{"id":3794,"date":"2025-09-22T09:34:38","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T09:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/?p=3794"},"modified":"2025-09-22T09:34:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T09:34:41","slug":"c2209020-keiichi-hilarious-magic-act-gets-ant-dec-pressing-the-gold_part2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/?p=3794","title":{"rendered":"C2209020 Keiichi hilarious magic act gets Ant Dec pressing the Gold_part2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"720\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 720 \/ 720;\" width=\"720\" controls src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/C2209020-Keiichi-hilarious-magic-act-gets-Ant-Dec-pressing-the-Gold_part2.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aston Martin Vantage vs Ferrari Roma vs McLaren Artura<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can the new Vantage Roadster win favour over its open-top rivals from McLaren and Ferrari?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cdn.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/gallery_slide\/public\/images\/car-reviews\/first-drives\/legacy\/aston_martin_mclaren_and_ferrari.jpg?itok=nP8Nn2e3\" alt=\"Aston Martin, McLaren and Ferrari\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cdn.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/square_43x43\/public\/jamesdisdale_1.jpg?itok=b1HRb8ya\" alt=\"James Disdale\" title=\"James Disdale\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">News<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/users\/james-disdale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">James Disdale<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">11 mins read<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">13 September 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets\/follow_button.2f70fb173b9000da126c79afe2098f02.en.html#dnt=false&#038;id=twitter-widget-0&#038;lang=en&#038;screen_name=JamesDisdale&#038;show_count=false&#038;show_screen_name=false&#038;size=m&#038;time=1758532396235\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?app_id=236580861022118&amp;sdk=joey&amp;u=https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-news\/features\/aston-martin-vantage-vs-ferrari-roma-vs-mclaren-artura&amp;display=popup&amp;ref=plugin&amp;src=share_button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-news\/features\/aston-martin-vantage-vs-ferrari-roma-vs-mclaren-artura&amp;count=horizontal&amp;via=autocar&amp;text=Aston%20Martin%20Vantage%20vs%20Ferrari%20Roma%20vs%20McLaren%20Artura&amp;counturl=https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-news\/features\/aston-martin-vantage-vs-ferrari-roma-vs-mclaren-artura\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Aston%20Martin%20Vantage%20vs%20Ferrari%20Roma%20vs%20McLaren%20Artura&amp;body=https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-news\/features\/aston-martin-vantage-vs-ferrari-roma-vs-mclaren-artura\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mercury is climbing steadily into the high twenties, and above us, the blue sky is dotted with only a smattering of little fluffy clouds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At last, summer is here. Better still, we\u2019ve got the scenery and roads to match: the B4518 scythes up, through and around rolling Welsh hills before depositing us at a viewpoint overlooking the stunning Clywedog reservoir, its gently wind-whipped waters glinting and sparkling in the sun a few hundred metres below us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Behind us, their exhausts and engines pinging away like a distant steel band as metal components cool and contract, are three of the fastest hair dryers \u00a3200,000 (and a bit more) can buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effortlessly combining game-on driving dynamics, drop-top glamour and power outputs north of 600bhp, this open-air trio could just be \u2013 right here and now, on these roads and in this weather \u2013 the best cars in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, this is an Autocar group test, so there has to be a winner. But which one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, we\u2019ll get to that, but first let\u2019s take a look at the contenders, starting with the car that inspired this gathering of upper-class alfresco entertainers: the new&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/aston-martin\/vantage-roadster\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aston Martin Vantage Roadster<\/a>, the latest offering from the resurgent and newly confident British brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the name suggests, it\u2019s essentially a convertible version of the recently launched coup\u00e9. In fact, it\u2019s so closely related that, addition of a fabric roof and 60kg of strengthening aside, the handsomely thuggish Roadster shares pretty much the same set-up as its tin-top sibling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rear damper\u2019s operating software has been tickled, but in all other mechanical respects, Aston\u2019s cloth-topped contender is identical. That means it gets the same 656bhp \u2018hot-vee\u2019 twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that\u2019s been donated by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/mercedes-amg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mercedes-AMG<\/a>, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic ZF transaxle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also carried over are the looks, which are given an extra edge by our car\u2019s matt blue paintwork. The fabric roof itself is neatly integrated and, at just 6.8sec to raise or lower, is the quickest here, allowing you to worship the sun or avoid the rain at the drop of a hat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/aston_martin_vantage_down_hill.jpg?itok=KYaYGYAz\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Latest Reviews<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3805\" title=\"Honda Civic R fronttracking\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/honda\/civic-type-r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/honda\/civic-type-r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Honda Civic Type R<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/honda\/civic-type-r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Honda Civic Type R<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-564.