Aston Martin V8 Vantage or Audi R8 - Which would you choose & why?

Falcon_

Hi All,

Looking for opinions on these two motors... probably looking at 2007 models.... especially interested in hearing from any owners, thanks

Swampy

I'm not an owner nor will be in the immediate future but i'd go for the AM personally.

ECO_Mental

V8 vantage purely for the noise:) One of these pulled away from me in a toll booth in France a couple of years ago and the sound was awesome:):)

kona

R8 , I hate VAG cars but this one is amazing.

DaveJac

Aston Martin for me, id prefer the look of them plus the Audi is a Audi and loads of them on the road i know not R8's but most people will only see the badge the Aston would stand out a bit more

Chiparus

My mate has an Aston, always bits going wrong , windows won't go back up etc, probably more stylish, but I would go for the R8.
probably worth looking at the resale value.

Paparazzo

I'd go with the Audi. From what I've read, it's highly for an aston martin not to give trouble, where the R8 is a more usable car.
I've never driven either, or even sat in them btw! The r8 is supposed to have amazing handling too.

Paparazzo

DaveJac wrote: »

Aston Martin for me, id prefer the look of them plus the Audi is a Audi and loads of them on the road i know not R8's but most people will only see the badge the Aston would stand out a bit more

Fúck those people! They're idiots, and buying a car to impress them is beyond stupid!

godtabh

I was researching this very topic this afternoon just incase I won EuroMillions tonight.

If I won I'd be down to Audi tomorrow for the R8. That would be my car.

I'd get an M5 as the every day runaround and a RS6 Avante as the family car

One can dream

Swampy

A Maserati Granturismo might fall into your price bracket. Sweet ass car.

TheBazman

Havent driven the R8 but have the V8 Vantage - the 4.3lt I think - looks lovely and awesome sound however didnt feel particularly fast and quite a lot of rattles. Of the two definitely the R8.

Sleepy

Just to throw a curve-ball into the equation: have you looked at the DB7?

It was reportedly far more reliable than the later models. The Aston is by far the sexier car, the R8 is probably technically better but it's too clinical for my tastes.

challengemaster

DaveJac wrote: »

Aston Martin for me, id prefer the look of them plus the Audi is a Audi and loads of them on the road i know not R8's but most people will only see the badge the Aston would stand out a bit more

That is quite possibly the most stupid statement to make ever when buying a supercar.

Sure lamborghini is owned by Audi, so better not ever buy one of those either. And sure anything in the VW Group is essentially the same thing too. Audi is out, Bentley is out, Bugatti is out, Porsche is out, Skoda is out and SEAT is out. Oh, and Ducati too.

I suppose when you look at it like that, there really are just too many Audi's on the roads :rolleyes:

Alanstrainor

Aston Martin, just cause.

Northern Monkey

Sleepy wrote: »

Just to throw a curve-ball into the equation: have you looked at the DB7?

Time hasn't done the DB7 many favours, it is really dated looking.

Tropheus

R8 for me. Better build quality and reliability.

Sleepy

Northern Monkey wrote: »

Time hasn't done the DB7 many favours, it is really dated looking.

Matter of opinion I guess. I still like the looks...

cgarrad

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-reviews/aston_martin/vantage/36789

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-reviews/audi/r8/35596

JJJJNR

♥ ♥ ♥

Sobanek

The R8. The Vantage is way too heavy for that V8... The V12 Vantage on the other hand...

Paparazzo

The closest I got to drive them was in Gran Turismo on the playstation :pac:
If that's anything to go by (and it isn't), the r8 is 100 times better. So there you go Falcon, buy the R8 because some anonymous guy on a message board drove both on the playstation and reckons the R8 is better

166man

Sobanek wrote: »

The R8. The Vantage is way too heavy for that V8...

You'd know from experience? V8 Vantage has 62mph in 4.7 seconds and 175mph. Hardly slow.

Sobanek

166man wrote: »

Yo'd know from experience? V8 Vantage has 62mph in 4.7 seconds and 175mph. Hardly slow.

