Which would you rather buy? Front engine V12 GT edition.

"Fred (FreddsterExprs)" (freddsterexprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:05 • Filed to: None

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One has got to love depreciation. For many of us enthusiasts it's the only way to get our filthy, dirty hands on some fantastic vehicles that normally would be out of our league. The downside? Maintenance and running costs. You know, like the saying that there's nothing more expensive than a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

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What if one would have saved up some nice amount of money, enough to buy a well optioned 911, but decided to go a bit more extravagant and classy? How about twice as many cylinders and the engine in the - dare I say - right place?

One of the cars that immediately crosses my mind is the Aston Martin V12 Vantage. Is embodies Power, Beauty and Soul, and I would call it the most beautiful modern Aston Martin. Yes, even better than the DB9 and all its offspring. Just look at those hips - wonderful.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is offered for 79.000€, or about 10 thousand Euros less than the entry level 991 Carrera without any option box ticked. It makes the Aston sound reasonable, doesn't it?

The photographs show good paint and an overall good condition. What is very tempting is the fact the it's the later, updated V12 S model that produces 528 hp. That's quite a lot, but not outrageous anymore. The engine is mated to a manual gearbox which really rare with the V12 S models, and I just think it fits the car's character as a powerful GT cruiser perfectly. The only downside I see is the interior. Sure, it's not your average Golf, but it looks dated by ten years, and the seats show quite a bit of wear for a car that ran for only 41000 kilometres in eight years.

If British elegance is just a bit too unspectacular, a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! might be a good alternative as they start in the same price range.

The car I chose for the comparison is a black 2006 599, equipped with ceramic brakes and with the F1 gearbox. Not the best choice, but finding a manual 599 is nearly impossible. Once again the car looks very very well taken care of, and the brown interior looks much more modern and inviting than the Astons cabin. The Ferrari in general is the more modern package, and it's Enzo-derived six litre V12 produces roughly 100 more horsepower than the Vanquish. Is that enough to win your heart? Vote for the car you would rather have in your garage in the poll below, and if you wish, leave a comment why.

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Jagvar > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:08

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That's a really tough call. Think I'd have to go with the 599, and just accept the risk of fire.

PS9 > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:10

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Uhhhh did they really look like this from behind? It's not a knockoff? Wow...that...that changes-no lets be honest- kills my impression of this car. Guess my vote is locked in, then...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:12

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These hips don't lie.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > PS9 07/07/2014 at 14:15

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Yep. I quite like the look actually, but still, there's some resemblance to the lights of a Noble, which again are Hyundai Sonata tail lights:

PS9 > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:29

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It just feels like the entire rear end was designed to incorporated those awful things. Like they ordered a batch of them only to find out they were 2 or 3 sizes too big and it was too late to take them back.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:34

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Seals the deal for me

DipodomysDeserti > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet 07/07/2014 at 14:36

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That's the fattest shift knob I've ever seen. It looks like it would feel super soft and vague.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > DipodomysDeserti 07/07/2014 at 14:39

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Like a saggy titty.

Manuél Ferrari > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:40

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Are 599's with the stick cheaper in Europe?

Only 33 made it to the US. There is one on eBay right now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3214523403…

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Manuél Ferrari 07/07/2014 at 14:42

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Nope, usually more expensive (if you ever find one). That'd be my dream car: a dark blue 599 with a tan interior and a stick.

DipodomysDeserti > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet 07/07/2014 at 14:44

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precisely

OPPOsaurus WRX > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:44

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I don't wanna be that guy, but having just bought my first 3-pedal, I'm have to go that way. Yes the rear end isn't the best, but both cars are far above what the average person here will drive so no matter what its going to be great. Its just so much damn fun to have a stick.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 07/07/2014 at 14:46

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I KNEW I read that somewhere, but I wasn't sure how many made it here.

YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > DipodomysDeserti 07/07/2014 at 14:48

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Gross. Made me think about Family Guy

jkm7680 > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:50

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The Vanquish is sexy and all, but I can't cook S'Mores on the Aston.

Manuél Ferrari > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 14:53

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Tour De France blue with a tan or brown interior and a stick would be amazing!

nucciOMG > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 15:56

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Usually I'd say 599 all day long, buuuuuuuuutt he Aston has a proper stick? Now thats interesting. Did that car come with 3 pedals?

Axial > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/07/2014 at 21:10

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599 all day, every day.

Although it seems more people know Ferrari for their mid-engine cars, I think their front-engine offerings are really where they excel.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > nucciOMG 07/07/2014 at 21:46

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Yep. Proper manual.

gmctavish needs more space > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/08/2014 at 01:47

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Vanquish so hard. Definitely my favourite modern Aston design, and one of my favourite designs in general.

I'll take mine in white

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > gmctavish needs more space 07/08/2014 at 06:18

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It's just a great looking car. So much more interesting to look at than the DB9 and its various variations.

Vzwolf > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/08/2014 at 11:38

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I'm surprised how close this is. 599 for me. Aston Martin relies too much on the Bond association in my opinion.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Vzwolf 07/08/2014 at 12:35

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I think the key here is that the 599 is a Ferrari and therefore considered less classy while being much more modern especially on the inside, a whole lot faster and probably the better value for money. But the Aston offers that Bond feeling you mentioned and is a stick shift. This evens them up quite nicely.

Vzwolf > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 07/08/2014 at 15:12

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Yeah I can see that. The stick shift is the best part about that car.