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3807\" title=\"01 Peugeot e408 PEUGEOT\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/peugeot\/e-408\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/peugeot\/e-408\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Peugeot e-408<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/peugeot\/e-408\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Peugeot e-408<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3804\" title=\"changan deepal s07 01\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/changan\/deepal-s07\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/changan\/deepal-s07\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Changan Deepal S07<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/changan\/deepal-s07\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Changan Deepal S07<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3798\" title=\"Toyota Corolla front three quarter\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/toyota\/corolla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/toyota\/corolla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Toyota Corolla<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/toyota\/corolla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Toyota Corolla<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3801\" title=\"Nissan Micra review 2025 001\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/nissan\/micra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/nissan\/micra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nissan Micra<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/nissan\/micra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nissan Micra<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View all car reviews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read our review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Car review<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3806\" title=\"AstonMartinVantageRoadster0\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/aston-martin\/vantage-roadster\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/aston-martin\/vantage-roadster\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aston Martin Vantage Roadster<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Honing the \u2018entry-level\u2019 Aston produced spectacular results. Are they diminished in drop-top form?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/aston-martin\/vantage-roadster\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read our review<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Acting as an elegant counterpoint to the brutish Aston is the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/ferrari\/roma-spider\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ferrari Roma Spider<\/a>. Its classically proportioned GT lines mean the curvaceous Italian is less attention-grabbing than its British rivals, but it\u2019s far from unattractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Launched in 2023, it is based on the coup\u00e9 version that had its debut in 2018 and which is already in line for retirement \u2013 Maranello has announced it will be replaced&nbsp;by the all-new Amalfi&nbsp;next year \u2013 although this rag-top version of the Roma is destined to soldier on for a while yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like the Aston, the Roma features a forced-induction V8 and an eight-speed gearbox (a dual-clutch auto here, rather than a torque converter) that combine to drive the rear wheels. It also has a powered cloth covering (with five-layer insulation, no less), but at 13.5sec to stow or open, it\u2019s the most sluggish here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3802\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For jaw-dropping kerb appeal, both the Ferrari and Aston have to give best to the bright orange McLaren, which has a magnetic attraction to smartphone-wielding supercar spotters. Acting as the outlier in this contest, the carbonfibre-tubbed Woking wonder goes about its business of delivering fast fresh-air thrills in a very different way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only is its engine mid-mounted, the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 has the smallest capacity and the fewest cylinders. Moreover, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/car-review\/mclaren\/artura\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">McLaren Artura<\/a>&nbsp;is also a hybrid, and a plug-in one at that. That means both 21 miles of electric running and a combined power output of 690bhp, making the Spider the spiciest of our sun-seekers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking of which, McLaren favours a folding hard-top (actually it\u2019s more of a targa panel) for the Artura, which means its convertible conversion adds the fewest extra kilos \u2013 the roof and associated mechanism weigh 62kg for an overall kerb weight of 1560kg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3800\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next up is the Ferrari, which at 1556kg (Maranello only quotes a \u2018dry\u2019 figure, so let\u2019s say somewhere around 1600-and-a-bit with fluids) weighs 84kg more than its coup\u00e9 cousin. Heaviest Hector is the Aston, which is a scale-creaking 1805kg all in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps the Aston\u2019s extra avoirdupois is down to its lavishly trimmed cabin, which is slathered in soft leather and rich-feeling materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3803\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a result, it matches the more expensive Roma for club-class appeal, each giving you the feeling that you\u2019ve climbed into an expensively tailored suit \u2013 although only the Fezza offers four-up practicality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3797\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The McLaren, on the other hand, feels a little minimalist by comparison, although it\u2019s nicely finished, with plenty of Alcantara and carbon fibre accents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-563.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3799\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Okay, that\u2019s the showroom tyre-kicking done; it\u2019s time to get moving. On the drive westwards to our mid-Wales destination, it\u2019s the long-legged Ferrari that draws&nbsp;first blood: its mix of plush damping and remarkable roof-up refinement make it the most relaxed cruiser \u2013 the only intrusion is the distant backbeat of the V8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Aston can\u2019t compete. Its adaptive dampers remain fairly uncompromising in all modes, leading to a fidgety firmness that means the Vantage struggles to settle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surprisingly, the McLaren comes closest to matching the Roma\u2019s cushioned ride. Its low-speed stiffness (even in the dampers\u2019 so est setting) gives way to a supple yet tautly&nbsp;controlled gait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-565.