Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4S

[Mr. M]

Make no mistake, we're not firm on getting any of these just yet... But since we're so smitten by the R8, we might as well take a look at the other cars as well and see how the competition is faring. For the money of the R8, all of the cars I've listed above comes into mind. Does anyone have anything else to add?

Anyway, I just want all of you to chip in your opinion on which is the best car of the that lot. Say whatever you want and don't hold back because your opinion matters.

This is a feeler, a temptation to purchase... That I'm sure we'll get over.

Some stats:

Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2007 2007 4280 MR / 6 380 / 7000 410 / 5000 5 N.A
530,839

Audi R8 4.2 Quattro (A) 2007 2007 4199 MR / 6 420 / 6500 430 / 4500 4.6 N.A
497,000

BMW M series M6 2007 2007 4999 FR / 7 507 / 7750 520 / 6100 4.6 N.A
498,800

Jaguar XKR Coupe 4.2 (A) 2007 2007 4196 FR / 6 300 / 6000 420 / 4100 6.4 5
380,000

Mercedes-Benz CL 500 (A) 2007 2007 5461 FR / NA 388 / 6000 530 / 2800 5.4 N.A
485,888

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 3.8 2007 2007 3824 R4 / 6 355 / 6600 400 / 4600 4.8 N.A
439,888

 

[ree]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

For that money, I think I would definitely go for the CL 500! It's a great combination of power, comfort and design. Maybe it's not that exclusive, like an AM V8 Vantage for example, but you will get a very well build car for your money with timeless design.
Nevertheless every car on that list has it's own attraction! The Jaguar has a fabolous sound, the Porsche is a Porsche (which say everything), the Aston Martin has it's own appeal, from interior to exterior design.
The only car, that I don't really like here is the BMW M6 - I would just bought a 650i instead of it. The normal 6-series looks much better in my opinion.

 

[Sayyaaf]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

I will exclude the CL500 & M6 from that list because they both are not exotic enough IMO. Now for the rest, it is really a tough call, the jag has the looks and the rareness and I know for sure it is fun to drive (my ex-boss just got one). Now the AM V8 & the R8, both are nice, the R8 is well built and for sure will have better quality but to me it is a AWD = no RWD fun. So AMV8 would be my choice if quality is not of a big concern.

regards.

 

[Mr. M]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

For that money, I think I would definitely go for the CL 500! It's a great combination of power, comfort and design. Maybe it's not that exclusive, like an AM V8 Vantage for example, but you will get a very well build car for your money with timeless design.
Nevertheless every car on that list has it's own attraction! The Jaguar has a fabolous sound, the Porsche is a Porsche (which say everything), the Aston Martin has it's own appeal, from interior to exterior design.
The only car, that I don't really like here is the BMW M6 - I would just bought a 650i instead of it. The normal 6-series looks much better in my opinion.

Thanks ree. My dad doesn't really like MBs, but I included the CL there because of its obvious merits like you mentioned. It really is almost everything you want from a car, but a few things go against it:

1) Price (it's just a base CL model)
2) Exclusivity
3) Road tax (5.5L is HUGE! And lots of money as well)

I think the M6 is close to off the list because my dad just called it ugly.

I will exclude the CL500 & M6 from that list because they both are not exotic enough IMO. Now for the rest, it is really a tough call, the jag has the looks and the rareness and I know for sure it is fun to drive (my ex-boss just got one). Now the AM V8 & the R8, both are nice, the R8 is well built and for sure will have better quality but to me it is a AWD = no RWD fun. So AMV8 would be my choice if quality is not of a big concern.

regards.

Thanks Maserati!

The thing about the AM is that it isn't a particularly excellent car... I mean, it gets the praises, but it can't compare to how much accolades the R8 has received. And that's a lot to pay for a car that doesn't have as much power as an XKR which is far cheaper and I daresay, even better looking. The interior's good though, but another concern is that it's a little tight. But of course... It's a fine choice.

 

[LaArtist]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

i dont know about AM quality.. plus im like the only one that doesent like the looks..haha

R8.. once again..looks.. dont like it

M6 .. again looks..but if you like how it looks..its a freakin kick ass car

Jaguar.. once again..looks..it looks very sad

CL.. to your surprise..once again its about looks..its not good looking enough without the AMG package.. so this would be my choice given that it has AMG package..

