Porsche 997.1 GT3 vs. Aston Martin V8 Vantage: Is it a fair fight?

[@geirarnesen6531]

No, not fair. To compare an Aston Vantage to a 911 997 GT3, which is a Track Weapon, you should at least mention there is a Vantage N24 Edition that would be closer, both in price and performance. Or, if you keep the regular Vantage, then compare it to a regular 997 Carrera (or a Carrera S).

[@thedamonlowney]

N24 vs GT3 or GT3 RS would definitely be the fair comparison

[@rnlbluernlblue1380]

i sold my 2007 Manual 911 Turbo to get a V12 Vantage with a manual. It's a different animal and probably a better comparison to the GT3 from this generation. Also have a 458 and the Aston Martin is just so unique. I know the GT3 is a special variant, but you seldom see an Aston Martin out in the wild!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for sharing!

[@freddysardinas1351]

I would take the GT3 any day. Aston would be my second choice. Broth great cars!!!

[@brandonsever2576]

I'd take the gt3 out of these two, but I'd pick a manual v8 vantage over almost any porsche worth the same money. Both are incredible at the end of the day

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

So many great choices out there! Of course, we always hope people lean Porsche ;) We hope this video did its small part to bring the car community a little bit closer.

[@RudyP18]

As an owner of a 2010 V8 Vantage and a 2010 GT3RS, this video was spot on. They are very different cars. The Vantage is beautiful, inside and out, the quality of the interior materials is better than Porsche’s super cars (918/Carrera GT) let alone the regular GT cars but the GT3 is just much more involving and lively to drive. It kind of eggs you on to drive it hard and you DO have to pay attention to your driving all the time. There is a reason your uncle has 82000 miles on that 10 year old Vantage. It’s a terrific GT/daily driver that does double duty as a good sporting companion when the road turns twisty. Crazy how undervalued these cars are IMO (especially in my case since my two same year cars are more like 5-6x price difference). Last point in favor of the Vantage is that everyone likes them, no one cuts you off in traffic and you get a lot more thumbs up than in any Porsche (other than by other Porsche people of course). But at the end of the day, I echo your conclusion, if you can only have one, it would have to be the GT3, but ideally have both…

[@thedamonlowney]

I'm pleased to hear some validation from another owner of both! I had a lot more fun in the Aston on that back road than I thought I would. It never felt out of sorts and the handling was fun. A jack of all trades. I think you and my uncle have it figured out: own both if possible!

[@RudyP18]

@@thedamonlowney Thanks - yes and IMO more Porsches = better. I have 4 911s (2 GT3s) and could easily pick out another half dozen I would like to add. But I'm good with my one Vantage and have no desire to add others or upgrade within the line (especially the newer Vantages)...

[@Rushwind100]

Rudy & Damon both have very good points here, and I understand that the shootout happened between these two specific cars because the owner had both, BUT, a much better comparison (for HP, interior quality, original MSRP, etc) would have been to use a 997.2 GT3, which is also livable as a touring car (I know, & I’m biased as a owner of one). It would be easier to compare, and fun to own both as you both said.

[@jimc793]

I’m a devoted Porsche fan but the Aston Martin is a great car. In fact when I bought my Carrera 4 in 2006 I cross-shopped the Aston Martin V8 but reputation for reliability quickly steered me back to Porsche. Eighteen years and 130,000 miles later, I made the right choice-911-best car I’ve ever owned.

[@carldesserich8509]

I recognize Keith's GT3, I've chased it down enough times during our back roads tours! 😆👍

[@racedoc6473]

A fair presentation minimizing the usual “Porsche is always best” PCA approach. Comparing a GT car to an almost track ready sports car is folly. I remember PCA video several years ago when they compared a base Ferrari California to a GT 3! The much better “comparison” would be to compare the Cali to a base Panamera…

[@xtnuser5338]

Calling one of these a GT car, and the other an almost track ready sports car, IS comparing/contrasting them. Was it folly of you to do so? No it wasn't. It's only folly to compare/contrast things that are exactly alike. So you're talking instead, of course, about the fairness or the utility of comparing/contrasting...which is completely subjective to the listener. Some people might make a decision based on looks alone. Some might value learning about the comfort of the ride, the seats, the air conditioning, etc. Others might only care about lap times. And finally some people wouldn't be cross-shopping them in the first place. Fairness is irrelevant, and utility is only lacking for that last group of people. Maybe you're one of them (as I am) and that's fine. But it doesn't mean the effort is folly for everybody else.

