911 or DB11 v8
Discussion
As th thread title suggests, I am looking for collective thoughts of which to buy.
I have a Taycan CT-4S company car as a daily driver which I actually really like, but am a petrolhead at heart and would like to buy a second car for weekend and occasional use. I have space in my garage for it - so it will not need to live outside.
I narrowed it down to these two as I have always loved 911s, but also really like the looks and noise of the DB11.
I need a car with at least tiny back seats just in case a third passenger ever needs to be taken on a short journey (I have 2 teenage kids) and I would like something that will work when I go to use it, without being mid 4 figure expensive a year to run.
The v8 DB11 appealed with it being cheaper to tax and potentially a bit more involving to drive than the v12. For the 911, I guess I would like at least an S model.
Something that feels a bit special, is fun to drive, nice to look at and won t try to kill me when I drive it. I would also much prefer a coupe than a cab, but do quite like the Targa 911 looks.
I have a budget of around £70-90kish, so I can get into a 992 or a very good 991 and easily get a DB11 from an AM dealer with warranty at that price.
There seems to be less choice of this sort of car than there used to be for some reason. I would be open to suggestions of vehicles that I might have missed. That said, I don t like the Maserati. Would love an FF but the bills frighten me. Is there anything obvious I have overlooked?
What thoughts?
I have a Taycan CT-4S company car as a daily driver which I actually really like, but am a petrolhead at heart and would like to buy a second car for weekend and occasional use. I have space in my garage for it - so it will not need to live outside.
I narrowed it down to these two as I have always loved 911s, but also really like the looks and noise of the DB11.
I need a car with at least tiny back seats just in case a third passenger ever needs to be taken on a short journey (I have 2 teenage kids) and I would like something that will work when I go to use it, without being mid 4 figure expensive a year to run.
The v8 DB11 appealed with it being cheaper to tax and potentially a bit more involving to drive than the v12. For the 911, I guess I would like at least an S model.
Something that feels a bit special, is fun to drive, nice to look at and won t try to kill me when I drive it. I would also much prefer a coupe than a cab, but do quite like the Targa 911 looks.
I have a budget of around £70-90kish, so I can get into a 992 or a very good 991 and easily get a DB11 from an AM dealer with warranty at that price.
There seems to be less choice of this sort of car than there used to be for some reason. I would be open to suggestions of vehicles that I might have missed. That said, I don t like the Maserati. Would love an FF but the bills frighten me. Is there anything obvious I have overlooked?
What thoughts?
Edited by Mr Micawber on Friday 3rd October 08:06
Edited by Mr Micawber on Friday 3rd October 08:11
Agree with above.
I've never driven either car, but conventional wisdom seems to suggest that 911s are always amazing cars and often best in class. However they are orders of magnitude more common than Astons so the DB11 is where I would go.
The type of car that you'd never get tired of walking up to and people stop and stare at in the street!
I've never driven either car, but conventional wisdom seems to suggest that 911s are always amazing cars and often best in class. However they are orders of magnitude more common than Astons so the DB11 is where I would go.
The type of car that you'd never get tired of walking up to and people stop and stare at in the street!
I've got some experience across both, although more Vantage than DB11 after owning a 2019 car from new, whilst my Brother has a 992 GTS which I've spent time with. I also own a GT4 so I'm not really biased to Aston or Porsche - I love them both.
For me, it boils down to what you really want it for -
Porsche - a DB11 won't see which way a 992 S or GTS went (especially 4wd). They're super capable in any scenario, endless mechanical grip and although not huge power 'on paper' they're plenty fast enough. If I could only own 1 car for the rest of my life, it would be a 911. BUT, IMO they don't feel particularly special, especially from inside, and they don't sound particularly good, especially lower down in the rev range where they're quite mechanical and rattly sounding.
Aston - they just feel so special. Big mirrors out on stalks, thick leather clad A pillars, wide rear end...the DB11 doesn't have the best interior design but it will still make you feel far more special than a 911 (despite the infotainment and lack of Carplay driving you mad). A 2019 or earlier car won't have OPF's, which means it'll sound amazing all of the time, and the V8 is definitely the engine to go for having spent time in both. It won't handle anywhere near as well as the Porsche, but it can be slightly improved - the best upgrade I did to my Vantage was swapping the awful standard tyres for Michelin PS4S. I've found my Vantage easy to live with, it has 360 cameras, comfortable seats and the extended warranty and servicing costs are very reasonable for a car at this level - extended warranty around £2k per year from memory.