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3808\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The downside is that the carbon tub transmits a fair bit of road noise. Top down, there\u2019s little between the three when it comes to keeping your hairdo unharmed: each one opens you up to the elements with surprisingly little buffeting from fast-flowing air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each has a wind deflector that can be deployed to help keep the cabin calm, although the Ferrari\u2019s set-up is rather Heath Robinson in its operation \u2013 it can be automatically activated at the touch of a button but requires you to twist around in your seat and manually push it back into place when no longer needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Best is the McLaren\u2019s powered glass window, which can be lowered with the roof in place to allow some open-air vibes even in inclement weather. To get the best out of this trio, however, you\u2019ll want to travel topless most of the time \u2013 and today\u2019s fine weather demands it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cdn.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/mclaren_rear.jpg?itok=v_2uPfA6\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only does it add the extra stimulation of the sights and smells of the great outdoors, but it also gets you closer to the aural action \u2013 and no car here puts on a greater sonic show than the bombastic Vantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn\u2019t one of the all-time great vocalists (think Lemmy from Mot\u00f6rhead rather than Annie Lennox), but the way it barks, pops and cracks never fails to elicit a giggle \u2013 although extended and use in shouty Sport+ mode could land you with an asbo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It has substance to match the sounds, too, and despite the need to move a lot of mass, the Aston\u2019s 656bhp V8 accelerates with a muscular, deep-chested urgency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cdn.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/aston_martin_out_the_back_of_the_artura.jpg?itok=7_70NOlk\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sense of instant energy is enhanced by the carefully chosen and closely stacked ratios of the Roadster\u2019s eight-speed automatic gearbox. It can\u2019t quite match the whip-crack ratio changes of the dual-clutch units used in the Roma and Artura, but it offers greater smoothness and civility in low-speed manoeuvres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That said, neither the Aston nor the Ferrari can match the McLaren\u2019s all-electric party trick, which makes early morning getaways less wearisome for your neighbours. The novelty of being able to slip silently through city traffic never really wears off in the Artura, and it\u2019s a USP that will endear it to many who will use these cars for more than high days and holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Better still, when the V6 does fire into life, it reveals itself as one of the firm\u2019s sweeter-sounding units. The older V8s have a certain industrial quality to their delivery, but the Artura Spider\u2019s engine takes on an ear-pleasingly harmonious howl as it spins quickly and eagerly towards 8000rpm. And, boy, is it fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cdn.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/mclaren_and_aston_martin.jpg?itok=EBPtqHsi\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By using its 94bhp electric motor to add low-speed torque, the McLaren avoids the laggy wait-and-whoosh that characterises the firm&#8217;s&nbsp;other wares, meaning there\u2019s instant get-up-and-go in any gear and at any revs: the Artura is a proper card-carrying supercar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With 612bhp the Roma looks a little weak-kneed in this company, and there\u2019s no denying that in an all-out, hell-for-leather sprint the Fezza would come home in third spot. Yet all things are relative, and anyone feeling short-changed&nbsp;by the Spider\u2019s accelerative abilities needs their adrenal gland checked for signs of drought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s not the most musical of Maranello\u2019s motors \u2013 it sounds more like a couple of fruity four-pots stitched together \u2013 but the firm\u2019s mastery of turbocharging means it has an almost naturally aspirated response and appetite for revs that encourages you to work for your rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of our topless triumvirate, it\u2019s the Roma that should be the least focused and fun in the corners, owing to Ferrari\u2019s assertion that the Spider is more of a GT than the fine-handling coup\u00e9 version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3\" height=\"2\" src=\"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-566.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3809\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its bodyshell\u2019s static rigidity has been reduced by 30% as a result of roof removal, and the adaptive dampers have been slackened across the board to compensate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And yet\u2026 If anything, the Roma\u2019s more forgiving suspension, especially in Bumpy Road mode, makes it feel right at home on the UK\u2019s raggedy highways, and that offsets some of the admittedly very minimal scuttle shake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s almost as if Ferrari\u2019s chassis engineers have spent as much time on this route out of Llanidloes as they have lapping Fiorano. It sounds like damning with faint praise, but there\u2019s something of a supersized Mazda MX-5 about the way the Spider slices through corners: the Ferrari\u2019s so yet beautifully controlled chassis allows you to more clearly feel the car approaching its limits and so more confidently exploit its natural balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The steering is quick and light but not flighty, which allows you to place the nose of the car just so. And as the cornering forces build and your confidence grows, you can use the V8\u2019s predictable power delivery to subtly alter your cornering