[@Gorrila_Man92]

I was scrolling my KZbin subscription videos and saw the thumbnail and went “I know those cars!”. I had no idea you’re related to Keith, what a small world. He’s such a nice guy and we all appreciate his humor before each of the driving events for PCA San Diego. Cheers!

[@thedamonlowney]

Small world! I agree, he's a great guy :)

[@davidg7624]

Great video. Thanks. I'm a 45 yr. PCA member and have owned 9 911's..........but I still lust after an Aston.

[@jeffryrosen3438]

The AM is a beautiful GT car, but I'm in agreement with the decision to go with the GT3. Especially if you have the roads to really exercise the GT3.

[@ebwerksinc.2767]

I have both.... 997 GT3 and 2014 Aston Martin Vantage. I have driven all GT3's and RS since 2004 to 2016. You NEED both. My Porsche friends roll when I say that. Quality : Aston Martin > GT Driivng EXPERIENCE : GT > Aston Martin

[@ebwerksinc.2767]

I just saw the review. I think I should do my own video review. I own both. I have over 100,000 miles driving GT 996/997s and ~20,000 miles on a Vantage. I do not 100% agree on your review., as an owner; on the way they drive etc.

[@thedamonlowney]

Would love to see your take on these cars!

[@bradl5030]

quality: AM > GT, I assume u mean "interior quality" ? 😂

[@ebwerksinc.2767]

@@bradl5030 I am not sure what is funny; but what should we compare? Components? I am not saying a GT3 is unreliable (if that is what you trying to state with "quality")... I have had mine since 2011 with ZERO issues. If I had to sell one, it would be the AM; the GT stays; however, I am not blindfolded by reality, I love my GT more.

[@carreralicious]

Yes, I’ve found the Vantage sounded really nice with the V8, car handles well enough but doesn’t feel very fast. My 997S feels faster actually. If you have a tall torso, the seat doesn’t seem to go low enough in the Vantage and the roof blocks your view out. I’d love to own the Vantage one day though. The GT3 would be in a different league. It’s not a fair comparison.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Great points. Thanks for sharing. The 997 Carrera S, or even GTS, compared to the V8 Vantage would probably put the cars on more even ground.

[@RudyP18]

@@PorscheClubofAmerica Agree - I used to have a 2006 C2S and used it as my track car as a PCA instructor. There was another PCA instructor who had a V8 Vantage that he used as his track car (I didn't have my Vantage back then) but I was about a second faster at Mid Ohio in the C2S. The Vantage's rear grip becomes a bit of a limitation at the limit, you have to be much more gentle on throttle application coming out of corners - it gets sideways quickly...

[@TornikeJashia]

@@RudyP18my v8 vantage with rear wing feels nice and stable with 295 pz4 in the rear. It slides upon take off but stable coming out of the corners, with tc off. I do agree about weight of the car, but cannot complain as it feels planted and forgiving. Gt3 would be an interesting weapon which I’m considering although less for the backroads and mostly for the track use which i do less of. And for 997 g3 price cayman gt4 is also a very compelling car. I’d love to drive those two back to back.

[@jjimbo2686]

The irony is that Porsche badged their car a GT. The Aston is a true GT and I love mine as much as my Porsche. Two different driving experiences for sure. Nice video.

[@truebluemiata]

GT3 refers to the international grand touring racing series, below the original GT1 & GT2 classes. In order to race they had to be based on a certain number of a road going version, a process called "homologation". Porsche found that the road going versions were very popular with buyers and so turned them into regular production vehicles albeit very special ones.

[@cag4]

I’ve driven Keith’s GT3… it’s an epic machine (probably one of the many reasons I got my 996GT3). Didn’t know about the Vantage though… sweet!

