I'm presently looking at a 2010 Aston Martin DBS (used) and a 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (new), both manual transmission cars (DBS in the 2+2 configuration).

Anybody here have had a chance to spend much time with both lend their thoughts? I'm setup to test drive the V12V this Monday, never driven a DBS before, only a DB9 and that felt quite... heavy.

Both cars end up being comparable in price (DBS ~$190k, V12V ~$170k). Do both feel approximately the same speed in terms of just acceleration capabilities? On paper they theoretically should be about the same (4.3s vs 4.2s rated 0-60) but the DBS just seems like a much larger vehicle (yet the weight difference between the two doesn't seem all that much). I think the DBS looks better, except I wish it had updated lights.

 

My .02, your decision it seems comes down to looks, performance and price seem to be too dam close to make any difference. I can't help you on driving feel, but looks wise I have examined both.

The fact that the DBS is used limits your choice to that color combo. IMO the V12V should be black to deal with those vents. The best color on the DBS is red with black 2nd. Looks and sound is what these cars come down to. If the DBS is neither red or black I would pass and get the V12V in your choice.

I was looking at a new V12V 1 month ago in black/black with white stitching and piano finish. Sweet car with great sound.

The red DBS

 

I dealt with this decision a number of times. In fact, I had a deposit on a DBS long before I bought my 4.3L Vantage. The DBS is the best looking car in the world. The vantage is beautiful and the V12V is the most aggressive looking AM in my opinion. There is more room in the DBS for road trips and daily use. I embraced the vents and carbon finishing and chose lightning silver and trust me I have never heard criticism. As far as the performance, the V12V is more nimble and responsive. The DBS is no slouch but it is larger and will not handle as well. I have driven the V12V on a track and it will hang with most anything in that environment. I don't think that the DBS will fare as well. My decision really came down to the notion that the V12V is a much more limited vehicle and I wanted the opportunity to own one before the company moves away from 6speeds and smaller engines. I also figured that a used DBS could be had a discount down the road if I wanted. The only other consideration is open top driving. You can get a DBS roadster. If that is important, than the DBS is the way to go.

 

I think it really comes down to what type of car you want since the performance will be similar in terms of real-world driving. If you want more of a grand tourer, you should get the DBS. If you want more of a sports car, you should get the V12V. Also, if rarity is important to you, you might lean towards the V12V, which Aston supposedly will only make 1000 of. Finally, Jay is right -- if you want a drop top, it has to be the DBS.

 

Buy the DBS. Since it is used, you'll end up way better on the depreciation side of things.

 

So, I'm actually picking one up as an interim vehicle as I wait for my 4-month delayed LP700 delivery. The LP700 is an amazing sports car/track car, so I don't really need a duplicate of that. I kind of need a good GT car (which I've heard the DBS is), however I also have always liked smaller cars. More relaxing to drive (since you don't take up the whole lane on the highway), easier to find a suitable parking spot (I can squeeze my porsche in between two giant poorly parked SUV with room to spare). I was also looking for something with a manual transmission.

I get that the V12V will definitely handle better, but I'm probably not going to track it as much as the LP700 down the road. The DBS would serve as a great GT car, I probably would use the backseats occasionally, however it seems like a pretty huge car.

I also have a Maserati GTS which, at least size wise, is similar to the DBS so perhaps the V12V would be less redundant.

As for a convertible, I do love convertibles, but for some reason I've never been a fan of Aston Martin convertibles. Ferrari's, yes, Porsches, kind of, but Aston Martins I always have thought looked better as coupes.

 

Oops, almost forgot the point of the last post. Does anybody know if the DBS handles well enough such that on regular road driving it will feel "nimble." Essentially I'm looking for something that is going to be substantially more nimble than a Maserati GTS (which is not nimble at all) but doesn't have to be as precise as a 458 or an LP700 since I'll just be driving it on the street.

 

"Nimble" would seem hard to define but I'm guessing based upon your posts that you WOULD NOT find a DBS nimble. Size-wise it's probably similar to the Maser and it would seem like a smaller sports car would suit you better. If your DD driving is mostly highway then I think the DBS would be fine, maybe even better.

 

I'd say..... save your money for a rainy day.... if you're getting the LP700 and already have a Maserati GTS, do you really need the V12V or DBS? Will you keep the car longer than 4 months?

 

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that if the OP is buying the Aventador and has the other cars he listed....he's got his rainy day fund all in good order.

 

I do have a rainy day fund:P That being said, the reason why I'm picking up another car is that my cars tend to get absorbed by family members. Bought the Maserati since it has 4 solid seats, sounds amazing at low revs, and is comfortable for long drives. My parents' car broke down so they borrowed the Maserati as they were looking for a new one, but they liked it so much they kept it and just trade with me whenever I'm going on a longer trip with friends.

Porsche is going to the gf shortly (this isn't as silly as it may sound at face value, I more or less owe her a car) and the 458 is a little too flamboyant for all occasions.

Slight update, test drove both, and I'm more or less leaning entirely over to the V12V. DBS is a little heavier than I would hope, and also I'm kind of a short guy and I look absolutely ridiculous in it. I think I need to be a foot taller, and more attractive to be permitted in the driver seat:P

 

Slight update, test drove both, and I'm more or less leaning entirely over to the V12V. DBS is a little heavier than I would hope, and also I'm kind of a short guy and I look absolutely ridiculous in it. I think I need to be a foot taller, and more attractive to be permitted in the driver seat:P[/QUOTE]


You know, when I bought my V12V, there was a height chart for the DBS. I was just under (I had just gotten my hair cut). I did pass the handsome test though. So I figure a couple weeks of growth and a good blow dry and I'll be ready for one eventually.

 

Aston's gotta have it's standards. They can't sell to just anyone.