Two Seat Stradale

Andyk said:
While I see what Zep has said the performance figures suggest a different story
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To me, a second difference between 80 - 160 (theoretically of course) is pretty close. It is faster, no doubt about it, but the difference in the real world isn’t huge.

Everyone I know who has a Strad wouldn’t part with it, this is probably a good measure of the lasting ownership experience.
 
Zep said:
To me, a second difference between 80 - 160 (theoretically of course) is pretty close. It is faster, no doubt about it, but the difference in the real world isn’t huge.

Everyone I know who has a Strad wouldn’t part with it, this is probably a good measure of the lasting ownership experience.
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Zep, I certainly am not saying that the Strad isn’t amazing as it is….I have seen you drive at Brunty and clearly a more competent driver than Adam ;-) ….. I think it’s down to the price and what one you prefer the look of. I drove Blondies and loved it and it is yellow so what is not to like ....but….Always a but ….Just love the Vantage more….but would be so happy with either as both are amazing…
 
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As all have suggested the Strad and V12V are very different cars catering for slightly different people or needs really.

For me a hybrid of the two would be perfect. I prefer the smaller package of the vantage and think it is the perfect size. I only had the V8 and it was special but not quite special enough for a long term keeper. I'm not sure a V12 would change that enough for me. I'd also want a manual so not sure a Strad would work for me as a special kind of 3rd or 4th car.

I find myself a little drawn to the R8 as a smaller package but mid engined, RWD and a nice open gated manual. The V10 seems great VFM in comparison but just not sure the interior is special enough. Not sure there is a perfect answer. Some of the low production AM specials could be but they seem to hike the price up. First world problems eh?!
 
Not forgetting that that the manual V12V doesn’t suit everyone. The clutch position/use is less than ideal, shall we say. I’d not swap my Strad for a V12V. A V12VS just possibly, but I still think it’s a small car, with too much weight up front, so probably wouldn’t.
But I‘ve had 20 Maseratis and not 1 Aston, so maybe I’m the wrong person to judge. Hence, back in the day(s) I took a 3200 over a DB7, a GS over a Vantage, a GranTurismo over a DB9, and a Strad over a V12 Vantage.
 
rockits said:

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Interesting
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Love this buddy. N430 is pick of the V8 and this one without the red around the windows looks even better. Yes it isn’t a V12 but they tend to be better balanced without that lump up front and those seats are wonderful. N430’s have gone up like most Vanatge the last 6 months. They all used to start with a 5 but now most are 60k plus.
 
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Andyk said:
Love this buddy. N430 is pick of the V8 and this one without the red around the windows looks even better. Yes it isn’t a V12 but they tend to be better balanced without that lump up front and those seats are wonderful. N430’s have gone up like most Vanatge the last 6 months. They all used to start with a 5 but now most are 60k plus.
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Yes, seems like the best prices for these have moved on as you say. I was a little surprised to see the price as remember them much less.
 
Ewan said:
Ugly.
Which is a hard thing to do to a Vantage.
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I must agree. I absolutely love vantages, always wanted one, and if I didn't need 4 seats I'd have bought one years ago.
But I hate the way they splash random colour on them to distinguish a certain model. The 'mouth' and roof/window surround on the 420 looks appalling. What were they thinking.
 
rockits said:
Yes, seems like the best prices for these have moved on as you say. I was a little surprised to see the price as remember them much less.
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Something a bit more subtle Dean that I had a look around at Aston Martin Bristol yesterday plus still with those lovely seats. Pictures don’t do it justice but taking in the lines and how squat they look close up just makes you want to jump in and drive.

I have always thought that a Vantage S is more of a competitor for the Stradale than a V12S. Both have V8’s and performance figures are near enough identical...

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I don't know about on paper figures but in my experience it is easier to drive the V12V quickly than a Strad. Probably even easier in a V8V actually. Not sure they really bear comparison really, one is a sports coupe and one a GT, other than both being excellent value for money and both brilliant. Compare with a DB9 or Vanquish. DB9 doesn't get close to the Strad. I would not want to choose between Vanquish and Strad though, both have their own character.
 
hashluck said:
I don't know about on paper figures but in my experience it is easier to drive the V12V quickly than a Strad. Probably even easier in a V8V actually. Not sure they really bear comparison really, one is a sports coupe and one a GT, other than both being excellent value for money and both brilliant. Compare with a DB9 or Vanquish. DB9 doesn't get close to the Strad. I would not want to choose between Vanquish and Strad though, both have their own character.
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I remeber the reviews of the 2 seater Stradale and most said it was more a Jaguar XKR-S rival than putting it up against the track specials. Probably more to do with size I suppose. Even so such good value for money now.
 