The porsche is just great..you cant go wrong there..haha

 

[martinbo]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

All very special cars, M, each with their own merit.

In my opinion, if you're looking at getting something special then the bulk of consideration should be given to the R8.

[Which by the way with 90% of torque delivered to the rear wheels is every bit as fun - if not more - than any RWD out there.]

My choice, of course, would be a 911 purely from a long-term, personal aspirational point of view.

The XKR will delight you with its beautiful lines and terrific composure in the truest GT tradition.

 

[klier]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

My opinion is that the M6 is far and away the best choice here.
I can't believe that the R8 is almost as expensive as the M6, btw. The M6 V10 is a whole level above this R8. And the R8 is a 2 seater (like the in this comparison extremely underpowered SL)


imo, no comparison. M6 for me, with the Aston on second place because of the exclusive package. SL and XKR are a big NO (SL is old and underpowered, XKR is just a Ford with nice bodywork and with 19th century tech like the engine), and the R8 I personally just don't like.

 

[ree]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

My opinion is that the M6 is far and away the best choice here.
I can't believe that the R8 is almost as expensive as the M6, btw. The M6 V10 is a whole level above this R8. And the R8 is a 2 seater (like the in this comparison extremely underpowered SL)


imo, no comparison. M6 for me, with the Aston on second place because of the exclusive package. SL and XKR are a big NO (SL is old and underpowered, XKR is just a Ford with nice bodywork and with 19th century tech like the engine), and the R8 I personally just don't like.

klier, you are wrong!! He means CL, not SL!! And in my opinion 388 hp are everything else, then underpowered!

 

[Centurion]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

Since you already own two luxury cruisers there there are only three choices for you. It's either the R8, Vantage or C4S.

Why a C4S and not a CS? Either way the 911 will be face lifted in the spring and will get a nice power upgrade making it even faster than it is now. Another benefit with it is that that it only has a 3.8L engine so the tax won't be dead high. Not only that but a 911 CS is 20% cheaper than the R8 and Vantage. IMO it's the car that will offer you the most contrasting experience. Visit a Porsche dealer for a test drive.

Then we have the Vantage which is a big favorite of mine and is the best choice if you want something different and more exclusive.

R8? Hmm I'm not going to say too much about it since I don't like it because of the four wheel drive and the looks.

A third option might be the face lifted SL which is due to be launched very soon. It's the best of all worlds.

 

[martinbo]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

To dislike a car for having four wheel drive is like disliking a swimsuit model for having fake boobs.

 

[Zafiro]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

Jaguar XKR Coupe 4.2 . while its not a sportcar its cruiser and looks damn good. Pick a red

 

[dOmInIX]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

Jaguar XKR Coupe 4.2 . while its not a sportcar its cruiser and looks damn good. Pick a red

Never thought you would pick Jag.


Here, I'd go for R8 or 911 C4S. It's on you to decide which car to choose but IMO these two are the best combination of fun, power, exclusivity and luxury..

 

[dOmInIX]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

R8? Hmm I'm not going to say too much about it since I don't like it because of the four wheel drive and the looks.

Well, you could say the same about C4S then...I think it is time to give Audi credits for making R8, even from us 911 fans.

 

[Mr. M]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

All very special cars, M, each with their own merit.

In my opinion, if you're looking at getting something special then the bulk of consideration should be given to the R8.

[Which by the way with 90% of torque delivered to the rear wheels is every bit as fun - if not more - than any RWD out there.]

My choice, of course, would be a 911 purely from a long-term, personal aspirational point of view.

The XKR will delight you with its beautiful lines and terrific composure in the truest GT tradition.

I think we're definitely looking for something "special". My dad has a deep seated dislike for the 911 but after hearing so many good things about it (countless!) he's now opening up to it. Hopefully the Porsche dealer will allow test drives, they sell like hot cakes here and even the test cars are sold very quickly.

The XKR has all the essence of an excellent GT... But for some reason, it just doesn't feel very well engineered. That's the problem. It isn't cutting edge like the Audi, not is it technically advanced like the M6. It's just so very Jag. I'm most disappointed about its interior, though, the price is very very tempting.

