Thought you guys might like to hear about my British test drive day yesterday. Would love to get your feedback on the 07 Vantage especially.

Vantage
First I drove an 07 Vantage 6spd with 30k. Now I don't know whether it was the mileage or too much air in the tires or what... but this Vantage felt too harsh.

Not harsh in a focused, I can take any corner sort of feel - like say a Viper, GTR etc. But harsh as in sharp bumps like reflectors hit too hard and also had a slightly rattle-y sound as well. It sounded great although I wish it had a lighter weight flywheel so it rev'd faster. Steering was heavy and the car felt significant. Made me wonder if it feels like owning a toy or something too serious... The interior had leather everywhere so you definitely feel special behind the wheel.

Lotus Evora
Then I drove an 11 Lotus Evora S. While I wonder if I could get over the thought of paying nearly $90k for a car with a supercharged Camry V6 the performance was quite impressive. It pulled super hard and was quite smooth. The ride was actually smoother than the Vantage by a longshot and yet it is a focused track toy (not a GT). AND it actually had 20's! The AC didn't blow cold for some reason and the sound of the door closing didn't sound so great if you know what I mean. Dash was wrapped in leather and the seats were quite supportive. It definitely looked the part and had presence.

XKR
Finally I drove an 11 XKR. First impression is how finished the car felt particularly when I closed the door. Super tight, satisfying thump. Steering was a bit light and I hate the black plastic around the navi screen. Had a nice sound and pulled like there was no tomorrow. Absorbed bumps like a real GT. Overall I was impressed. Although I have a hard time stomaching $100k for a Jag. The 12' looks even better with more aggressive nose - sharper headlights and stronger character line down the side. Very good looking car. The 12' will age very well like the older XKR coupes still look good today.

Verdict
All in all, I wasn't moved to buy either of these cars. The Vantage didn't feel like a very good GT particularly with its ride. Yet it isn't a beast from a performance standpoint. I like to know what my car really is. If it doesn't have the best interior quality like a Viper but it is quite nearly the king of the road I can live with that. I know what I'm giving up. In this case the 07 Vantage may not be the fastest in a line or around a track but it should be at least be an impeccable grand tourer but I'm not sure this specimen was. The 11' Vantage I previously drove felt perfect. Balanced sporty yet ride that provided proper insulation from the road. What year does the suspension improvements happen?

The Evora is a focused track car but I'd have to get over the Toyota power and quality issues for $90k. The XKR had the best overall package. However, I really prefer a 6speed so I couldn't pull the trigger.

I guess I'm still on the hunt! Need to drive some newer Vantages or different 07's, perhaps a 997TT.

 

The Evora should be the best drivers car by some margin. The XKR would be the fastest. The Vantage is the most visually appealing. They all have strengths that are the others weaknesses.

 

I have been driving the same cars, the vantage to me just looks sexy. Enough that I am willing to overlook a few deficiency's. IE the ride quality over bad roads, and the feeling of not enough power.

The Evora is a good sports GT but try and get out of one gracefully. Its not as bad as the Elise.

The XKR/XK to me seem to be the best all around package, especially as I will be daily driving but its not that exciting to look at, and the exhaust note is weak on the standard car.

I love the looks of the vantage but at the end of the day the smart money is looking at a good used 911, I was never one for acting smart through.

 

Funny you mention that it feels like there is too much air in the tires...every time I have had my dad in the car as a passenger, he always tells me that my tires are overinflated. They aren't, but the car feels that way due to the stock suspension. The car does feel buttoned down, but it's not as tossable as you'd expect from a car of this weight and it actually feels much heavier than it is. My X5M, in contrast, feels very light on its feet.

 

I can't wait to hear you opinion on the TT997...do tell!

 

AMs are British muscle cars - don't treat the gas pedal gently if you want to go fast. I was able to attend a AM sponsored event at Sebring, the stock Vantage was much better than a 997 C2 around the track but ... my 2007 V8V now has new springs, wheel spacers, rear sway bar and new Hankook tires ... took awhile to get the right combo but now much better than stock (BTW better than AM sport sus. which you can retro to older MYs).
My 996tt was a pig on the track until .... PSS9 coilovers, new sway bars and wheel spacers ... still not quite as good as my AM but close. Of course the tt also had eng mods and pumped out 550HP ... weird but I like the AM more ... w ~430 HP

 

Get the XKR man best bang for the money. You yourself knows its the best out of the cars you mentioned.

 

997tt

drive a german, not english

 

Or a Lambo.