Aston Martin Vanquish S: Better Than the DB11?

Can a carryover car with old technology really compete with the amazing new DB11? At least one person thinks so.

By all accounts, the Aston Martin Vanquish S is “inferior” to the much ballyhooed new DB11. It’s essentially chock full of old technology and mechanicals, some of which have been around since the days Ford held ownership of Aston. But at least in the eyes of Vehicle Virgins, and host Parker Nirenstein, it’s still a superior vehicle. Which is a pretty bold statement. And yet, the idea is intriguing enough that it’s worth letting them make their case, at the very least.

So what, in his mind, makes the Aston Martin Vanquish S a better car? For starters, styling. “While it’s electronically and mechanically inferior to the all-new platform the DB11, it’s classier and sleeker than the DB11 could ever dream of being. It’s not flashy like a Lamborghini or Ferrari. It’s elegant.”

OK, so styling is obviously subjective. And we just so happen to like the looks of the new DB11, along with what seems like the rest of the world. And yet, Nirenstein continues. “The front fascia of this car is simply jaw-dropping. Carbon fiber, sweeping lines, a vented hood. All make up such a beautiful visage. And the headlights are both pretty and aggressive at the same time. A theme that continues through the rest of the exterior and interior.”

But the best part of the Aston Martin Vanquish S? Its exhaust note. And we certainly can’t argue with that, given the lustworthy noises coming from the old school 6.0-liter V12. Nirenstein even waxes poetic about the interior. Which is of extremely high quality despite its rather old school appearance and tech.

So do they have a point? Well, maybe. We certainly dig the looks and the sounds of the old school Vanquish. But we also love the modern tech, excellent chassis, and superior performance of the DB11. And we happen to like the way it looks, too. At least for now, you get to choose which one you like the best. And that makes us all winners, no matter what your Aston preference!

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.
Foote has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles and every other type of automobile, Foote had spent several years running parts for local dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.