997 C2 or V's AM V8
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Performance and handling of the V8 was disappointing with more lean in corners, ok steering and the car didn't wake up until 5000rpm and even then it seemed to lack torque - all compared to a C2S which I had at the time.
An AM V8 with 430 bhp may be a different story and there are rumours of one on the way ...
An AM V8 with 430 bhp may be a different story and there are rumours of one on the way ...
MarcBC
New member
Top Gear did a test on the IoM with a C2S, Aston V8 Vantage and BMW M6 in the very wet. Over a "short course" (they did not give the distance) the C2S was 6 seconds faster than the other two, which were similar. Despite the C2S being the lowest powered, they said that it had by far the best chassis which more than made up for the power loss. The C2S did have the ceramic brakes, but how important they were over this "short course" I do not know.
Here is the Top Gear Review of the AMV8 -v- 997S -v- BMW M6
(hosted thanks to Coochas)
http://coochas.com/porsche/Resources/36-997S-lo-TGAstM6.wmv
(hosted thanks to Coochas)
http://coochas.com/porsche/Resources/36-997S-lo-TGAstM6.wmv
Jamie Garside
New member
That episode is in my Sky+
A client of mine has just come out of a 996 C4S into an AMV8 and loves it as a different experience not taking top level performance into account
A client of mine has just come out of a 996 C4S into an AMV8 and loves it as a different experience not taking top level performance into account
sawood12
New member
If I was in the fortunate position to be choosing there is one think that would spoil the AMV8 for me and that is that it is a complete and utter failure against its original spec. Ford launched it amongst a load of hype about how it was going to be faster than the 997, handle better than the 997, be cheaper than the 997. The result is a car that has failed on all accounts, and to top it all off they spend more time in the garage than they do on the road (which is totally unacceptable for any car at any price these days). If I'd spent all that money on such an inferior car i'd be pretty dissapointed. If you are going to hype up a car, you'd better make sure it lives upto the hype. It does look nice though.
Don't under-estimate the AMV8.
The 997 has slightly more performance and sharper handling, agreed. But, the AMV8 looks, sounds and feels very special and its chassis has been tuned specifically to suit British roads. Furthermore, AM and its dealers are working hard to nurture long term goodwill with their customers.
Mind you, a new AMV8 is closer in price to the 997 GT3 where the dynamic gap gets a bit wider. However, if you like your wood, leather and exclusivity, the AMV8 certainly delivers.
The 997 has slightly more performance and sharper handling, agreed. But, the AMV8 looks, sounds and feels very special and its chassis has been tuned specifically to suit British roads. Furthermore, AM and its dealers are working hard to nurture long term goodwill with their customers.
Mind you, a new AMV8 is closer in price to the 997 GT3 where the dynamic gap gets a bit wider. However, if you like your wood, leather and exclusivity, the AMV8 certainly delivers.
timhum2002
New member
I switched from a 997C2S to V8 Vantage at the end of last year. The decision was made as I had owned 4 Porsches, all great cars, and fancied a change. My impression is that these are two completely different cars, which I'm rather pleased about.
To compare:
For straight line performance it has to be the C2S although in the overall driving experience this is not that important to me.I believe too many of us are hung up on 0-60 times that bear no relevance to everyday motoring. If I was purely interested in 0-60 times I would buy a chipped EVO or TVR. Must admit i would like more low down torque on the AM although revving the motor is no hardship and the sound is glorious.On the twisty bits no advantage to either car.
Style, only one winner, the Vantage, its not a 40 year old design although incorporates loads os AM tradition.
Usability and reliability, again no easy winner. Whilst we all know about Porsche reliability the Vantage is following their example. Day to day motoring is a little easier in the 997, lighter clutch, steering whilst for longer journeys the Vantage wins out with a quieter more comfortable ride.
'Pose Factor' and this is important for us all isn't it[
] the AM. So many people want to talk about and admire it, something I found very rare with any of the Porsches.
If I had to choose, what a difficult decision and so will sit on the fence. Both are great cars and have given me tremendous motoring.
Where too next, suggestions please
Tim
To compare:
For straight line performance it has to be the C2S although in the overall driving experience this is not that important to me.I believe too many of us are hung up on 0-60 times that bear no relevance to everyday motoring. If I was purely interested in 0-60 times I would buy a chipped EVO or TVR. Must admit i would like more low down torque on the AM although revving the motor is no hardship and the sound is glorious.On the twisty bits no advantage to either car.
Style, only one winner, the Vantage, its not a 40 year old design although incorporates loads os AM tradition.
Usability and reliability, again no easy winner. Whilst we all know about Porsche reliability the Vantage is following their example. Day to day motoring is a little easier in the 997, lighter clutch, steering whilst for longer journeys the Vantage wins out with a quieter more comfortable ride.
'Pose Factor' and this is important for us all isn't it[
] the AM. So many people want to talk about and admire it, something I found very rare with any of the Porsches. If I had to choose, what a difficult decision and so will sit on the fence. Both are great cars and have given me tremendous motoring.
Where too next, suggestions please
Tim
Grant
New member
I ran an AMV8 for a year after a 996TT, absolutely loved the car & the dealer was fantastic. Dynamically it is a little inferior to a 997S, but still a good drivers car & not that much slower, it just looks, sounds & feels so fabulously wonderful, the Porsche isn't even on the same page for looks, exclusivity & image!
As Oliver says, the GT3 is a much better drivers car with a lot more grunt, but the Aston is so special to behold, own & simply sit in that I would recommend running a used example if you get then chance!
As Oliver says, the GT3 is a much better drivers car with a lot more grunt, but the Aston is so special to behold, own & simply sit in that I would recommend running a used example if you get then chance!
richardgilbert
New member
Must agree I sold my 997 4S Coupe with X51 powerkit and bought an AM V8, the dealer was awesome and made me (for a very shortwhile) consider a DBS!! Both are great cars and I am already thinking about a 997 Turbo!! The looks on the Aston are the biggest head turner I have ever had, and the drive is a lot better than given credit for.
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