2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs 2011 BMW E90 M3 - Head to Head Review!

[@jacksonrapaich2179]

Owner of the Vantage here, Fenton was once again spot on with this awesome head to head. I sold an e92 for this Vantage and have zero regrets.

[@TheJamesicle]

Fellow Vantage owner here (2012 V8 S); regarding heel-toe, there is an aftermarket pedal designed for better heel-toe available. Search 'V8 Vantage heel toe pedal' and it'll come up. Relatively cheap and easy way to fix it.

[@jacksonrapaich2179]

@@TheJamesicle Thanks! Actually already ordered one a couple weeks back. Other point on brakes is true, my pads are old and pretty worn, hoping new ones will help firm up initial bite

[@mariuszzurawski498]

Thinking of going the same route

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Good for you. Doesn't mean sh*t. Certainly doesn't make it objectively better than the BMW

[@willwang9936]

lovely comparison video! being a 15’ vantage owner, i have to agree with lots of the point out here. the heel toe doesn’t work. the car is not about being a precision engineered laptop but it does retain a lot of soul and character even if it doesn’t do things the best. it’s the attitude the car has is what makes me accept the flaws and imperfections.

[@Zygrene]

Perfectly summarized.

[@clu4u]

In other words you have a British POS 🎉😂❤

[@griffinhb]

Yes! Great comparison. I literally just thought about these two cars and googled how they compared and here is a video that’s just a few hours old. The internet is working! Lol. Thanks for making this. You delivered the details very well.

[@sdlausen1]

Next - install some cameras on the exterior of the car. Also, maybe some 3rd person shots of the car taking corners would be great! Love the content!

[@amill1563]

Love the details in your description in order to paint a real life picture of driving and impressions.

[@benenglert3401]

Exact review I needed. The Aston lust is strong lately.

[@PeterC-c2c]

Well done. Spot on review. I have a V8 Vantage and a B7 RS4, rather than a Bimmer, although I've driven an E92 (which I found a bit too tail happy in the wet to inspire confidence). I could say almost the same things comparing my two cars. The Audi has a beautiful gearshift (the Aston not), but the Aston's steering is in a different league. All in all, the Aston is more difficult to place/drive, but is also more fun at 9/10ths because of the inherent balance (though I still can't believe how balletic the RS4 is despite that lump of iron hanging out front). In the winter, the Aston stays home. The RS4 is so reassuring to drive fast in all conditions.

[@colin91m3]

Great video! I was able to drive the Aston for a bit and my thoughts were exactly the same. I am happy with my M3 but holy guacamole is the Aston a great car.

[@justaddafan]

I'm glad you got to take a Vantage out to the canyons. Steering feel was one of the most pleasant surprises for me when I first drove mine. One thing you didn't mention is the chassis balance. The car is just slightly rear weight biased at 49/51 and it's very controllable and playful. Such a special car.

[@derickpnw]

I was literally just making this comparison in my head and this popped up!

[@SicSemperBeats]

I already knew what the verdict was going to be before watching, especially when he mentioned camber plates up front. -2 ish front camber on an e9x transforms corner entry

[@RudyP18]

I had a 2011 E92 M3 coupe for many years and have had a 2010 V8V since about the same time. Enjoyed both but sold the M3 and kept the Vantage and plan to keep it forever. Both great cars but the Vantage is more special which is why I still have it. That said, I wouldn’t mind getting another E90 or E92 M3 at some point but when I wanted something practical for the kids I actually went older and got an E34 M5.

[@rnlbluernlblue1380]

Great review! I have a v12 Vantage manual and the sound and driving dynamics are great! Heal toe is difficult!! I also have a 458 and GT4RS and I have challenges picking a favorite. The Aston is an event every time I get in!

[@alphonsemonthei8878]

Good comparison! Hard to argue with the value proposition of the M3.

