Why the Vantage is Aston Martin’s best car? Usually, among luxury car manufacturers, the general rule of thumb is that the more you pay, the more car you get. That isn’t, however, the case at Aston Martin because, believe it or not, their best car, the Vantage, is the least expensive in the range. At around $200,000, it’s $51,000 less than a DB12 and a whopping $232,000 less than a Vanquish. And it's not like you’re buying a bargain basement slouch. The Vantage use the same AMG-derived 4.0l Twin-Turbo V8 as the DB12, with a very similar 656 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power, like with all Astons is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF gearbox, and at 1700kg it’s 100kg less than a DB12 and 74 kg less than the Vanquish. As a result, 0-62mph takes just 3.5 seconds and the top speed is an impressive 202mph. Exactly the same performance you get from the DB12. But unlike its bigger sisters, the Vantage isn’t primarily designed as a long-loping GT car, it is, in fact, a full-on undiluted thoroughbred sports car. Read More Aston Martin Vantage AMV24 Edition: A Tribute to Victory at Spa-Francorchamps Its suspension has been fine-tuned by ex-Lotus engineers and its entry-level setting is Sport and goes all the way up to track. The Vantage has also fitted with Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, an Electronic Rear Differential (E-diff), and AML-specific 21-inch Michelin Pilot S5 tyres. It also features a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a relatively short body. What results is a car that adores the corners, a proper brute in a suit? However, like the other Astons, it is a superb long-distance cruiser and has gorgeous looks that will make grown men whine and go all soft. It’s a more complete package than either of its bigger sisters and as a result, it is Aston’s best current car, in my opinion. How Aston Have Made the Roadster Just As Good as the Hardtop And now the Vantage appears to be even more desirable than ever, in its new Roadster format. Aston actually engineered the Roadster in parallel with the Coupe, to ensure that none of the handling characteristics and performance of the coupe is lost. Aston therefore fitted the Roadster with several enhancements to ensure structural integrity. This was achieved through the introduction of weight-optimized shear panels and structural reinforcements in the Roadster. The net result is that this car weighs only 60kg more than the Hardtop Vantage and its performance matches the coupe. It still will achieve 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and unlike most convertibles, it matches the Coupe's 202mph top speed. Handling is a bit of a different story. Aston has had to alter the weight distribution to (49:51 front to rear) and tune the dampers and e-diff to ensure the Roadster maintains the precision and barnstormer attitude of the coupe. All the while, with the roof off the owner's ears are now fully exposed to that glorious roaring AMG Twin-Turbo V8. Speaking of which Aston has designed a Z-fold roof system, which is both lighter and faster than the traditional K-fold mechanism found in most convertibles. The result is that it can open and close in just 6.8 seconds and be operated at speeds up to 31mph. Despite this, the roof features eight layers of insulation to ensure the cabin is as refined as the Coupe when the roof is up. Exterior and Interior Beauty There’s no denying the Vantage Coupe is as beautiful as Keira Knightley but the Roadster is arguably as good looking. Particularly with the roof down, it has that grace and beauty that can only be matched by Daisy Ridley. To add to its appeal, Aston Martin offers three new paint schemes, Sapphire, Iridescent Sapphire, and Bronze flair to truly make this English rose stand out more. Read More 2025 Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition: Celebrating 60 years of an Iconic Partnership The interior is equally a work of art. Astons have always struggled with their interiors of the past but the new cars have showcased a significant set-up. The Roadster features a 10.25-inch touchscreen, capacitive gesture control, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and seamless connectivity with Android Auto and iOS. The Ultimate Dream Machine The Roadster will begin deliveries in Q2 2025 with prices more than likely around $210,000, which again, makes it a bargain of the century. Certainly one could argue as a dynamic package, a Ferrari Roma Spider or the upcoming 992.2 Turbo Cabriolet are dynamically superior cars. But that’s missing the point. None quite have that same appeal or dream-like qualities as the Vantage Roadster. Driving across the Avignon roads in Marseille, sun-shining, a twisting road, stunning scenery, and there’s you. In a suit, behind the wheel of a beautiful Iridescent Sapphire Vantage Roadster. Even its name is evocative. That, you will admit, is the Ultimate Dream. F1rstMotors Facts and FiguresManufacturerAston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLCModelVantage RoadsterYear of Release2025Engine4.0l Twin-Turbo V8Horsepower656 horsepowerTorque590 lb–ft0–62mph (100km/h)3.5 secondsTop Speed202mph (325 km/h)Weight1,760kg (1.8 tonnes)Power to Weight372 hp per tonneGearbox8–speed ZF AutomaticDriven WheelsRear-Wheel-DriveRivalsFerrari Roma SpiderSource: Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC
