The 8-speed is very good, but there's nothing wrong with the 6-speed. If you're going to drive in "D" either one will be fine. If you're inclined to use the paddles the 6-speed ratios are are a bit better suited, at least in my opinion. Time for some test drives!

 

I’ve posted this information previously but here are the differences between the 6 speed and 8 speed Vanquishes:

I agree that you should buy the the Vanquish that you are drawn to regardless of year but please note that there were more changes starting in 2015. Other changes, besides the (lighter, quicker shifting) ZF 8 speed include:
- Bosch engine management
​​​​​​ - Lower final drive ratio (which cuts a half second 0-60 time)
- 15% stiffer front dampers
- 35% stiffer rear dampers
- 20% stiffer rear suspension bushings
- Retuned brake booster and DSC system
- Retuned steering ECU

All these changes were intended to make the Vanquish a more engaging car to drive which I found to be the case. You need to drive examples from 2014 and 2015 to see if the changes are worth it to you.

 

Thanks for the info

I was already aware of the upgrades on the 2015+ models, and aside from the transmission differences, the other changes aren’t deal breakers for me.

I drove a 2014 Vanquish quite a while ago and more recently tried a 2017. Since it had been so long, I didn’t notice a huge difference—though the 2017 did feel a bit quicker off the line and slightly stiffer.

Comparing the 2016 DB9 GT to the 2014 Vanquish, they’re mechanically very similar. They share the same updated infotainment system and transmission. In my opinion, one advantage of the DB9 GT is that it has better-looking seats than the Vanquish. Also, there seem to be fewer DB9 GTs on the market compared to 2014 Vanquishes.

 

Any Vanquish or DB9 owners here in this thread? Is it true that insurance is significantly higher for the Vanquish compared to the DB9?

Since the Vanquish has a carbon fiber body, repair costs could be much higher, whereas the DB9’s aluminum body is less expensive to fix. Curious if that actually makes a noticeable difference in insurance premiums.

 

The collector car insurance premium for my 2015 Vanquish wasn’t much higher than the similar coverage for my 2012 Vantage S. I’m with Grundy.

 

I was going through some stuff and thought about vanquish vs Db9 differences, I know most vh models came with stock muffler and came with sport muffler that makes a bit difference in exhaust sound. ( My vantage came with regular muffler that I upgraded to sport muffler, made significant sound improvement) Did Vanquish had sport or base muffler or they they all have sport muffler?

 

I’ve never seen a Sport muffler optioned Vanquish so I assume no such option was available from the factory. VAP and other vendors offer exhaust system options for the Vanquish. In case you weren’t aware, the 2014-2017 Vanquishes had a set of Secondary cats which can be replaced with straight (or X) pipes which makes a noticeable difference in exhaust sound. The 2018 Vanquish S did not have secondary cats so it seems to be a legal mod in California. Also note that a CCCharger device can be installed to enable control of the exhaust bypass system.

 

I'd start with the CCCharger with a default to open configuration. Lot easier than engaging the key fob every time you want to hear the exhaust. Turn the valves on when you're on the phone or settling in on the hwy. You'll be happy with the CCCharger and it's basically a prerequisite.

Aston Martin dealers would've sold a lot more if they had the CCCharger on their demo cars.

The X Pipe with the valves closed is not really any different sounding, but with the valves open is dramatic. Sometimes too much actually. More mid-range punch as well.

 

The stock muffler on my Vanquish is about half the size of the one that was on my DB9. Similar to the size difference you see in this thread: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...my-rapide.html

I've got the CCCharger remote switch and really like it. The only thing it won't do is a quiet start with the valves closed.

 

[QUOTE=dpath;4961331]I’ve never seen a Sport muffler optioned Vanquish so I assume no such option was available from the factory. VAP and other vendors offer exhaust system options for the Vanquish. In case you weren’t aware, the 2014-2017 Vanquishes had a set of Secondary cats which can be replaced with straight (or X) pipes which makes a noticeable difference in exhaust sound.
The 2018 Vanquish S did not have secondary cats so it seems to be a legal mod in California.
To your comment- Cars made for NA they all have secondary Cats, I know UK/Europe was offered 18 S without secondary cats.

To sum up, I thought the same for Vanquish, never seen one that had optional sport muffler from factory, they only had one stock muffler. As one of the commenter mentioned, it's significantly smaller in size than other models like DB9 /Virage or Vantage.

 

“Cars made for NA they all have secondary Cats, I know UK/Europe was offered 18 S without secondary cats.” I stand corrected but my local CA state smog inspection station looked up Aston Martin Vanquish and passed my car since not all Vanquishes came with secondary cats.

 

Lucky you, if you came to my shop, you would fail test with modified exhaust report. 😂 😂
All good, I was just making a comment.
Appreciate your input.

 

Anyone with 16 DB9 GT knowledge, did GT came with sport exhaust?

 

Checked out locally advertised 16 Vanquish, beautiful car, what I've realized, even though Vanquish is more sportier than DB9 as far the looks, had a higher seating level compared to my Vantage, which is big bonus for me. With my back problems, I'm starting to realize that getting in to vantage seat is a little bit of challenging. So, going forward that is gonna be deciding factor. I'd like to find out, is DB9 seating position is similar to Vanquish or is it even higher?

 

My Vanquish has the seat height adjustment option. Looking at the owners manual, the height adjustable ones have silver buttons and the non heaight adjustable ones are black. They are located next to the seats on the trans' tunnel.