Porsche 997.1 GT3 vs. Aston Martin V8 Vantage: Is it a fair fight?

i sold my 2007 Manual 911 Turbo to get a V12 Vantage with a manual. It's a different animal and probably a better comparison to the GT3 from this generation. Also have a 458 and the Aston Martin is just so unique. I know the GT3 is a special variant, but you seldom see an Aston Martin out in the wild!

No, not fair. To compare an Aston Vantage to a 911 997 GT3, which is a Track Weapon, you should at least mention there is a Vantage N24 Edition that would be closer, both in price and performance. Or, if you keep the regular Vantage, then compare it to a regular 997 Carrera (or a Carrera S).

I'd take the gt3 out of these two, but I'd pick a manual v8 vantage over almost any porsche worth the same money. Both are incredible at the end of the day

I recognize Keith's GT3, I've chased it down enough times during our back roads tours! 😆👍

As an owner of a 2010 V8 Vantage and a 2010 GT3RS, this video was spot on. They are very different cars. The Vantage is beautiful, inside and out, the quality of the interior materials is better than Porsche’s super cars (918/Carrera GT) let alone the regular GT cars but the GT3 is just much more involving and lively to drive. It kind of eggs you on to drive it hard and you DO have to pay attention to your driving all the time. There is a reason your uncle has 82000 miles on that 10 year old Vantage. It’s a terrific GT/daily driver that does double duty as a good sporting companion when the road turns twisty. Crazy how undervalued these cars are IMO (especially in my case since my two same year cars are more like 5-6x price difference). Last point in favor of the Vantage is that everyone likes them, no one cuts you off in traffic and you get a lot more thumbs up than in any Porsche (other than by other Porsche people of course). But at the end of the day, I echo your conclusion, if you can only have one, it would have to be the GT3, but ideally have both…

"an oh shit line" is accurate...lol

I’m a devoted Porsche fan but the Aston Martin is a great car. In fact when I bought my Carrera 4 in 2006 I cross-shopped the Aston Martin V8 but reputation for reliability quickly steered me back to Porsche. Eighteen years and 130,000 miles later, I made the right choice-911-best car I’ve ever owned.

I was scrolling my YouTube subscription videos and saw the thumbnail and went “I know those cars!”. I had no idea you’re related to Keith, what a small world. He’s such a nice guy and we all appreciate his humor before each of the driving events for PCA San Diego. Cheers!

I would take the GT3 any day. Aston would be my second choice. Broth great cars!!!

Great video. Thanks. I'm a 45 yr. PCA member and have owned 9 911's..........but I still lust after an Aston.

The AM is a beautiful GT car, but I'm in agreement with the decision to go with the GT3. Especially if you have the roads to really exercise the GT3.

A fair presentation minimizing the usual “Porsche is always best” PCA approach. Comparing a GT car to an almost track ready sports car is folly. I remember PCA video several years ago when they compared a base Ferrari California to a GT 3! The much better “comparison” would be to compare the Cali to a base Panamera…

I have never driven a GT2 or GT3 but I feel on edge even pushing my 991.2 C2 to the max through canyons. I have grown to love that feeling of, "oh crap, the rear will not hold!" as the front wheels dance through the corner, but it holds. I do not get that feeling with an Aston Martin, Jaguar or Maserati.

Yes, I’ve found the Vantage sounded really nice with the V8, car handles well enough but doesn’t feel very fast. My 997S feels faster actually. If you have a tall torso, the seat doesn’t seem to go low enough in the Vantage and the roof blocks your view out. I’d love to own the Vantage one day though. The GT3 would be in a different league. It’s not a fair comparison.

I’ve driven Keith’s GT3… it’s an epic machine (probably one of the many reasons I got my 996GT3). Didn’t know about the Vantage though… sweet!

The more realistic comparison is broached at the end of the video… V8V vs 911s or 911gts of a similar era. Those would be the equivalent cross shop. For example, for the price of the GT3, you could buy a V8V and a 911s. I enjoyed this though. Thanks for making it!

Great video! I think it would have been fair to compare the Vantage to the regular 997. You were spot on in the review of the Vantage. I own an 08 Vantage and love it for the build quality and GT cruising, yet still love pounding on it in the twisties. The car is a blast to drive hard, but I find myself enjoying it for cruising in luxury. For performance, the Porsche can't be beat. They are made to be driven, and I prefer driving my 996 when it comes to performance. Both cars are beautiful and offer unique experiences, but for performance and "fun" factor, you can not beat a Porsche.

The irony is that Porsche badged their car a GT. The Aston is a true GT and I love mine as much as my Porsche. Two different driving experiences for sure. Nice video.

Good review, as I was of coarse expecting much more of a Porsche bias. For me it would have to be the more exclusive and georgeous Aston Martin, especially against the Porsche models you mentioned at the end. So much respect for the 911's though !!

Different cars that make a great pair. (I might add a third vehicle for hauling stuff.)