 cab in white with a red top looks utterly fantastic. Agree about color with the 991. It needs the lighter colors to look its best. I'd take one in guards red or gt silver all day long.