BMW M3 or Aston Martin V8 Vantage?

[AngelinIsRich08]

People on here always try to upgrade to a Porsche or GTR from their M3, or debate them, but no one has spoken of Aston Martin. I've been looking into the V8 Vantage and it technically seems identical to the E9X M3: 420 bhp, V8 engine, similar weight and even the exact same fuel economy (price wise it costs almost twice as much though) I was wondering if buying a used Aston Martin would be a good alternative to the M3. It certainly has more appeal and it isn't as common on the street. (And the engine makes a magnificent note if I might add)

[jonasaurus]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177956

Here you go!

[MVF4Rrider]

Is this a joke?

[AngelinIsRich08]

Originally Posted by jonasaurus

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177956

Here you go!

Ok well that was from 2008. Only been a member for 3 months....

[///M Ryder]

Originally Posted by AngelinIsRich08

People on here always try to upgrade to a Porsche or GTR from their M3, or debate them, but no one has spoken of Aston Martin. I've been looking into the V8 Vantage and it technically seems identical to the E9X M3: 420 bhp, V8 engine, similar weight and even the exact same fuel economy (price wise it costs almost twice as much though) I was wondering if buying a used Aston Martin would be a good alternative to the M3. It certainly has more appeal and it isn't as common on the street. (And the engine makes a magnificent note if I might add)

I considered a Vantage prior to buying my ///M3. Coming from a 650i, the vantage would seem to be a good lateral move. After research and speaking with a couple of owners, my decision was to rejoin the ///M ranks. My reasearch yielded these results......if you're not buying new, you better have it inspected very well. Maintenance is not what you pay for a BMW and the parts are not easy to get. If you are into modding, forget the Aston Martin idea....way too expensive. Other than that, it's a kick ass car........Phil

[DimSum]

Vantage > M3.

But costs for maintence will rape you on an AM.

[alms211]

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

Is this a joke?

Why would the topic be "a joke"? Please elaborate.

[gthal]

As much as I love the M3, I think the Aston Martin is gorgeous and would take one in a minute.

[shchow]

Seriously considered the V8 Vantage when it first came out.
The steering feel and exhaust note is much better than the M3, IMHO.
But the M3 would be a much better daily driver, and it also has a back seat that the AM does not.
You could probably pick up a used Vantage for around 75k.
But as already mentioned, be prepared to spend quite a bit more for regular maintenance.

[BMW269]

The Aston Martin is still a better drivers car but costs much more. Why there are very few comparisions with Aston Martin is just because those that buy an AM are not track junkies.

[Onurleft]

do you want to trade your high school sweetheart in for a movie star? Both have their perks.

The Vantage 4.7L is one of my favorite cars (don't underestimate it either as it IS quite fast), of all time but the cost of ownership makes it incredibly difficult for me

[AngelinIsRich08]

Aston is so much better than the M3 now that I look at it. I'm not married yet so wife and kids aren't a problem and I'm in excellent financial shape. I'll contact some dealers for a test drive sometime this week, I've already driven plenty of M3's....But I'll also call up my insurance agent to see how much they'll jack up my rates. Haha

[Damage Inc]

I was thinking about this until I did some research on the maint. - I read $7k for brakes. $250 oil change. I dont need any of that.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by MojorisinM3

I was thinking about this until I did some research on the maint. - I read $7k for brakes. $250 oil change. I dont need any of that.

The Aston owner will be the one smiling at resale time. The little extra in maintenance is more than made up in residual value. It's not the cost of the car, but what it's worth in future years.

[///M Ryder]

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

It's not the cost of the car, but what it's worth in future years.

I wouldn't agree with this statement........if that were the case non of us would own ///M3's or most other cars on the street. They take a major depreciation as soon as you turn the corner. I would also venture to guess that most don't buy a car thinking that it will be a collectors item in 20 years. Personally, I only care what it's worth later when I'm signing my lease papers........Phil

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by ///M Ryder

I wouldn't agree with this statement........if that were the case non of us would own ///M3's or most other cars on the street. They take a major depreciation as soon as you turn the corner. I would also venture to guess that most don't buy a car thinking that it will be a collectors item in 20 years. Personally, I only care what it's worth later when I'm signing my lease papers........Phil

My point assumes used Aston vs. new M3. You can get a far better car by buying it 18 to 24 months after the first owner did. And many have extremely low miles and lots of warranty remaining. I'll take a slightly used Aston before buying a new M3. In the term of ownership, the Aston will have cost less and it's the more enjoyable car to own and operate. Not to mention, insurance rates have a lot to do with the type car and the volume of claims filed. When I went from my Z4M Coupe to the 997S my insurance dropped! Both cars 2008. While residual value isn't necessarily anyone's #1 concern, it's a factor which shouldn't be ignored. Ultimately side by side your M3 will be invisible next to the Aston. You yourself won't be able to keep your eyes off of it. It's THAT desirable. And if the money is essentially the same, then it's the smart choice for any automotive enthusiast.

[CJF]

if you do not need the back seat, seems like an easy choice. that AM is one of the best looking cars out there. repairs are going to hurt, should they happen, but maybe a warranty covers you there. you make it seem like finances are not a sticking point, and if that is truly the case...

MVF4 said it right- the M3 is invisible compared to the AM. finances and repair work aside- when you picture yourself pulling the M3 and the AM side by side, if you are in the AM i cannot imagine you have any regrets.

[ss134]

Like everyone else i love the looks of the Aston but.....i see that car as a supermodel that is very expensive to maintain, can be unreliable and when it comes to the bedroom is a bit of a letdown - when you look that good you have to be able to back it up!

Suppose it depends what you want from the car, if you want attention then the choice is obvious - if its driving pleasure and performance then the M3 holds its own very well for half the price.

Bottom line for me is that the Aston is too high maintainance for not enough performance. Does look fantastic though!

[jc9527]

how bout an audi r8? that'd be my next step..

[Richbot]

Awesome cars, but get the 4.7. The dealer in Chesterfield had an N420 a week ago on the showroom floor if you want to try one.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by jc9527

how bout an audi r8? that'd be my next step..

5.2 V10 R8 ......yes please!

[AngelinIsRich08]

Originally Posted by ss134

5.2 V10 R8 ......yes please!

Haha. It's $200,000, yes? I've already spent $100,000 on an X5M... I'm still a really young guy so I'm not a multi-millionaire yet and cannot afford that one yet. It's still an amazing car (the 5.2 R8)