If you're wanting it for 'spirited' drives with the likes of a car tour company/driving club and a few track days per year, get the Porsche. Otherwise, I'd pick the Aston all day long, swap the tyres and retrofit Carplay.
For me, it boils down to what you really want it for -
Porsche - a DB11 won't see which way a 992 S or GTS went (especially 4wd). They're super capable in any scenario, endless mechanical grip and although not huge power 'on paper' they're plenty fast enough. If I could only own 1 car for the rest of my life, it would be a 911. BUT, IMO they don't feel particularly special, especially from inside, and they don't sound particularly good, especially lower down in the rev range where they're quite mechanical and rattly sounding.
Aston - they just feel so special. Big mirrors out on stalks, thick leather clad A pillars, wide rear end...the DB11 doesn't have the best interior design but it will still make you feel far more special than a 911 (despite the infotainment and lack of Carplay driving you mad). A 2019 or earlier car won't have OPF's, which means it'll sound amazing all of the time, and the V8 is definitely the engine to go for having spent time in both. It won't handle anywhere near as well as the Porsche, but it can be slightly improved - the best upgrade I did to my Vantage was swapping the awful standard tyres for Michelin PS4S. I've found my Vantage easy to live with, it has 360 cameras, comfortable seats and the extended warranty and servicing costs are very reasonable for a car at this level - extended warranty around £2k per year from memory.
If you're wanting it for 'spirited' drives with the likes of a car tour company/driving club and a few track days per year, get the Porsche. Otherwise, I'd pick the Aston all day long, swap the tyres and retrofit Carplay.
Thank you for the helpful comments.
I have noticed that the AMR models also qualify for the £195 annual tax (as do any cars registered after 1/4/17 and are over 6 years old. Having driven one a few years ago - these feel very special, although potentially a bit scary if really pushing on.
I am leaning towards the Aston. I am not looking for a car to take on the track, or to wring the neck out of it on public roads - but I want something I can enjoy for a good spirited drive on a quiet road every now and again.
I have noticed that the AMR models also qualify for the £195 annual tax (as do any cars registered after 1/4/17 and are over 6 years old. Having driven one a few years ago - these feel very special, although potentially a bit scary if really pushing on.
I am leaning towards the Aston. I am not looking for a car to take on the track, or to wring the neck out of it on public roads - but I want something I can enjoy for a good spirited drive on a quiet road every now and again.
I would usually say 911, but to me they are more daily driver cars. I think an Aston Martin will feel more special and a Ferrari even more so (FF again is more of a daily car though imo, albeit probably the best one ever made). A 599 would be in budget and I think I would get that if it was my money. Personally I think they are undervalued and at minimum it won’t lose value, might even be on the upswing - so that should make up for potentially higher running costs and you have a truly special engine and car.
Well, my current car is a 992.1 GTS and my last car was a DB11 V12 AMR. I feel qualified to comment!
While they should be similar, they’re chalk and cheese.
Everyone always used to complain about the state of the roads around where I live, I always wondered what they were on about as I’d just glide everywhere in comfort in the Aston. Then I got the 911…….f
k me! My wife won’t even travel more than an hour or so in the Porsche, she detests it. It’s needlessly uncomfortable, clattering over the smallest bumps and whacking your kidneys into the side bolsters. The Aston was amazing.
The Porsche sounds st. End of story. Ok, not quite the end, it sounds ok when you’re wringing its neck and you’ve got it to 7000rpm+. But the gearing is so tall you can do it in first and then you’re breaking the speed limit (by some margin) to do it in second. The Aston…….wow! Pick any point in the rev range, from idle burble to low down pops and crackles to higher up where it howls. It was ace.
The reviews I watched always praised the turbo 3.0 of the Porsche, some even saying you couldn’t tell it’s turbocharged. They’re idiots. It’s so boosty that it does, quite frankly, get on my tits. Nothing….nothing…..bang - everything! It is very quick, though. The Aston pulls beautifully linearly. It’s brutal, but not like the Porsche.