R8 does it in 4.6 seconds and its top speed is 200mph.

gammygils

I'd go Audi R8. They're more reliable

Aston Martins can give trouble

kdevitt

Northern Monkey wrote: »

Time hasn't done the DB7 many favours, it is really dated looking.

And its an XJ in drag - don't think its comparable to either the V8 Vantage or R8.

Have been looking into the V8 vantage and have heard of quite a few electrical issues with them - and of owners being separated from their car for weeks while AM resolved them. It's not inspiring much confidence to be honest. I love the look of them, but would probably sleep better at night if I went for the R8. Huge difference in price though, no?

lafors

Driven both (well the V12 Aston) on track days in the UK.
R8 hands down. I've never been so let down as I was when I drove the AM.
It sounds amazing and I was just expecting this monster but there was just no...feel...to it. I asked the instructors and they said quite a few people have said the same to them in the past.
If I'm being honest the R8 was a great car but it was far too easy to drive, I hope you can understand what I mean. It just pointed exactly where you wanted and when you wanted, very stable. Its great most of the time but there is nothing like getting the back out or getting a little wobble to send you heart racing and unfortunately I couldn't....not saying it can't be done just that I couldn't

If you're really interested in either then you really should be looking at driving both a few times before you buy, though I'm sure you'd be doing that.

Mr.David

TheBazman wrote: »

Havent driven the R8 but have the V8 Vantage - the 4.3lt I think - looks lovely and awesome sound however didnt feel particularly fast and quite a lot of rattles. Of the two definitely the R8.

I agree Bazman, I drove both. The Aston is full of character and you want to love it, but really its not a great car. Not fast enough, the gearbox is **** and the quality is poor. Still makes you feel special though! The R8 is nice, the quality is much better and its much better to drive. Didn't like the steering, but overall a lovely motor.

So.......I'd buy a 911.

cgarrad

Mr.David wrote: »

So.......I'd buy a 911.

Nothing to do with this thread but 911 was mentioned ;-)

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/female-crashes-porsche-911-turbo-into-gas-station-in-turkey-ar130555.html

Bearcat

Noise of Aston is delicious.....electrical gremlins will see you get you customers gold card at the garage.

R8 far superior.

TheBazman

166man wrote: »

You'd know from experience? V8 Vantage has 62mph in 4.7 seconds and 175mph. Hardly slow.

I would suggest that this is the newer model. As I said above having driven the older engined V8 and it didnt feel particularly fast while on the go - certainly not supercar fast. Maybe it does 0-60 close to 5 seconds but I wasnt interested in testing that at the time

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Neither are outright fast, the R8 has the same engine as a old RS4, its quick but as the bazman said not super car fast. For me the R8 take it as it mid engined, is stunning to look at on the road (really wide) and has really quality. The Aston is getting a bit cheesy these days, there a bit obviously aspirational and driven by people that want to be James bond. It makes a great noise but neither has an interesting engine, or interesting handling.

Either way this is a high quality decision to make, and either are fantastic cars.

Shane732

Nissan GTR/ 911 or Gran Turismo.

I did a hell of a lot of looking around in this market when I was changing my car.

The GTR is an absolute beast of a car.

I lovely the Gran Turismo but it's liable to fall apart on you when you sit into it some day!

Shane732

Don't know anything about the specific car but it looks good in the pictures.

http://beta.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/nissan/gt-r/nissan-gt-r-black-edition-auto-28k-miles/353758

http://beta.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/nissan/gt-r/620bhp-nissan-gt-r/517693

John_Rambo

If you really wanted power, handling and speed you should consider a VW golf TDI. Make sure the D and the I are red though, lower the car so the wheels don't fit the arches properly and give everyone knowing smiles as you fill it full of diesel in the courtyard..

I haven't driven either of the cars you are looking at, but based on looks and what I have read, I'd go for the Audi. I'm not a big VAG fan, but the angular R8 says 1980's quatro, performance and style to me. Best of look and happy hunting. Let us know what you get in the end and post up some pics!

