So here's the deal. I've always wanted a Ferrari... ever since I can remember I've wanted a Ferrari. I was on the top of the list to get a California when they were first released. However, some of the features on the California combined with a SILLY Canadian price point ($300,000 for a nicely equipped model) drove me to cancel my place on the list. However, one car kept me thinking about getting something other than a Ferrari... the announcement of the Aston Martin V12. It spiked when it was announced it was coming to Canada.

In Canada the Aston Martin Vantage V12 is finally getting closer. All the models that my dealership has ordered for the fall is the Carbon Edition. Therefore I cannot get the car built to my specification until next spring (which is perfect timing for me). To ensure my options I put down a refundable deposit so I have a few months to figure out what I want to do.

So.... should I look for a used F430 or should I proceed with my order????

I love the Aston but it's still foreign to me to lust after any other car than a Ferrari. And now that I can afford it... I can't believe I'm not running over to my Ferrari dealer to find a used car.

Something about the class of the Aston with a V12 and 510 HP is irresistible.

Any words of wisdom from you fellow car nuts???

 

Tough call. Both great cars...the Ferrari will likely be a bit faster. The Aston is a bit more unique and usually gets a getter reception. Ferraris tend to be viewed by many as a car for someone compensating for something, which is unfair since they're such good cars...there's definitely a stigma, though. The Vantage is considered more of a GT but in reality it's a sports car if not as pure as the Ferrari...and it gets plenty of attention although mostly positive. I'm a fan of the Vantage of course, so I'd give it the nod...but I think AM can do better with the engine. They should be getting 600+ hp out of this V12 engine. The 6 speed is really nice, although if they had a good dual clutch transmission I'd be tempted. I'd think the sport shift isn't comparable in quality to the Ferrari's F1 system.

 

in my opinion, it all comes down to *one* thing... if you go through with the AM purchase, will you regret not getting the Ferrari? sure, there are all the performance factors, you can crunch numbers, and all that. but what really matters is what you want. if you've always wanted a Ferrari, why go any other direction? i'm sure you'd love the car whichever way you went. but don't do something you might regret.

 

If you have always wanted a Ferrari, you should get the Ferrari. You can always sell and buy an AM if you want later.

 

I agree with the other posters. If you've always pined for a Ferrari (and I can identify with that), then buy one. Life is too short. At minimum, you should drive one and see what you think. I had the pleasure of zipping around the French Riviera a couple weeks ago in a rented F430. It's one hell of a car.

 

what is the price on the vantage in Canada?

 

Why not buy both ?

 

**** yeah i like this guy, get em both.

 

The Vantage V12 is $183,000 CDN. After you factor in exchange it's actually cheaper than the USA. Quite a change from most cars . . . Especially Ferrari

 

Sure!

That way my wife's lawyer will have more to claim

I have an awesome wife that is supportive of ONE new addition ..... But two is pushing it

 

Thanks for all your replies! I have much to consider.

Didn't help that I was at the unveiling of the 458 Italia last night!

But these are good problems to have.

 

Is the 458 an option for you? If so, I would go with that. Not available in a spider yet, but an amazing car from what I've seen/read, and beautiful in my opinion (an opinion admittedly not shared by some others).

 

Not really. It's more than I want to spend. The waiting list seems to be quite long too.

I agree, it's a beautiful car! Looks even better in person (as most cars do it seems).

 

Indeed. Saw this one in Monaco a couple of weeks ago. She had a friend (a 599).

 

OK, even easier if you factor the wife into it. Buy one for you and the other for her. Now you'll have the 2 cars you wanted and lots of Brownie points as a bonus.