[@IAmTheHound]

Cool video and an interesting comparison. I own a similar Aston V8 Vantage - also a manual 2009 - although mine is a roadster. The M3 is a great proposition: it looks handsome (especially compared to today's monstrosities by the brand), is obviously way more practical than the Aston, with proper back seats, a decent boot, etc. And it's cheaper. For a daily car it's going to be the better choice for most, especially if you have a family. However, for a fun, weekend car (as mine is), the Aston is a no-brainer. The roar of its V8 (even better with the roof down), the beautiful interior... the LOOKS; while the Beemer is good looking the V8 Vantage of this generation has all-time-great looks. The exotic badge. The way it makes you feel is very special indeed, from getting in, to firing up the engine, driving it on twisty roads, to parking it and the inevitable glance back after you've locked it. Absolutely stunning all-round experience.

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

"Gearing is really long... 2nd gear seems to go to 70mph" Me over here crying in 718 GT4 manual topping out at like 83.

[@houseking9211]

I think when it comes to your primary gripes with the Vantage, you can solve at least 2 of them fairly cheaply. The brakes would be made a lot better with some more aggressive (or just new) pads. There's a heel and toe kit for the vantage that brings the throttle away from the transmission tunnel and makes it easier. The expensive fix would be the suspension. Ohlins, at least according to most endurance racing teams, make the best dampers for getting the most out of a car on track. They don't have a road and track option for the vantage, but K&W would probably improve the handling by a decent ammount.

[@BboySlashGNR]

Great comparison between the two indeed. I came from an E93 M3 and moved to a 4.3 roadster. Granted the power and torque difference isnt as profound as your comparison, the way the Vantage handles is simply sublime, almost telepathic. Not forgetting the fact that my E93 was a really heavy girl compared to the Aston, but man, there’s so much more feel to the Roadster. Also, what you said at 13:05 summed this up perfectly. The Aston feels so much more premium compared to my E93.

[@1855Media]

The V8 Vantage is a “2 + 2” coupe? I don’t recall any model of the V8 Vantage having rear seats

[@VantageOwner]

It's a 2 seater

[@Zygrene]

I misspoke! Thanks for the correction.

[@drewmorg.]

Can we get some C5's in the canyon??

[@szymonstamonsta]

nice review! I think you referred to the Aston as a 2+2 at the start of the video- it's a 2 seater only though, right? I wonder if the pedal placement is an issue on the RHD version? You mentioned the Aston's inferior brake feel but I think that comes down to stock pads/fluid, with decent pads and fluid the Aston's brakes should be superior to the BMW. As used car propositions, the other thing to consider is the Aston's V8 is dry-sump whereas the S55 is not - is the Aston better suited to withstand high G track use?

[@manar_belaid_007]

incredible how they're both almost equally gorgeous and beautiful with the price differences

[@mogulme6190]

Nahhh the Aston is next level beautiful

[@TYAC_red]

The transaxle is already a win for me.

[@tommyfreckmann6857]

Having tracked my Vantage a fair amount... the heel-toe is not only limited by the pedal, but, in my opinion due to lack of pedal response, it would be significantly remedied by a lightweight flywheel. The pedal, with driving shoes, can be done pretty well, but, you must really jab at the throttle due to unresponsiveness.

[@jacksonrapaich2179]

Tune and twin plate clutch significantly help as well

[@VantageOwner]

I just picked up a 4.3, I think in terms of price, it's a better comparison with the E9x than the 4.7

[@Zygrene]

Yeah that's definitely a closer comparison

[@alexbruski]

How do you like it? Most reviewers say the 4.7 is way better but for the extra price it should be. I’m looking at the 4.3 but wondering if it’s worth it.

[@richsimpson450]

All those mods to the M3 and the owner hasn’t done the OEM exhaust mod? I’m an SF Bay Area guy and had an E90 for 7 years. It is THE best bang for the buck mod. A couple hundred bucks and a trip to Minute Muffler in Dublin will convert that baby to how it should have sounded form the factory - it sings at high RPM and is nasty at cold start with no drone at low RPM.

[@ultimatist]

Are the Dublin guys messing with the cat? Or what's the mod you're referring to?

[@richsimpson450]

No mods to cat. They just drop the oem muffler, cut it open, replace the perforated pipes inside with solid pipes, weld them back together, weld the top back on the muffler, and put it back up and in. Should be vids on KZbin of the process. Excellent mod. Cost me $250 back in 2017. I’m sure it’s more now but way less than the very expensive aftermarket options. Search KZbin and you can hear sound clips.

