Aston Martin
V8 Vantage
Owner report available
Maserati
GranTurismo
Owner report available
Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs Maserati GranTurismo
The short answer
Based on available data, the Maserati GranTurismo comes out ahead of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
V8 Vantage
Overall
Owner sentiment for the VH platform V8 Vantage (2006-2019) is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep emotional attachment to its timeless design, analog driving experience, and handcrafted feel. The vehicle is consistently praised for its stunning aesthetics, described as "the most beautiful of the VH era" and "the best styling of any modern car ever made" for the 2006-2009 models. Owners report immense satisfaction from the ownership experience, citing the joy of driving, the sense of achievement it represents, and the respect it garners from fellow enthusiasts.
Best version to buy
The V8 Vantage S (V8VS), specifically the 2012+ models with the 4.7L engine and Sportshift II (SS2) automated manual transmission. Owners strongly recommend the 'S' over the base model for its significant upgrades, including more power (430 BHP), reduced weight (approximately 80 kg / 176 lbs lighter), vastly superior braking performance, and generally higher interior specification.
Known issues
- Sportshift transmission clutch wear: Clutches in the automated manual transmission can wear prematurely if driven poorly; replacement is costly. Frequency: recurrent.
- Rear tail light seal leaks: A known issue leading to moisture ingress. Frequency: recurrent.
- Sportshift transmission cooling pipe corrosion: OEM rubber pipes can rot within 4-5 years, requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
GranTurismo
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on owner expectations and maintenance approach. The vehicle is described as an "emotional decision, not a logical decision," prized for its intoxicating Ferrari-derived V8 engine sound, striking design, and the visceral, comfortable grand touring experience, often compared to a "leather couch strapped to a Ferrari V-8." However, this generation is subject to widespread and severe criticism for ruinous unreliability, questionable build quality, and massive depreciation. The interior is frequently cited as dated, senseless, and prone to specific failures like sticky buttons and bubbling dash leather.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a best trim or model year. Owner discussions focus on the model generation as a whole rather than comparing specific variants.
Known issues
- Catastrophic unreliability: widespread reports of frequent, expensive, and unpredictable mechanical failures. Frequency: very frequent.
- Interior build quality failures: sticky buttons, bubbling dash leather, falling headliner, broken glovebox latches, intermittent console lights, worn bolsters and armrests. Frequency: very frequent.
- Dated interior design and materials: criticized as senseless and lacking modern technology or quality compared to segment competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Maserati GranTurismo is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage or the Maserati GranTurismo?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the Maserati GranTurismo. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage or the Maserati GranTurismo?
The Maserati GranTurismo seats more passengers than the Aston Martin V8 Vantage on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is classed as a Coupe, the Maserati GranTurismo as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage or the Maserati GranTurismo?
The EPA rates the 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage at 15–16 mpg combined and the 2026 Maserati GranTurismo at 21 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage or the Maserati GranTurismo?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.