In the battle of high-priced grand tourers, there are two British marques that really set the benchmark. Both feature a storied history and are thought of as the the best of the best when it comes to luxury and speed.
If that isn't enough to capture your interest, both automakers even have a well-known racing heritage. So, essentially all of the ingredients for a great product are set. Of course with all car wars though, there can only be one winner that walks away.
Between the Aston Martin Vanquish and Bentley Continental GT Speed it's very clear to me that you have two choices:
1) A lithe, gorgeous looking and unbelievable sounding V12 Aston Martin, or...
2) A heavy, luxurious top-speed cruiser that acts like you've awakened a mighty giant.
Essentially these vehicles are great complements to each other. The Aston is better if you want a driver's car and the Bentley is better if you just want to cruise and get there comfortably.
Having driven both, I know what I'd go with.
**Check out the end result of the matchup below...
On this episode of Head 2 Head, two of England's most prestigious brands duke it out as Motor Trend's Carlos Lago pits the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed against Aston Martin's 2014 Vanquish. With names like Vanquish & GT Speed, it's inevitable that some spirited driving awaits. Join Carlos as he he flogs both these fine automobiles through Motor Trend's dynamic testing course before heading out to carve up the canyon roads.
Both Aston Martin & Bentley are synonymous with luxury, class & the finer things in life. However, there's nothing gentlemanly about the 12 cylinder motors each car packs under it's bonnet. Even more savage is their more than 500 horse power capabilities. Add carbon ceramic brakes into the mix & price tags near $300,000 & you've got an exotic match up.