[@ultimatist]

@@richsimpson450 interesting, thanks. Did you feel any HP/TQ difference, or is it only sound and vibration improvements?

[@colin91m3]

It definitely needs some louder pipes! I was considering the mod, but heard it can corrode around the welds and start to rattle after a few years. I am waiting for a good deal on a M Performance or Akra muffler to pop up. Although, OEM mufflers are relatively cheap so maybe it's worth the risk? How is yours holding up?

[@richsimpson450]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@ultimatistjust the sound, but as you know, it’s great! @colin91m3 I’d say go for it. It’s a cheap mod. I had it for 4 or 5 years before I sold the car in ‘21. No issues with rust or rattling. Minute Muffler is a very well known and regarded shop, so you don’t have to worry about it being an amateurish hack job.

[@BenzinioB]

There is no place for comparison. When new - maybe, but in 2024 as second hand the Aston is the one. The look and the collectable potential are far more important then anything else...

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

I'm literally torn between these two right now and this video gets posted. It's almost fate lol.

[@andrewrossnagel9433]

If you're buying and leaving stock then go with Aston. If you're looking to mod it then there is no comparison. Plus e9x community is extremely vast

[@dylanriley2707]

It is funny, I never thought about comparing these cars, but I owned a 2008 E92 M3 and loved it but sold it to 'move up the ladder'. I considered replacing my base E92 M3 with a top spec E92 M3 competition package, a 2015 V8V GT (but I was not thinking about a direct comparison or head to head w. my old E92 M3), an R8 V8 (I was thinking about as a direct comparison to my E92 M3), and a 996 Turbo. Ultimately, I could not bring myself to spend R8 money and 'only' have an engine that was too similar to my old M3's, plus the interior of an R8 V8 does not feel that special; I almost bought a V8V GT, but it got scooped up right before I was ready to place money on it; and I knew if I got another E92, even in dark blue and competition package with OEM+ upgrades I would always wonder what those 'higher end' sports cars would be like. I came across an X50 package 996 in Zanzibar Red with factory aero kit, all kinds of paint to match goodies on the side and fell in love. It was more expensive than the Aston and top spec E92, but a touch cheaper than the R8 V8. I bought it, just waiting for some repairs to be done on the other side of the country before I get it shipped to me. Cannot wait for the first mountain road drive in it :) Love the channel Fenton! Would love to see some Porsche 718 6-cyl caymans and 997 GTS vs Ferrari 348/355/430/360/599 content. I think the F430 is ultimately where I want to go (Silverstone grey, challenge wheels, black Daytona seats, Capristo exhaust, and manual convert it (who can afford a factory manual lol). But I certainly do NOT think I would want to give up my one of a kind factory 996 Turbo for it. Lastly, Fenton, you need to come up to interior BC, we have incredible driving roads up here, world class wineries, and your dollar can buy a ton relative to ours. Have you ever been to Area 27? Absolutely stunning track! Hope to hand you the keys if you come up here.

[@yongim8582]

Hi How is the 996tt? Is it fun??

[@dylanriley2707]

@@yongim8582I love it! I was only able to get the car delivered in late September but man was it ever fun. Even in the wrong gear, that thing will blast up to 200kph readily and is planted and wicked fun through the turns. I cannot wait to get it on a track to stretch its legs. I won’t go for 10/10ths on the track, I have a 128 track car for that. But I will go have some serious 8/10ths fun! I was even pleasantly surprised with how good the exhaust sounds. I will ultimately put an Unobtainium titanium x pipe to get a gorgeous sound out of it. But for stock, I was surprised at how good it was inside the cabin. Every clip I heard on youtube or standing ‘track side’ at an autocross made it sound like a boring vacuum cleaner. But in the cabin, where it actually matters, it was enjoyable. But yes, next step is Unobtainium titanium exhaust and then 996.2 GT3 wheels! I strongly encourage anyone to get a 996 turbo. It’s a hell of a car, but buy the best one you can afford. Buy a cheap version and it will be easily as expensive as a well sorted one by the time you sort out its issues.