TJJP

Have both, in different countries so hard to compare the RHD/LHD but having traded my volante for a vantage roadster I'm not convinced by the modern gagets. Meanwhile my CL63 keeps a smile on my face and I get 1,478mpg when I brim it from the green tank in the yard. But seriously, skip both and buy a CL63 AMG (07 plate pre tax rise) on low mileage for the same (or less) money. CL is fun.

Northern Monkey

There is an 08 AM V8 vantage N400 coming up at merlin auctions. Not sure what date it is going through the ring though.

Vicxas

V8 Vantage for me, because they are just a beautiful car.

Sure the Audi is pretty, but the Vantage is an Aston Martin... you dont want to be lumped in the same group as your average S4 driver

ArphaRima

I had to make the same decision a while back.
I chose Aston Martin V8V.

I drive rarely enough though so it wasnt based on practicality. I had to decide which one I would rather see in the garage when I came home (from abroad) to drive it. My previous car was a Mk2 TT so I didnt want something similar.
No regrets!

yaeger

Another Vantage owner here... Have tracked R8/vantage/C2S/F430, Without a doubt the C2S/430 are amazing on the track, the vantage and R8 are similiar but for me the R8 is just boring, it does'nt give me the sense of occasion which you will find most aston owners waffle on about.
With any of these cars you will have niggles, So far for me and other owners I know the issues have been minor and happily accepted as part of the course. There is faster cars but for every day usage and touring in general I wanted comfort and a bit of punch when required, and the looks and sound never grow old. The R8 is a fine car but I think you just need to go drive both and decide, there is a few of each in the dealers so go drive.
The N400 in merlin has a clutch issue, effectively it needs a new one..but all in all its a nice motor if your willing to flatbed it to uk for clutch and Id recommend Bamford Rose for new dual plate clutch, otherwise watch as a dealer will buy it and stick 20/30k on auction price for there own window.

Fluffer, you always be a hairdresser after the TT.

Best Rgds

ArphaRima

LOL!!! Son of a b1tch!

galwaytt

...well........on first thoughts, I just automatically say R8. There again, I'm biased........

otoh, I'd give the AM serious consideration, and in truth, it's arguably a more 'practical' car. I love the look, the noise, the details.

I just know if I lived anywhere near a track, the R8 would do most of it's driving, there. Btw, the R8 has a fabulous soundtrack as well: V10..........:)

Eileen Vast Jawbone wrote: »

Neither are outright fast, the R8 has the same engine as a old RS4, its quick but as the bazman said not super car fast. .

Er, actually, no. Not unless the RS4 had a V10 in it, it isn't...

btkm8unsl0w5r4

The V10 R8 is in a totally different league and price bracket, I can only assume the OP is referring to the V8 R8, we should compare it to the v12 AM if not.

Henry Ford III

Eileen Vast Jawbone wrote: »

The V10 R8 is in a totally different league and price bracket, I can only assume the OP is referring to the V8 R8, we should compare it to the v12 AM if not.

I drove an R8 V10 yesterday (I'm in the USA currently). It's a sensational car. Well built, very very rapid, comfortable, composed at speed even over poor surfaces, & the wail of the engine and bark from the exhaust addictive. The gearchange makes a lovely "clack clack". Ergonomically it's spot on.

It's also easy to drive, has plenty of headroom and legroom.

I've never driven an A.M. so can't comment on them.

I was at a golf tournament and there were Ferraris, a DBS, Corvettes etc. there, but the R8 V10 got most attention I reckon. Drove back yesterday as a passenger with my golf clubs between my legs and obscuring the view!

JJJJNR

not jealous.

Henry Ford III

Should have mentioned this - the R8 is very low to the ground, much lower than any of the other cars I mentioned above. I suspect this and 4wd may make it's handling better, although I didn't provoke it.

galwaytt

Eileen Vast Jawbone wrote: »

The V10 R8 is in a totally different league and price bracket, I can only assume the OP is referring to the V8 R8, we should compare it to the v12 AM if not.

