Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche 911 GT3 vs Aston Martin V12 Vantage S video track battle

We test the new 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3 against the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S on track

Porsche 911 GT3 vs Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

There are few things more evocative than a V12 sports car, but they are becoming rarer and rarer. Fortunately, Aston Martin has stayed true to its heritage and still makes 12-cylinder cars.

The fastest one is the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, which is now fitted with a new Sportshift gearbox and adaptive damping for the first time. The engine's been tuned as well- and it's the fastest production car Aston has ever made.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But how does it fare against arguably the most focused track-based sports car money can buy: the Porsche 911 GT3?

To find out we took the new 991 GT3 to take on the Aston Martin in an Auto Express video track battle.

Now into its 3rd generation ever since its launch in 1999, the GT3 has been the benchmark for handling precision. The new 991 generation has 469bhp and 440Nm or torque from its 3.8-litre flat-six engine. For the first time it comes equipped with a PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

Best sports cars

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S squeezes Aston's biggest engine into their smallest and most focused sports car. With 565bhp and 620 Nm of torque, the V12 produces more power than the Porsche, but the Aston weighs 235kg more than the lightweight 911 - and for the first time, the V12 comes equipped with Aston's Sportshift automated manual gearbox.

With soaking wet tarmac and near-freezing temperatures the cars faced the toughest of challenges - but which one came out on top?

Well, the new 911 GT3 exceeded our expectations. The engine is astonishing, the chassis is equally capable and the PDK gearbox has been improved and it's perfectly suited to this type of car.

The Aston is great too - the V12 engine is packed with character and it has a playful chassis. There's also no doubting how stunning it looks, but against the stopwatch in wet conditions, the Porsche was 1.5 seconds a lap quicker - and in our dry practice laps it was a full 4 seconds faster than the Aston Martin.

There really isn't any loser here. We're glad that both of these sports cars exist and it's been a privilege to drive them.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Porsche 911 Carrera 2024 review: engaging and fast even without hybrid help
Porsche 911 Carrera - front

New Porsche 911 Carrera 2024 review: engaging and fast even without hybrid help

The Porsche 911 Carrera is the base model in the line-up, but it's still a sensational sports car
Road tests
20 Nov 2024

Most Popular

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs
BYD Atto 3 - front cornering

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs

Running costs for car share club EVs are £6k higher than ICE equivalents according to new data
News
8 May 2025
New BMW 1 Series and electric i1 to target younger drivers with bold design
BMW 1 Series render - front

New BMW 1 Series and electric i1 to target younger drivers with bold design

The BMW 1 Series is set for a shake-up, with a Neue Klasse front end and a choice of hybrid or battery electric powertrains when it arrives in showroo…
News
7 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Volvo XC60 Black Edition is a mean-looking, posh SUV for under £450 a month
Volvo XC60 - full front

Car Deal of the Day: Volvo XC60 Black Edition is a mean-looking, posh SUV for under £450 a month

The XC60 is Volvo’s best-selling car, and loved by Brits. It’s our Deal of the Day for 6 May
News
6 May 2025