[@alangil40]

The Aston sounded louder than the stock E90, however I don't think you gave the S65 sound a fair shake as all the curves in the road forced you to short shift. As you know, the S65 really sings at the top of its 8200 RPM range, but you never got it the engine spinning anywhere near that high in this particular video. Even as a BMW fan, I don't disagree with your final take though, the Aston is much more special looking and feeling.

[@mfujiii]

my e90 m3 w the dct tune almost feels like pdk its that crisp. interesting comparison! but it makes sense

[@duncanajpv8]

I'd love a vantage 2+2 coupe, shame it doesn't exist.

[@maximborodyuk3773]

it's called DBS? Or DB12 if you like modern.

[@RichardJohnson-rr9gh]

Ohlins coilovers - $3500; Camber plates- $500; spherical bushings $1000 (est f&r) poly bushings plus at least $5000 in labor and alignment will improve your turn-in, but also leave you with a noisy, harsh, and ultimately unpleasant car to drive on the street. Great for track days, not so great any and everywhere else. Ask me how I know.

[@itspronouncedjello]

Ah yes, the classic Bond chased by a black BMW scenario. Both of these sound glorious!

[@BobbyAngmalaysia]

Astons are very reliable.

[@raomotorsports]

Quite a quirky comparison indeed! One of the first times an E9X M3 came out as inferior 😢

[@enzo9230]

Thanks for this interesting comparison! Does anyone else think the 2008-2012 V8 Vantage is the best model in the lineup, with its 4.7L engine and improved dynamics while preserving its stunning design? In my opinion, the rear diffuser and front splitter introduced in 2012 disrupt the overall coherence of the V8 Vantage's design, losing the original near-perfect proportions of the car.

[@kylebelle246]

Literally 100% agree. Especially about the post 2012 front splitter and rear diffuser, i love that the exhaust goes through holes the rear bumper rather than the bumper having a cutout around the whole space. Basically my dream car is like a 2008 - 2010 4.7 v8 vantage only because of the new key fab and slightly updated center console. other than those 2 things i would even take a 2007 4.3L

[@jeffg4008]

Love the Aston but for that money my money would pointed at a TypeF Jag, or a C6 Z06 Centennial or Carbon Edition

[@jonasbaine3538]

E90 with DCT is sublime.

[@Zygrene]

It really is, but 3 pedals for me please

[@shazmaster]

audi r8 v8 manual vs a new v8 vantage s? I think that would be a great review too even tho they serve different purposes ( mr vs fr and awd vs rwd)

[@Zygrene]

Even R8 V8 vs this older generation of V8 Vantage would be interesting

[@shazmaster]

@@Zygrene Yup, I was thinking the 2012 model sorry, that was when the S was introduced - however same engine and the mods equipped to the one you reviewed makes up and more for the disparity in power

[@RT_66_PT]

A comparison I'm forced to make every time I go out to the garage. 😅 With the exception my M3 is a DTC E92. The M3 is a better driver. better built, and sounds better. The V8V is GORGEOUS, sounds great, and attracts attention everywhere you go. Sooner or later I'll probably need to make a choice. For now, they're different cars for different purposes.

[@Unicornpirate]

V12 Vantage with a 6 speed manual when?

[@Zygrene]

When I can find a willing owner!

[@terrydu1572]

Put the Ferrari California v8 or cali t in these comparison list. We love to see

[@Zygrene]

Need to find some generous owners!

[@maximus9401]

I really am starting to get into these NA V8 gt sports cars. Great comparison with E9x M3 and V8 Vantage. I'd like to throw the Mustang into this too. After your Dark Horse track review, it really put those cars on the radar for me. I'm really considering a Mach 1 in the future depending on their price. Correct me if I'm wrong but you haven't driven just a regular Z51 C7 Corvette with manual yet right? I'd love to see that car along with other V8 manual coupes as a comparison and see if there's value in the market for those cars. I'd consider it if cross-shopping

[@jonasbaine3538]

shame ford never brought the ford falcon sedans to usa.

