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.
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
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
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.
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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?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued 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.