[@2kostasd]

Great video! I think it would have been fair to compare the Vantage to the regular 997. You were spot on in the review of the Vantage. I own an 08 Vantage and love it for the build quality and GT cruising, yet still love pounding on it in the twisties. The car is a blast to drive hard, but I find myself enjoying it for cruising in luxury. For performance, the Porsche can't be beat. They are made to be driven, and I prefer driving my 996 when it comes to performance. Both cars are beautiful and offer unique experiences, but for performance and "fun" factor, you can not beat a Porsche.

[@thedamonlowney]

Yes, Carrera S or GTS are more likely to be cross shopped by V8 Vantage buyers, for sure. And I should have mentioned 997 (or 996) Turbo as another alternative.

[@spirro-eg1yl]

I have never driven a GT2 or GT3 but I feel on edge even pushing my 991.2 C2 to the max through canyons. I have grown to love that feeling of, "oh crap, the rear will not hold!" as the front wheels dance through the corner, but it holds. I do not get that feeling with an Aston Martin, Jaguar or Maserati.

[@truebluemiata]

Different cars that make a great pair. (I might add a third vehicle for hauling stuff.)

[@arkhsm]

Good review, as I was of coarse expecting much more of a Porsche bias. For me it would have to be the more exclusive and georgeous Aston Martin, especially against the Porsche models you mentioned at the end. So much respect for the 911's though !!

[@DarkClosetOfTheMind]

"an oh shit line" is accurate...lol

[@bobclapper2672]

This was a very Fun Vid to watch . Love both those works of art ! Thanks

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed! Both cars are great.

[@stevereno6799]

Cars look very familiar. Not sure if the owner can extract all the performance from the GT3.Should practice a bit more perhaps.

[@thedamonlowney]

Ya, he should practice more ;)

[@Sooopa_Doopa]

0:30 - "Now you might be wondering what do these 2 cars have in common" Nope. I'm wondering what that family member does for a living and would he/she be interesting in adopting a slightly immature adult

[@jpdobs]

The more realistic comparison is broached at the end of the video… V8V vs 911s or 911gts of a similar era. Those would be the equivalent cross shop. For example, for the price of the GT3, you could buy a V8V and a 911s. I enjoyed this though. Thanks for making it!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisn625]

Just a small correction..... The Aston's weight distribution is actually 49 front 51 rear

[@tommyfreckmann6857]

Technically, yes. But, not when there is a driver. It is then front: 47, and rear: 53. Ask how I know. 😉

[@craigmoy5457]

Both lovely, I am onto my third VH era Aston Vantage having had V8's and V12s, Porsche are clearly a faster and better track weapon (better holding value if you buy new), Astons are pretty and rare. Both awesome no losers just different machines, both of which will disappear some day probably enjoy them now.

[@HawkMillFarm]

Had a 4.3l Vantage, it never impressed me in anything beyond its looks. Kept a C4S at the same time which highlighted the Aston shortfalls. The Aston lasted only 18 months, I'm on my third 911.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for sharing.

[@barryallen2595]

I have both a 2006 Aston V8 Vantage (3.8L) and a 2014 Porsche 911 50th Anniversary (991.1) - probably a more balanced comparison, but it’s nice to see these two cars compared side-by-side, regardless. The Astons (particularly during the Ford-ownership era) are particularly nice cars, and their manual transitions are great.

[@tommyfreckmann6857]

3.8? Pretty sure they never made thay displacement in '06.

[@powertechselect1990]

I agree with their point at the end to compare the AM to lesser 997, as it's not a fair fight in my opinion vs. a 7GT3. I actually did a similar video a few years back comparing a 2008 V8 Vantage with a 997.1 S, when at the time they were both worth $40k or less. Bottom line is the Aston is one of the best-looking cars ever made and sounds great, but the 997 is a much more engaging driver.

[@mpp9964]

Nice move by owner putting the RS spoiler on. Not a nice move by putting a front plate on. When I visit California I see loads of cars out there with no plates at all! Lose the front plate and risk the fines.

