Why the 2024 Aston Martin Vantage might be the brand's biggest leap yet

When you catch sight of the new Aston Martin Vantage, it’s hard not to feel a thrill.

With its wider stance and muscular design, this car doesn’t just look the part; it embodies decades of motorsport-inspired performance. First launched in 1977 as a high-powered addition to Aston Martin’s lineup, the Vantage quickly became a staple for enthusiasts seeking a blend of luxury and agility. Over the years, the Vantage has evolved into one of the brand’s most celebrated models, and the 2024 version is no exception.

Beneath its eye-catching exterior lies a finely tuned dynamic character. Armed with cutting-edge technology that elevates its handling and responsiveness, the latest Vantage is designed with true driving enthusiasts in mind, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of Aston Martin’s performance heritage.

The 2024 Vantage is stunning at a standstill

The Vantage has always been a pretty car, but this year’s redesigned body really shoves it in your face.

A redesigned front end — inspired by Aston Martin’s ultra-exclusive One-77— sports a larger grille for improved airflow, and the return of the iconic side strake ensures it’s unmistakably Aston Martin. The 21-inch forged alloy wheels and sleek lines contribute to a silhouette that’s as much about function as it is about form.

Is the 2024 Vantage a supercar in disguise?

Aston Martin continues to refer to the Vantage as a sports car, but let’s not overlook its supercar-like specs. With 656 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8 and a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds, the Vantage’s performance numbers rival some of the most celebrated supercars from the last 15 years.

Take your mind back to 2009, when Ferrari’s now-iconic 458 debuted. At launch, the 458 was considered a cutting-edge supercar with 562 horsepower and a 0-60 time of about 3.4 seconds. 15 years later, the bar for what defines a supercar has evidently been raised, but that doesn’t change the fact that the new Vantage offers blistering performance, “sports car” or not.

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New Electronic Driving Assists help handle the Vantage’s power

Aston Martin has equipped the Vantage with a cutting-edge Active Vehicle Dynamics control system, designed to enhance every aspect of the driving experience. Using a 6-axis accelerometer and real-time sensors, the system adapts the car’s handling and steering to your environment, ensuring optimal performance whether you’re carving through mountain roads or cruising highways.

This level of customization, combined with the car’s ability to fine-tune its ride and response, makes the Vantage feel intuitive and tailored to your driving style.

Aston Martin’s E-Diff connects you to the road

A key feature is the Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff), which works with the car's stability system to deliver precise traction. Capable of transitioning from zero to full lock in just 135 milliseconds, it ensures smooth, controlled power delivery when you need it most.

Paired with a twin-turbo V8 and Adjustable Traction Control, which offers multiple settings from Wet to Track, the Vantage provides the flexibility to push its limits with confidence, making it a truly personalized high-performance machine.

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How the Vantage Stacks Up Against the Competition

In a market brimming with high-performance sports cars, the Aston Martin Vantage faces stiff competition from the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo and Mercedes-AMG GT63. Each offers its own flavor of performance and luxury, but the Vantage sets itself apart with its unique blend of snarling, hot-rod-like power, cutting-edge tech, and that signature Aston Martin allure.

Performance

In terms of raw performance, the Vantage’s 656-horsepower twin-turbo V8 matches up well against its rivals. The Porsche 911 Turbo delivers a markedly lower 572 horsepower, but Porsche's legendary all-wheel drive and razor-sharp handling make it quicker off the line, hitting 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds compared to the Vantage’s 3.4 seconds.

The AMG GT63, with its 577-horsepower twin-turbo V8, matches the 911 Turbo, offering a 0-60 time of 2.7 seconds. The gap in sheer acceleration likely comes down to the Vantage’s rear-wheel drive setup, which struggles to put the power down as well as the all-wheel drive systems in the 911 Turbo and the GT63.

Still, in real-world conditions, many enthusiasts care more about the fun that rear wheel drive offers than they do about some subpar performance stats. What sets the Vantage apart is the visceral connection it offers through its Active Vehicle Dynamics and Electronic Rear Differential, making it feel more like a precision tool on both road and track.

Price

This year’s advantage saw a roughly 30% price hike over the previous model. Now, at just under $200,000, the base Vantage finds itself among some stiff competition. For a few thousand dollars more, you — well, maybe not you specifically, but someone — could buy a Porsche 911 Turbo.

Alternatively, the Mercedes-AMG GT63 is a bit more accessible, starting at just under $180,000. Still, as has become standard with luxury sports cars, the price you ultimately pay can vary wildly based on what optional extras you select in the configuration.

While the Porsche and Mercedes may seem like better bargains on paper, the Vantage may justify its price in the eyes of certain enthusiasts thanks to its combination of luxury, style, and overall driving experience.

Looks

When it comes to aesthetics, the Vantage undeniably stands out. Its aggressive stance, wide grille, and sleek lines make it one of the most visually striking cars in this segment. The Porsche 911 Turbo, while iconic, sticks to its timeless, evolutionary design, which some may find less daring.

The AMG GT63, with its long hood and curvaceous body, offers a more traditional approach to luxury performance. But where the Vantage really shines is in its blend of modern aggression and classic Aston Martin elegance — it’s a car that turns heads, whether parked or in motion.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, while each of these competitors has its strengths, the new Vantage feels like the most well-rounded option for drivers who crave power, technology, and a design that turns heads. Aston Martin has refined their formula to deliver a car that feels as at home on a track as it does on a scenic drive.

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