Lavazza said:
V12V v Strad. Discuss?
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Andyk said:
I am sure some will not agree but for me the V12V is in a different league…..Performance and handling the Stradale just would see which way it went. While I see what Zep has said the performance figures suggest a different story (Adam needs to up his game :) ) but then I don’t own either but have driven both and I do love both…You put the same driver in each car and I am sure the Vantage would be quicker and more nibble in the twisty bits…Both have great engines but one is a V12 in the smallest car Aston make….I love a Stradale but it’s a big old car. For me they are very different machines…..Stradale pulls on those heart strings with its looks and sound but then the V12V does as well. The Vantage for me is just the most beautiful car in the road and that is what swings it for me…..But then you do need another 25k over a Stradale to get an V12VS so it is about is it worth the extra? Only driving both can answer that….What is obvious though is that the Stradale is great value for money. Not much at 60k that has the passion and noise a Stradale gives you…
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rockits said:
As all have suggested the Strad and V12V are very different cars catering for slightly different people or needs really.

For me a hybrid of the two would be perfect. I prefer the smaller package of the vantage and think it is the perfect size. I only had the V8 and it was special but not quite special enough for a long term keeper. I'm not sure a V12 would change that enough for me. I'd also want a manual so not sure a Strad would work for me as a special kind of 3rd or 4th car.

I find myself a little drawn to the R8 as a smaller package but mid engined, RWD and a nice open gated manual. The V10 seems great VFM in comparison but just not sure the interior is special enough. Not sure there is a perfect answer. Some of the low production AM specials could be but they seem to hike the price up. First world problems eh?!
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@Andyk I certainly wouldn't say that V12V is in a different league to a Strad or Vantage vs GT sport, it's just a different kind of car as Rockits says. One is designed as a smallish 2 seat sports car, the other designed as a large 4 seat GT (whether or not it has 2 or 4 seats)
They obviously get lumped together due to both being prestige marques, similar ages, the most beautifully curvy cars, the best sounding N/A - V engines, roughly the same budget and the general public likes them and tends not judge the driver as a nob (Porsche, Audi, BMW, Ferrari etc)
To me, the GT /Strad makes more sense as a four seater, due to its size, but totally understand the draw to a 2 seater version being the 'pinnacle' of the model and probably a better investment due to rarity.

At the same money I'd probably choose a V12V.
At current prices and £25k less definitely a Strad (even though a V12V would probably be a smarter investment)

If its not a financial decision, the only way of knowing is driving them both and deciding what suits your needs best.
 
V12 Vantage vs 2-seat Strad: great question! If I had a two-seat Strad I would not swap it for a Vantage, and vice-versa. Both are tremendous but in different ways. I like the smaller dimensions of the Vantage, I love the noise it makes (secondary de-cat) and I love its ferocious acceleration. On paper it's quicker than the Strad but in real life I don't think it's relevant or noticeable. If at some point I uncork the asthmatic headers it may give me a bit more low-down twist but I couldn't imagine even that would make much of a noticeable improvement to Strad vs Vantage performance. Let's face it, if it was all about the stats then we'd not be in these cars in the first place. And if we wanted to track them we would have bought something else again. Both are a bit heavy for track-work, unless you like replacing things.

No, what these cars bring in equal but different measure is a warm glow and a huge grin. I'd have either, and love it. But I'd not swap my Vantage.

PS - Mrs Crud would swap it for Sam's four-seater, which she loves.
 
Felonious Crud said:
V12 Vantage vs 2-seat Strad: great question! If I had a two-seat Strad I would not swap it for a Vantage, and vice-versa. Both are tremendous but in different ways. I like the smaller dimensions of the Vantage, I love the noise it makes (secondary de-cat) and I love its ferocious acceleration. On paper it's quicker than the Strad but in real life I don't think it's relevant or noticeable. If at some point I uncork the asthmatic headers it may give me a bit more low-down twist but I couldn't imagine even that would make much of a noticeable improvement to Strad vs Vantage performance. Let's face it, if it was all about the stats then we'd not be in these cars in the first place. And if we wanted to track them we would have bought something else again. Both are a bit heavy for track-work, unless you like replacing things.

No, what these cars bring in equal but different measure is a warm glow and a huge grin. I'd have either, and love it. But I'd not swap my Vantage.

PS - Mrs Crud would swap it for Sam's four-seater, which she loves.
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So long as we’re sticking to swapping cars and not other type of swapping, usually involving putting keys in a glass bowl at Muriel’s house…
 
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