DBS driving experience vs 991 Turbo
Discussion
Could anyone whose had experience with both the DBS and 991 Turbo/S share your thoughts on these two cars. I am having a tough time deciding if the overall panache and beauty of the DBS could offset the huge performance gap between these two. I want a car that is fun to drive, and power certainly can make me grin from ear to ear, but that doesn't have to be the only factor. Perhaps the DBS elicits other emotions the Turbo can't?
The first sports car I ever had was a 986 Porsche Boxster, and while that only had 201 hp it was a blast to drive on weekend road trips. In contrast, my C63 tuned to 540hp, or the E55 I used to have were beasts on the highway but were/are a bit dull on back roads. The Turbo has the power and handling to offer the perfect blend that the cars above lacked, but the DBS I don't know. I know I'd be disappointed if I simply compare the numbers, but maybe the overall driving experience of the DBS is in another league the Turbo can't match? With that said, I can't shake the idea that the Turbo/S pretty much annihilates everything on the road or at the least is very competitive.
The first sports car I ever had was a 986 Porsche Boxster, and while that only had 201 hp it was a blast to drive on weekend road trips. In contrast, my C63 tuned to 540hp, or the E55 I used to have were beasts on the highway but were/are a bit dull on back roads. The Turbo has the power and handling to offer the perfect blend that the cars above lacked, but the DBS I don't know. I know I'd be disappointed if I simply compare the numbers, but maybe the overall driving experience of the DBS is in another league the Turbo can't match? With that said, I can't shake the idea that the Turbo/S pretty much annihilates everything on the road or at the least is very competitive.
nrgy said:
I can't shake the idea that the Turbo/S pretty much annihilates everything on the road, or at the least is very competitive.
Simple. Try pulling out of a side turning on to a busy road. First in a Porsche, then in an Aston Martin.
The Porsche won't be the fastest car then. Everyone seems to love an Aston. Drive one to see if the something special, is for you.
Yes you are right they are very different which is probably why I'm having such a difficult time between the two. Yet they fall into that GT category which is why I'm comparing them. I'm hoping I can find a DBS to test drive because I feel that is the only way I'll be able to decide.
And you're right...90%+ of the time I'll rarely be able to exploit the Turbo's power, however I do like knowing it's there if I need it. And with the Turbo at least I can apply all the power with the AWD...unlike my AMGs which light up the rears! But I appreciate the input.
And you're right...90%+ of the time I'll rarely be able to exploit the Turbo's power, however I do like knowing it's there if I need it. And with the Turbo at least I can apply all the power with the AWD...unlike my AMGs which light up the rears! But I appreciate the input.
Have you perhaps considered a somewhat in between option of a V12V? Has most (if not more - owner's view) of the panache of a DBS with a considerably more of a raw, sporty feel. It has fantastic brakes and great steering feel. Unless you are into drag races or have a lead foot, on a nice dry day on a real road the 991TS would not really be able to get away from it.
The 911 turbo is very fast in all road conditions, great traction and handling. Lots of great engineering, very little turbo lag, easy to drive at 32mph in 7th gear or switch to maximum attack and red-line up the box.
Out corners and out handles pretty much anything.
DBS is a wonderful fast GT. Handling is very good, traction is good but no match for 4wd. Brakes are better than the 911.
I had a 911 turbo (997.2 pdk turbo cabriolet) and I had a couple of drives of the DBS.
But I bought a V12V since it's got all the goodness of the DBS and more snarl. It's a thug in a gentleman's suit.
If I was feeling flush I would complete a project I started a while back to take the V12V on a diet (lithium ion battery, lightweight exhaust, inlet manifolds, blueprint and port) and take the engine to around 600bhp.
Then you have something more competitive with a 911 turbo...
Both great but very different cars. For me it would depend on how often I was going to use it. If it were everyday, I would favour the Turbo but as a weekend driver you will struggle to get more of a feel good factor than the DBS. Even when you're not driving them, Astons are a piece of art IMHO. I sold my 997 for a DBS and actually miss the Porsche's everyday usability...but I never regret owning the Aston and wouldn't switch back to a modern Porsche.
Looking in the classifieds, I reckon you could take a DBS and have enough left over for a pretty serious toy (Caterham, Exige etc). I also think that their respective values are moving in opposite directions. DBSs have appreciated recently whereas the Turbo is on the downward part of the depreciation curve.
Slarti650 said:
Or just get a Mclaren. All boxes ticked 
I do like the McLaren but it is a supercar and a little plain inside where as the Aston is a much nicer place to sit being a GT car and imo has more class .As for the Porsche unless you are really on it these are boring cars again imo . Not had the 991 but i did own 96 & 97 both changed quickly , much prefer the GT,RS models.Edited by cayman-black on Thursday 1st September 14:35
Dynamically McLaren's stack up brilliantly. But for me (and it is purely a personal opinion), I'm still waiting for them to make a car I like the look of, the designs at the moment are just way too fussy at the front end, to the point where I'm not sure I could stand seeing one on the driveway every night.
But then I feel the same way about modern Ferrari's too, so probably just need to go to specsavers
But then I feel the same way about modern Ferrari's too, so probably just need to go to specsavers
I appreciate the input once again. I'm hoping to test drive a DBS next week...I think that'll answer the questions I seek. I do love the Mclaren's, as well as the GT3s which was originally the Porsche I aimed to get. Unfortunately GT3s seem to command a premium which I can't quite justify (other enticing cars in that price range) and those vehicles seem more suited to the weekends. At least that's how I'd prefer to use them.
These questions will likely be answered on my test drive next week, but I'm curious about the auto box in the DBS. I've heard it's much improved, but not like the PDKs or DCTs. I only have the MB 7g tronic to reference, but how does it compare? There's noticeable lag with the 7g. You have to shift a good 500-800 rpm before redline or risk hitting hit. Of course I haven't ruled out the manual option!
These questions will likely be answered on my test drive next week, but I'm curious about the auto box in the DBS. I've heard it's much improved, but not like the PDKs or DCTs. I only have the MB 7g tronic to reference, but how does it compare? There's noticeable lag with the 7g. You have to shift a good 500-800 rpm before redline or risk hitting hit. Of course I haven't ruled out the manual option!
RobDown said:
the designs at the moment are just way too fussy at the front end, to the point where I'm not sure I could stand seeing one on the driveway every night.
But then I feel the same way about modern Ferrari's too, so probably just need to go to specsavers
...probably just us showing our ages, but to me modern mid-engine cars all look like insects. The Mclarens look a bit like a family of cockroaches. Sorry if I'm being a bit harsh...But then I feel the same way about modern Ferrari's too, so probably just need to go to specsavers
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