Story Lee Nian Tjoe, Dr Andre Lam, Pradeep Paul

In a wonderful case of coincidence, two of our favourite sports cars are made-over at the same time, aiming to do pretty much the same thing

Stop and stare – many think that it's rude, but we all have those moments when the years of proper upbringing become subservient to natural instinct. In recent memory, there has been Janet Jackson's unfortunate "wardrobe malfunction" and this pair of sports cars. Unlike the peek-a-boo incident which, in retrospect, wasn't really worth the attention, both the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the Maserati Gran Turismo have been epoch making cars  in their own rights.

WE LIKE
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
-    Howl of the strengthened V8
-    The feel of a hand-crafted car
-    The snug packaging

Maserati Gran Turismo S
-    Ferrari-challenging proposition
-    No nonsense suspension
-    Rabid gear changes

IN THE ISSUE WATCH OUT FOR
- Shots of the Vantage and the GT S in two of the prettiest cities in Europe

ESSENTIALS
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Engine: 4735cc, 32-valves, V8
Power: 420bhp at 7000rpm
Torque: 470Nm at 5750rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed semi-automatic
Top Speed: 290km/h
0-100KM/H: 4.8 seconds

ESSENTIALS
Maserati Gran Turismo S
Engine: 4691cc, 32-valves, V8
Power: 440bhp at 7000rpm
Torque: 490Nm at 4750rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed semi-automatic
Top Speed: 295km/h
0-100KM/H: 4.9 seconds