2021 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Review: Hearts, Not Minds
The second-generation Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is all-new for 2021 and brings enough style and presence to keep even the most thick-lipped Kardashian happy. Based on the Vantage Coupe, this drop-top bombshell is one of the most attractive vehicles around and much more appealing to look at than competitors such as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet or Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. Powered by a 503-horsepower AMG-sourced V8 engine, it sounds amazing and offers the type of performance that will keep most Californian tech bros more than happy. In this review of the 2021 Aston Martin Vantage, we find that the drop-top is far from faultless. It lacks storage space and has an outdated infotainment system, but these issues fade away in a car that looks and sounds this good. Aston Martin has delivered yet another stunner that will win over hearts rather than minds.
Vantage Roadster Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width |
---|---|---|---|
175.8 in | 106.5 in | 50.1 in | 76.5 in |
Vantage Roadster Performance
Engine and Transmission
Aston knows how to build a hauntingly beautiful car, and Mercedes-AMG builds some of the best performance engines around, Combine the two and you get an absolute powerhouse of beauty and brawn. The 2021 Aston Martin Vantage drop-top is powered by a Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 gas fuel engine developing 503 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-AMG builds some of the best performance engines around, and adds German reliability to this awesome British beast. This rear-wheel-drive car shifts through an 8-speed ZF-sourced automatic transmission. F1 Edition models add an additional 24 horses for a total of 527 hp. This setup allows the Aston Martin Vantage soft-top to sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, or 3.6 seconds in the case of the F1 Edition, and both cars will reach a maximum speed of 190 mph. This powertrain goes beyond mere numbers, though; with a massive power band, the Aston Martin Vantage Cabriolet feels fast in any gear at any speed and has a stunning exhaust note to go along with it.
Vantage Roadster Interior
Vantage Roadster Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / Unlimited Miles | 10 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster A Good car?
If you look at the facts and figures, the Aston Martin Vantage doesn't make a ton of sense: it's not the fastest around, it's heavy on fuel, and it's not the cheapest or best-equipped either. Competitors like the soft-top Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster offer more of everything, but the beauty of this corner of the market is the fact that people tend to buy with their hearts and eyes and not their brains. The 2021 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is a stunning machine that will stand out on US roads like a Playmate at a Magic The Gathering tournament. It has a notable list of faults, such as a useless trunk, outdated infotainment system, and unknown safety rating, but as soon as you drop the top and hear that V8 engine come alive, you'll soon forget that there are better deals out there.
What Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Model Should I Buy?
Aston Martin makes new buyers choose between the base model or the pumped-up F1 Edition. The F1 Edition is undoubtedly the better driver's car, and that should be taken into consideration if you're going for the coupe, but the importance of that marginal performance gain falls to the wayside when it comes to convertibles. The 2021 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe's price is up there, but those who can afford these cars won't mind the premium. The Vantage Roadster will never be a track star, and most will simply enjoy cruising around with the top down. For that reason, we'd suggest going with the base model and perhaps peppering it with some optional extras.