...you know what they say: Assumption is the Mother of all Fu...bars....:p

Falcon_

yaeger wrote: »

Another Vantage owner here... Have tracked R8/vantage/C2S/F430, Without a doubt the C2S/430 are amazing on the track, the vantage and R8 are similiar but for me the R8 is just boring, it does'nt give me the sense of occasion which you will find most aston owners waffle on about.
With any of these cars you will have niggles, So far for me and other owners I know the issues have been minor and happily accepted as part of the course. There is faster cars but for every day usage and touring in general I wanted comfort and a bit of punch when required, and the looks and sound never grow old. The R8 is a fine car but I think you just need to go drive both and decide, there is a few of each in the dealers so go drive.
The N400 in merlin has a clutch issue, effectively it needs a new one..but all in all its a nice motor if your willing to flatbed it to uk for clutch and Id recommend Bamford Rose for new dual plate clutch, otherwise watch as a dealer will buy it and stick 20/30k on auction price for there own window.

Fluffer, you always be a hairdresser after the TT.

Best Rgds

Thanks for all the replies... fluffer & yaeger I am leaning towards the Aston but my only reservations are to do with reliability and maintenance... do ye know of any major issues to look out for and what are the options in relation to general maintenance and servicing in the Dublin area... any opinions on the very few V8 Vantage currently for sale on carzone?

Shane732

Falcon_ wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies... fluffer & yaeger I am leaning towards the Aston but my only reservations are to do with reliability and maintenance... do ye know of any major issues to look out for and what are the options in relation to general maintenance and servicing in the Dublin area... any opinions on the very few V8 Vantage currently for sale on carzone?

Are you trading in? If not then you'd better looking at the English market.

yaeger

I have been happy with its reliability, Have had to have a boot leak sorted which is a common issue on all astons including DB9's just new seal required, also needed a grounding wire on the battery replaced so all in all its been more reliable then alot of other cars I have had. Maintenance issues won't arise so long as you get it properly serviced and of course look after it day to day. The clutch can be an issue and will depend on driving style of course but they can go after little mileage but as with everything it depends.

For services and anything else you have (aston martin) charles hurst Belfast and an independant "Aston martin Jaquar Ireland" based up north also. So no options that I know of in Dublin, and unless they have a good history of Astons I ain't touching them. You will have to put up with some allowances like this for these cars but you know what your getting into. A day trip to belfast aint going kill you once a year.
For parts and support, Aston is just across the water so never too far from help.

Service cost's range from indo to dealer and also what service year , but expect £600>£1000. Clutch can cost 1500>2500 but suggest specialist aston works in UK for this for racing clutch which will last alot longer.
I know a few DB9 and vantage owners and one in particular who has over a 100k on the clock and never had any issues and still on first clutch.

If buying second hand, full service history and try to avoid something sitting idle to long, they dont do well sitting idle. There is some good deals to be had here in Ireland but not much to choose from, UK has more options but not nescessarily a better deal but get researching. When I got mine I bought it here and worked out much cheaper, first car in a long time I bought in Ireland as normally I go to UK.
Anyways go test drive, If you get close to buy you can have a look at mine and I'll give you more of a discussion regards running them.

Aston V Audi....no contest !

smash

get one that stands out! http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3781655.htm

Bohrio

I am used to the R8 v8 4.2 FSi engine and although it is a pleasure to drive it does have some drawbacks. The car is fast, but not V10 R8 fast, also, FSi engine and carbon buildup is a thing to consider, I personally dont like thinking that there is a possibility that my engine is not delivering the hp is supposed to.

Never driven the Aston but it looks fantastic and the sound, well, you have to hear it to realize.

In terms of reliability I can say that the R8 V8 is very reliable and maintanence is not bad either (unlike the RS6 V10).

My advice, try them both and see which one is more comfortable or which one you feel you belong to.

I'd probably go for the Aston