It’s a punch that can be felt in any gear, and any revs, too. Once the peak torque arrives around 2,500rpm – continuing all the way though to 5,000rpm – the engine delivers a relentless surge. Even compared to the DBS Superleggera, hardly a slouch itself, the Vanquish is on another level. The throttle isn’t quite as crisp as the Ferrari, but real world responses are hard to separate. That the Aston’s engine sings more sweetly than the naturally-aspirated Ferrari is perhaps the most impressive thing of all.
While the noise is richer here than in its Italian rival, the driving experience is quite different; if the Ferrari is a front-engined supercar, the Aston is more like a muscle car – albeit a very sophisticated one.
On a twisty road, the Vanquish takes on a remarkably neutral balance, turning in sharply as its bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres bite into the road gamely. The steering is direct, so there’s not much effort required to point the nose in, but once settled, that even keel will remain on the condition that you hold a balanced throttle.
Apply some power through the turn, and the Vanquish squats onto its outside rear tyre, twisting the nose closer into the apex. It means that, with a delicate right foot, you can point the Vanquish even more keenly though the corners.
We suspect that the more boosty power delivery might force more caution in the wet compared to the 12Cilindri, whose superb precision makes it incredibly approachable even in the rain. That feeling that you’re only ever moments away from a bit of a wrestling match seems completely at home alongside Aston Martin’s previous greats, though; there’s excitement, but with just the slightest tinge of intimidation.