angle with a delicate right foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet it\u2019s the way the Ferrari flows down the road, working with the surface rather than against it, that really impresses. Climb into the Aston Martin immediately afterwards and the contrast couldn\u2019t be clearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/aston_martin_rear.jpg?itok=gs5YGKzI\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s the same classic front-engined, rear-wheel-drive balance that allows you to throw some oversteery shapes on corner exit, but the Vantage is a more overtly aggressive proposition that leaves you in no doubt that it wants to be taken seriously as a sports car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no more feedback through the steering compared with the Roma, but it requires more muscle to turn. You also get a smidge less understeer: the Vantage\u2019s nose responds more quickly and crisply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At sensible speeds, it feels a fraction more agile and alert, and that sense is underlined by a damping set-up that veers between stiff&nbsp;in baseline Sport mode and brainshakingly rigid in Track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In all settings, the extra firmness highlights the slightly weaker shell (the Roadster\u2019s structure shakes the most over bumps), which also results in quite a few creaks and squeaks from the cabin architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go a little harder over these bucking and weaving Welsh roads and the Aston\u2019s mass starts to tell. You sense the Vantage\u2019s brakes working harder to slow it down, while mid-corner bumps and crests cause brief heart-in-mouth moments as the suspension skips over rather than soaks up imperfections, causing a little step sideways that leaves the already wide Aston with even less margin for error on its side of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s an exciting and extroverted thing but, like a manic comedian who\u2019s always \u2018on\u2019, it can become tiring. Slip into the McLaren\u2019s trademark low-slung driving position and you know you\u2019re behind the wheel of a proper driver\u2019s car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/mclaren_rear_0.jpg?itok=zCLDF7bv\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The straight-legged&nbsp;layout, perfectly placed and slim-rimmed steering wheel and panoramic view ahead make you feel right at home immediately. With its carbon-fibre tub, the Spider is also pretty much as structurally solid as the coup\u00e9, which is our reigning Britain\u2019s Best Driver\u2019s Car champ, and that means this drop-top is every bit as brilliant to punt down these wicked Welsh roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It offers a very different experience from its rivals here, though. The Artura is perhaps the most expressive McLaren yet, but its dizzyingly high limits mean on-the-road pleasure is derived not from its ability to be steered at will by your right foot but in its tactility and precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The hydraulically assisted steering offers exceptional weighting and feel, writhing gently in your hands, while there\u2019s an equally uninhibited flow of information through the seat of your pants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a low polar moment of inertia and Gorilla Glue grip, the Artura doesn\u2019t really do understeer or oversteer on the road: you simply point the nose where you want to go and the rest of the car follows in a beautifully neutral stance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back to top<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autocar.co.uk\/sites\/autocar.co.uk\/files\/styles\/body-image\/public\/mclaren_ferrari_and_aston_static_0.jpg?itok=jw0REjud\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s hugely satisfying, but there\u2019s also a sense you\u2019re scratching the surface and that to really extend and exploit the Spider you need the gloves-off, helmet-on environs of a circuit. Does that undermine the McLaren\u2019s bid for victory in this company?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s a tough one because \u2013 clich\u00e9 klaxon alert \u2013 there are no real losers in this test. Each of these cars has a distinctive character and, depending on your needs and mood, you could happily make space on your driveway for any one of these special sun-worshippers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, we don\u2019t pull punches here at Autocar, so here we go\u2026 Bottom step of the podium, if only just, is the Aston. It\u2019s a hugely charismatic machine and the least costly to buy, but the firm ride, extra weight and shouty exhaust mean it can become just a tad overbearing with continued exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for the other two, can we have joint winners? No? Oh, okay. The thing is, each is different enough in its approach that those with deep enough pockets could make an argument to justify having both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s assume, though, that you\u2019ll use these cars more often than not, in which case the Ferrari\u2019s narrow practicality advantage and ability to serve as both sybaritic luxury saloon (of sorts) and spirit-lifting sportster means it gets the nod by the width of one of its many layers of roof insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask the question again tomorrow, however, and the answer may change. Either way, getting a tan has never been so much fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aston Martin Vantage vs Ferrari Roma vs McLaren Artura Can the new Vantage Roadster win favour over its open-top rivals from McLaren and Ferrari? News by&nbsp;James Disdale 11 mins read 13 September 2025 Share The mercury is climbing steadily into the high twenties, and above us, the blue sky is dotted with only a smattering [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3796,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3794","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3794","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3794"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3794\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3810,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3794\/revisions\/3810"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3796"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3794"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3794"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3794"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}