Aston Martin Vantage Review: The Quintessential British Sports Car Experience
The Aston Martin Vantage represents the perfect marriage of British luxury and heart-pounding performance. In this comprehensive review, we examine how this automotive masterpiece stacks up against elite competitors like the Porsche 911, Mercedes-AMG GT, and Acura NSX.
$252097 Gas 47 mi
Fair
Deal
0
(5)
$48135 Gas 0 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
$24198 Gas 65824 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2024 Bentley Bentayga
2025 Cadillac CT4
2018 Audi A4 Allroad
The Allure of the Aston Martin Vantage
There's an undeniable mystique surrounding Aston Martin that transcends mere specifications. While rivals like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz produce exceptional machines, slipping behind the wheel of a Vantage delivers an intangible sense of occasion that's uniquely British. The winged badge carries with it decades of racing heritage and cinematic prestige, making every drive feel like a special event.
--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Performance That Matches the Presence
At the heart of the Vantage lies a hand-built, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 503 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, positioned as far back in the chassis as possible for optimal weight distribution, delivers explosive acceleration that perfectly complements the car's predatory stance.
2024 Acura MDX Type S
$64030
Gas
45002 mi
Very Good
Deal
4
(5)
MINI Cooper S 4-Door Hatchback FWD
$35860
20 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
2018 Acura ILX
$64030
Gas
45002 mi
Good
Deal
4
(5)
2024 Acura MDX Type S
$64030
Gas
45002 mi
Very Good
Deal
4 (5)
MINI Cooper S 4-Door Hatchback FWD
$35860
20 mi
Very Good
Deal
0 (5)
2018 Acura ILX
$64030
Gas
45002 mi
Good
Deal
4 (5)
Design & Styling: Beauty With a Few Blemishes
The Vantage's design language represents a bold departure from traditional Aston Martin aesthetics. Its low-slung profile and muscular haunches create an undeniably striking presence on the road, though some design elements have proven polarizing among enthusiasts.
Design Highlights
- Iconic silhouette: The long hood/short deck proportions scream performance
- Upward-swinging doors: Practical curb clearance with exotic flair
- Perfect proportions: More compact than AMG GT or Jaguar F-Type
Design Controversies
- Front grille execution: Some find the mesh pattern lacks premium appeal
- Rear light treatment: The full-width design divides opinion
- Interior material mix: Some plastic components feel below class standard
--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Driving Dynamics: Where the Vantage Truly Shines
On the road, the Vantage transforms from a beautiful object into an exhilarating driving machine. The steering has been universally praised for its razor-sharp precision and feedback, placing it among the best in the segment.
Key Performance Attributes
- Engine response: Immediate power delivery with virtually no turbo lag
- Exhaust note: A glorious, snarling soundtrack under acceleration
- Chassis balance: Near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution
- Braking performance: Strong stopping power (though ceramics can squeak)
Unlike some competitors that prioritize outright grip at the expense of driver engagement, the Vantage strikes a beautiful balance between precision and playful adjustability. The rear-mounted transaxle helps centralize mass, resulting in beautifully balanced handling characteristics.
$42492 Gas 56030 mi
Fair
Deal
0
(5)
$23988 Gas 49923 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
$19375 Gas 93184 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450
2016 Lexus ES 350
Chrysler Pacifica Touring L FWD
Interior & Practicality: Luxury With Caveats
Slide inside the Vantage and you're greeted by an environment that blends traditional British craftsmanship with modern performance car ergonomics. While the cabin delivers in many areas, there are some surprising compromises given the price point.
The Good:
- Lush leather surfaces: Where present, the materials are exquisite
- Surprising space: Long wheelbase provides decent legroom
- Driver-focused layout: Controls fall easily to hand
The Not-So-Good:
- Inconsistent material quality: Some plastics feel out of place
- Limited visibility: The low seating position creates a tub-like feel
- Tech interface: Lags behind German competitors in intuitiveness
How It Compares to Key Rivals
| Model | Power (hp) | 0-60 mph | Starting Price | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin Vantage | 503 | 3.5s | $152,820 | Exclusivity & emotional appeal |
| Porsche 911 Carrera S | 443 | 3.3s | $120,600 | Precision engineering |
| Mercedes-AMG GT | 523 | 3.7s | $131,900 | Brute-force performance |
| Acura NSX | 573 | 2.9s | $169,500 | Hybrid tech & all-wheel drive |
While the Vantage may not lead every performance metric, it offers something many competitors can't match: an emotional connection that transcends spec sheets. For buyers seeking more than just numbers, this British sports car delivers an experience that's difficult to quantify but impossible to ignore.
--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the Vantage?
The Aston Martin Vantage isn't the fastest, most technologically advanced, or best-value proposition in its class. What it offers instead is something increasingly rare in today's performance car market: genuine character and soul.
Ideal Buyers Will Value:
- Emotional appeal over clinical perfection
- Driver engagement above lap times
- Exclusivity rather than brand ubiquity
- British craftsmanship with modern performance
For those who view driving as an experience rather than just transportation, the Vantage represents one of the most compelling options in the premium sports car segment. Its flaws are evident but forgivable when weighed against the sheer joy it delivers every time you press the start button and hear that magnificent V-8 roar to life.
$37520 Gas 52920 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
$36888 Gas 25516 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
$64900 Gas 4600 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2021 Lincoln Aviator
2022 Lexus ES 350
2017 Acura ILX
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aston Martin Vantage reliable?
Modern Astons have shown improved reliability, though they still lag behind German rivals. Proper maintenance is crucial, and extended warranties are recommended.
How practical is the Vantage for daily driving?
Surprisingly livable with a compliant ride (for the class) and decent visibility. The small trunk (10 cubic feet) limits cargo capacity.
What's the real-world fuel economy?
Expect 16-18 mpg in mixed driving. Premium fuel is required.
How does the Vantage compare to the DB11?
The DB11 is larger, more luxurious, and uses a V12 (in most versions). The Vantage is more focused and aggressive, with sharper handling.