[@grahamdaws4775]

No it isn’t even remotely a fair fight. It’s a pointless comparison. GT3 is an absolute track focussed weapon and it is 2-3x the price of that poor AM, which is just the base model V8 Vantage, which was a plusher and softer sports/GT. While track focussed Vantage variants absolutely can cut it on track (look at all the GT series wins), this one is absolutely not made for the track. It’s a mid to late 2000s era base spec car. A fairer comparison is that aston vs a base 997. Or a 997S vs a Vantage S, or a 997 turbo/S vs V12 Vantage/S. Or, if you like, and better still, a 997GT3 vs Aston GT8 or GT12. The Porker would still always win dynamically/on track - because even by 997 era Porsche had already had 50yrs to evolve, develop and refine the arse-engined sports car concept - but at least all of the above would be a fairer comparison. The AM Vantage was a brilliant effort for what it was - a plucky attempt to take on the almighty 911 for a decent price by a tiny Brit company known only for bespoke/exclusive GT stuff. It only happened due to the benevolence of then parent Ford, and for that us Brits are eternally grateful.

[@BobbyAngmalaysia]

GT3 is a track machine. Vantage is a cross country sports car

[@SteveHeil-tb7wg]

Seems unfair given this is Porsche Club of America. So get both. Lol

[@davidg7624]

Agreed. Lots of Porsche bias here. Both are fantastic cars, just different.

[@EddieRicks-i8v]

I think 🤔 the Aston Martin is better looking car but on a track the Porsche is a better choice. 😊

[@Jim-v3o]

P car is better in everyway, but I'd NEVER give up my V8VS Roadster for one in a million years. Porsche's are so common compared to AM

[@davidmorrow4195]

No, it's not close to fair fight. The GT3 costs close to double and won't be cross shopped. I recently purchased a 2020 Vantage for $82k, also wasn't considering a $140k GT3, but with my Vantage I got 500 hp and 500 ft. lbs. of torque. I think it would definitely compete with this GT3 at a huge discount on the price.

[@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg]

Here’s what you’re really getting with the Aston - rarity. Porsche makes more 911s in a year than Aston made of the entire Vantage production run. (I have a Vantage)

[@carguy7627]

It didn’t look like you pushed either car but said that you got close to the limits of the Vantage. Either its limits are very low, the videos sense of speed was misleading, or there was a lot that you didn’t show us. Anyway, they both seem like nice cars although I’m not sure that’d I’d cross shop them.

[@thedamonlowney]

I was driving briskly in the video, but the road is really a second-gear only sort of road. Not possible to reach very high speeds. Before the video, I drove both much harder so I could gather my thoughts to present.

[@ramilovejags4164]

How can that be a fair fight? A GT3 vs just plain V8 and not even V8 Vantage S.

[@MilosBabic-yw4ic]

Its not a fair comparisson, same age aston and gt3 price is sooo far apart, so I think the vantage is currently the best value used sports car. I can't see 2008 model in 10 years being anything less than a 100k in europe

[@MilosBabic-yw4ic]

they are currently same price as e90 m3 gen and people will soon start to realize why would I have bmw badge for the same money when I could have a car that cost double when new and is much more rare. Because majority of m3 are used for driving around rather than track

[@David_Ekko]

Omg, stop touching your damn glasses. Such an annoying nervous tick.

[@thedamonlowney]

I can never seem to get any pair of glasses to stay on my nose correctly. Definitely annoying. Will work on it.

[@johnblack9037]

No contest the Aston is just super cool, the Porsche is just a Porsche!

[@koakamaka]

Comparing an apple to a pineapple is NOT a reasonable comparison. This is such a STUPID comparison with a ridiculously redundant conclusion.

[@thedudeabides1443]

I’d take the GT3 every day over the AM simply for the looks. Just can’t get over the Ford Fusion grille on the AM!

[@nomansland4811]

Doesn’t matter. The Porsche is still sexier. Style wise the AM is meh.

[@Jordan-lw4ef]

Driven both worked on both the Gt3 is the better car end of. No need for the video thank you cheers and gone

[@chesswizard31]

Astons can’t compete with Porsches, sorry. I rate them about as highly as Jaguar and Maserati, which is low. If I wanted to be cheeky I would say high end Ford..

[@zrzzezolo7134]

Dude, you probably haven't sat in these cars, you talk about quality and you have no idea. There is so much plastic in a Porsche that you could build the Eiffel Tower out of it.