[@TheBb6prelude]

The mustang BOSS 302 would be the closest comparison to these cars. It has a road runner engine.

[@Zygrene]

Correct - the only C7 I've driven is the ZR1. I've heard great things about the Z51 and especially Grand Sport.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@jonasbaine3538 I don't think you want to drive a Ford Falcon this hard! The rear tyres were never particularly wide and it doesn't have much rear grip. Just check out an Australian track test of the Holden Commodore SS-V (Chevrolet SS) against the Falcon XR8. Let's just say the Falcon is not good (sideways everywhere, lol).

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@jonasbaine3538 The track test video is called "Ingall and Skaife ... Final Showdown". They are both professional racing drivers, so I don't think it's a driver issue.

[@carreralicious]

I’m considering selling my 997 for the Aston. Have driven a couple of them and the sound from the V8 is glorious. The only thing that annoys me is that since I have a long torso, my head is up by the top of the windshield so my view out is not the greatest.

[@SicSemperBeats]

Really? I feel like the 997 is the new speculators' car. Seems like it will be worth much more in a year or two

[@carreralicious]

@@SicSemperBeatsI don’t really care about the future value of the car though. I care about what I will enjoy driving. Life’s too short to worry about out resale value. 😂

[@TheEightSixEight]

Vantage is certainly not a “2+2” coupe.

[@augustortiz]

I love e9X M3’s to death but c’mon.. no comparison here.

[@RudyP18]

Both 2+2 coupes?

[@willwang9936]

vantage is a pure 2 seater.

[@RudyP18]

@@willwang9936 Sorry - that was sarcasm, I have a Vantage.

[@RolanTHUNDER]

I'd definitely take Vantage over that M3. Sucks about the awkward heel/toe pedal setup though.

[@27Ctrojans]

The e90 m3 is such a good daily of you can afford all that gas guzzling

[@faizelphilander6938]

Not a like for like comparison,but I like the BMW more. Nice video though.

[@RobertRedford77]

Aston all the way

[@Calx91]

lol you can’t compare an unreliable BMW to an Aston. Even if it’s an M series

[@patrickbateman7122]

Sorry can't take this seriously, you're scared of the bends...

[@DjNikGnashers]

Comparing a 2 seater sports car, costing 30 grand more, to a 4 door family saloon with large rear seats ? It doesn't really make any sense. If I wanted a fast family saloon, I'd buy the M3, but if I wanted a fast 2 seater sports car I'd buy a Porsche.

[@maximborodyuk3773]

manual Vantage pre-facelift could be had

[@sebastiankaiser5165]

What is it with SoCal car youtubers and heel and toeing? Dude, I know literal race car drivers that do not see it as a necessity in race driving. Your skills are so far removed of heel and toe making a difference. Also, if you feel the need to heel and toe to not unsettle the car during braking you’re waaaay over the limit for a public road anyhow.

[@jsonli]

it's not purely a performance thing - there are a lot of practical situations where you want to heel toe - any time you want to slow down and be in the correct gear once you're down slowing down. for example you unexpectedly need to slow down because someone pulls out in front of you, change lanes, then accelerate. you can't always downshift before. it's also fun.

[@RobertRedford77]

Why are you fixated on heel/toe?

[@masterkendro]

Driver input feel is important to most enthusiasts, really any feel is. I get why you may be irritated by it, but honestly, I've shopped cars in the past that I've completely passed on because the 6 speed transmission felt way too cheap (loose and rubberized).

[@iiijwsss]

Because he's trying to drive the car well and it's not great for heel and toe. He's frustrated. It's not a huge deal once you get used to it but it is unnerving when you first jump into the car. Plus, everything else about the Vantage is so nice, the little flaws really stand out.

[@craigyirush3492]

Because if you’re driving fast and you don’t rev match on downshifts you upset the car. The only way to brake and downshift at the same time is to heel and toe.

[@sebastiankaiser5165]

@@craigyirush3492if you go so fast as to upset the car without H‘n‘T you‘re waaaay over street speed anyhow and nobody takes the Aston on track, so…

[@craigyirush3492]

@@sebastiankaiser5165 thanks, Dad.