My opinion is that the M6 is far and away the best choice here.
I can't believe that the R8 is almost as expensive as the M6, btw. The M6 V10 is a whole level above this R8. And the R8 is a 2 seater (like the in this comparison extremely underpowered SL)

imo, no comparison. M6 for me, with the Aston on second place because of the exclusive package. SL and XKR are a big NO (SL is old and underpowered, XKR is just a Ford with nice bodywork and with 19th century tech like the engine), and the R8 I personally just don't like.

Thanks klier. I agree with what you said about the XKR and the SL.

Since you already own two luxury cruisers there there are only three choices for you. It's either the R8, Vantage or C4S.

Why a C4S and not a CS? Either way the 911 will be face lifted in the spring and will get a nice power upgrade making it even faster than it is now. Another benefit with it is that that it only has a 3.8L engine so the tax won't be dead high. Not only that but a 911 CS is 20% cheaper than the R8 and Vantage. IMO it's the car that will offer you the most contrasting experience. Visit a Porsche dealer for a test drive.

Then we have the Vantage which is a big favorite of mine and is the best choice if you want something different and more exclusive.

R8? Hmm I'm not going to say too much about it since I don't like it because of the four wheel drive and the looks.

A third option might be the face lifted SL which is due to be launched very soon. It's the best of all worlds.

Actually we are looking to trade in the A8 for a coupé.

Well I thought the C4S is a natural competitor to the R8, but thinking about it the CS makes more sense because we don't really need 4WD here anyway. Do you have anything more to say about the CS vs. the C4S?

We're gonna test drive all of these cars (hopefully they are all available) before making a decision.

 

[Centurion]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

Well I thought the C4S is a natural competitor to the R8, but thinking about it the CS makes more sense because we don't really need 4WD here anyway. Do you have anything more to say about the CS vs. the C4S?

We're gonna test drive all of these cars (hopefully they are all available) before making a decision.

I don't like the C4S, it's too pricey. For that money you can get an R8 which IMO a better choice if you want a four wheel drive sports car.

The other thing is that the CS is close to 20% cheaper and saves you a whole lot of money. AWD is only necessary if you plan on driving the Porsche during winter time. A well equipped C4S cost as much as a 6-12 months old low millage 997TT.

Here is an excellent 997CS which I think would suit your father. With the tiptronic tranny, terracotta inteior, black piano panels, sat/nav, sun roof and Turbo rims you will still be under what a bare C4S retails for.

 

[DaSilva]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

In Norway you can get a USED Gallardo for the same price as the R8
I would after saying I am sorry to the R8, personally, went of in my Gallardo..

So my answer Gallardo!



Other than that Porsche is a great allrounder also with some backseats..
..

And then again if the Gallardo is TO MUCH, remember the R8 exists!
and it is absolutely stunning.. Try out all the machines!
Decide later.. but don't bother test the Merc or BMW not in the R8 segment*

Good luck Mr. M

*R8 segment is just like the name of the "golf segment" that means those kind of cars (exclusive and raw) not that the R8 is a better car.

 

[Centurion]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

The problem Julius is that they can most likely only a afford an 04 or an 05 with warranty that has run out. Insurance and service for a Gallardo is off the roof.

 

[DaSilva]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

The problem Julius is that they can most likely only a afford an 04 or an 05 with warranty that has run out. Insurance and service for a Gallardo is off the roof.

Hmmm. In other words that mean they can't afford to own the Gallardo.
Bye bye my lover

to forfill my last comment:
You get a 2006 Gallardo in Norway for the same price as the R8 it must be about the same in SP?

But
It's probably very expensive, I do not know the costs in Singapore but in Norway one houre at Porsche service center costs 1000,- NKR
I can imagine a Gallardo bye bye $$$ !

Then it is between R8 and Porsche.. (Btw Mr.M - do you get the RS seats in SP?)

 

[Centurion]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

to forfill my last comment:
You get a 2006 Gallardo in Norway for the same price as the R8 it must be about the same in SP?

Because of the low demand for exotics here in the Nordic countries the resale value is lower compared with countries where people have a good appetite for exclusive cars.

 

[DaSilva]

Re: Your opinion matters: V8 Vantage vs. R8 vs. M6 vs. XKR vs. CL500 vs. 997 Carrera4

Because of the low demand for exotics here in the Nordic countries the resale value is lower compared with countries where people have a good appetite for exclusive cars.

I see -- Thanks for the update