Hello everyone, new member here.

The DBS has always caught my attention for its beauty inside and out. I'm currently an owner of an '08 SL65, and I've always admired this specific AMG. The power from the V12TT, the hardtop convertible, and just the overall package.

I'm debating selling the SL65 (and taking a "small" loss compared to what I bought it for...), saving a few more pennies, and purchasing a DBS Volante. While I was never a fan of convertibles at first, my opinion quickly changed on a top down ride through the mountains.

For those that have owned an SL65 and a DBS, can you tell me your opinions between the two? While the DBS may be the "nicer" car, I just don't want to have a longer-term disappointment given that the SL65 also has so much to offer. Any test drive will surely bring the "buy it" excitement, so that short 15 minutes isn't really a true gauge.

Thanks everyone

 

The merc you can drive Hard everyday, I had a Brabus 63 never took the top down simply not my thing, I also do not own a DBS but I do drive a Vantage
My thinking is (and I may be wrong) is that my Aston is not as hardcore as the Big muscle merc's I've owned.
I love my Aston and it stands proud in my humble home it gives me visual pleasure I just never got from any of my merc's.

My vantage has cost me clutch job at 28000km, the timing gasket has started to show signs of sweating oil, big ticket items to get fixed, when I drive the Aston I often think I wonder what or when it will break down, with the German cars that never entered my mind.

I do believe your merc will out perform any Aston and you can screw it all day, I'm not so sure Aston can play that game.

That being said I'm married to an ex supermodel and despite her inability to iron to my standards and some of her exotic dishes are well just that, she gives me visual pleasure that no woman with a beer belly and droopy pair of **** could ever do.

Hope my opinion is of value.......I'm quite outspoken

 

The SL weighs a few hundred more pounds I think so I doubt the performance will be that different. If that's what you're after the v12 Vantage will outperform both of them I think.

So it's about looks? IMHO hands down the DBS. Everything about it will be more special. It gets approval from the masses as well so you won't feel like a ****** driving it. You shouldn't worry about maintenance they are as reliable as anything out there, and I would bet more reliable than anything Mercedes. You will get people here saying get the Aston of course.

I appreciate the post above as relevant getting the opinion of another SL owner. I don't understand the comments about the super model wife though.

 

I had 2 S65, and drove DB9, DBS, Vanquish, from time to time. The Aston acceleration will not be a match to any 65 AMG at all, but all Aston feels special at cruising, compared to all AMG's require right foot on the throttle to have fun. Of course, all Mercs look old when new ones come out, it's just the rule for any Mercs after 90's.

If power, refinement, and engineering are what you want in a car, your SL65 will be better. However, if driving is a passion or something you care about, Aston will be a world better.

 

I'm also on the hunt and this post helped...

I have found that I "want" an automobile to elicit a feeling rather than serve up the goods so to speak. This auto I am searching for would be my weekend cruiser as opposed to my dd (jeep) and as opposed to my family exotic toy (612) or family regular ride (xts). I have had the best imo (Porsche) but I have found that the line between performance and excitement is indiscernible when just driving around town. For me it is what thrills me and elicits the smile. So I am looking for an Aston, I think it will fit the price "bill" and excitement needs at the same time.

 

More like 1000 pounds different (3500 vs 4500 lbs). A DBS will slaughter that fat pig of an SL65 on twisty back roads. A v12 Vantage is 200 lbs lighter than a DBS but because of its short wheelbase is virtually the same on a track (the faster one depends entirely on the length and layout of the track in question).

 

Thanks for all of the replies gents!

I'm slightly surprised by the reliability comment on the Aston's, specifically that they're deemed somewhat reliable.

For those that are SL65 owners (or some version of the R230 and/or M275), it's fairly known that the cars are prone to issues, and fairly expensive ones at that. I've been lucky that mine have been limited, but you never know when that day will come.

Regarding the "drive", I honestly prefer multiple types of driving fun. Overall, I am a Grand Touring person at heart, and that can come in many forms, whether it's winding out a beautiful car, or whether it's with the sledgehammer effect (AMG).

 

Their reputation as unreliable is outdated. They've been pretty solid cars for a while, now. From talking to owners and my service writer, most issues on newer Aston Martins are fit and finish (which come with any low-volume hand-made products). Mine include things like interior trim fitment and condensation in a tail light.

 

The supermodel comparison is that a Aston has far more exotic look than any Merc and on that basis we allow for other shortcomings.

However Sir with respect no one can argue that any Aston can withstand the abuse a SL 63 can take on a regular basis?

If so can that person stand up and be counted?? I did 200 000Km with my last Sl and 140 000Km with the one before that, apart from rubber and gas and insurance, they cost nothing to run and with a 6 year fully comp maintenance plan to boot.

Again I will say that the Aston is far ahead with looks and as quoted you dont feel like a dick when driving it.

 

Well said!!! a man who who has owned a SL not conjecture,many guys just can accept that a lessor car will out perform the Aston Brand

We own Astons because they are special if we want out right performance we will drive the Audi RS or the Merc 63 and or a Porsche

 

Just for the record I love my Aston it makes me feel good when i open my garage in the mornings, none of my Mercs I had over the last decade could do that to me.

On that basis alone its worth having, but just be mindful of the running costs.

Unless some are going to claim that servicing an Aston is in line with other high end cars. It is not and in SA one does not get a 120000Km warranty or plan from Aston? you get a 3 year limited warranty - just saying

 

Now I just need to find those pennies...

 

I have a DB9 and have driven both my friends SL65's and as far as raw power off the line the SL65 will win, there is no question about that. Now punching it at say 70 mph, the DB9 will easily hang with the SL and cornering is where the DB stands out, the SL feels like a tank turning as it seems to feel very heavy, while the DB is nose heavy it corners much better and is always predictable with a good set of tires.


Maintenance is high for both, I just put new coils and replaced the valve cover gaskets on mine and it barely has 30k on the clock, along with 2 window regulators. But my friends had to have new roof pumps and seals at 20k and also had to have the topend rebuilt after 35k and that cost $12,000. The pumps I think were done under warranty, he has also had a lot of electrical gremlins in his new SL, one was the radio cutting in and out, scared the crap out me when we were driving and the radio came on full blast.

 

Top end needed rebuild? Why?

 

Not sure, let me ask him and I will get back to you.