The Aston smells like you’re climbing into some expensive leather goods. It feels expensive, it smells expensive and it looks expensive (apart from the rather crappy Merc tech). It makes you feel good. The Porsche feels like a slightly fancier Audi and has numerous rattles at two years old. The Aston never rattled.
The Aston is an event as soon as you press the starter button. That V12 starter noise…….well it almost sounds like cranking up a WW2 fighter. The noise - just epic. The Porsche……a rattly bag of spanners.
The Aston was just awesome, just totally special for 90% of its use. But that 10% where you actually want to really enjoy driving……..that’ll be the Porsche - totally dull and reliable for 90% of its use but a different league when pressing on. The brakes inspire such confidence and the balance of the car is really nice. The Aston felt like a barge in comparison. The steering is crap, though, unless you’re doing silly speeds when it weights up nicely but still has no feel.
Seriously, though, we use both 4-up with the children. They say they prefer the rear of the Porsche but they much preferred the Aston generally. Luggage space is marginally better in the Porsche as the dimensions and access are better and there’s a rear parcel shelf, which is surprisingly spacious. The roof transport system on the Porsche is a massive plus as well.
The Aston wasn’t great with reliability and I had some big bills. I never really trusted it - or the Aston warranty. The Porsche I trust entirely. I also much preferred the Porsche dealer experience. They both look brilliant so couldn’t choose between them on that front.
I’m really glad I did the Aston, they’re far more special than Porsches. But I just feel far more comfortable with the Porsche; I worry a lot less, I trust it more, it’s a remarkably practical and sensible car. But it is a bit boring. I think Astons are for people who genuinely have money, whereas a Porsche is a bit more manageable if you’re just ‘doing well’. I felt out of my depth financially with the Aston - a bit of an imposter.
Tough call, really. Personally I’d do the Aston first while they’ve still got the extended warranty from the main dealer. Do that for two years and then move to a 911, probably a 992 4S to avoid the stupid suspension and centre lock wheels on the GTS.
You’ll love both, though. I do.
While they should be similar, they’re chalk and cheese.
Everyone always used to complain about the state of the roads around where I live, I always wondered what they were on about as I’d just glide everywhere in comfort in the Aston. Then I got the 911…….f
k me! My wife won’t even travel more than an hour or so in the Porsche, she detests it. It’s needlessly uncomfortable, clattering over the smallest bumps and whacking your kidneys into the side bolsters. The Aston was amazing. The Porsche sounds s
t. End of story. Ok, not quite the end, it sounds ok when you’re wringing its neck and you’ve got it to 7000rpm+. But the gearing is so tall you can do it in first and then you’re breaking the speed limit (by some margin) to do it in second. The Aston…….wow! Pick any point in the rev range, from idle burble to low down pops and crackles to higher up where it howls. It was ace. The reviews I watched always praised the turbo 3.0 of the Porsche, some even saying you couldn’t tell it’s turbocharged. They’re idiots. It’s so boosty that it does, quite frankly, get on my tits. Nothing….nothing…..bang - everything! It is very quick, though. The Aston pulls beautifully linearly. It’s brutal, but not like the Porsche.
The Aston smells like you’re climbing into some expensive leather goods. It feels expensive, it smells expensive and it looks expensive (apart from the rather crappy Merc tech). It makes you feel good. The Porsche feels like a slightly fancier Audi and has numerous rattles at two years old. The Aston never rattled.
The Aston is an event as soon as you press the starter button. That V12 starter noise…….well it almost sounds like cranking up a WW2 fighter. The noise - just epic. The Porsche……a rattly bag of spanners.
The Aston was just awesome, just totally special for 90% of its use. But that 10% where you actually want to really enjoy driving……..that’ll be the Porsche - totally dull and reliable for 90% of its use but a different league when pressing on. The brakes inspire such confidence and the balance of the car is really nice. The Aston felt like a barge in comparison. The steering is crap, though, unless you’re doing silly speeds when it weights up nicely but still has no feel.
Seriously, though, we use both 4-up with the children. They say they prefer the rear of the Porsche but they much preferred the Aston generally. Luggage space is marginally better in the Porsche as the dimensions and access are better and there’s a rear parcel shelf, which is surprisingly spacious. The roof transport system on the Porsche is a massive plus as well.
The Aston wasn’t great with reliability and I had some big bills. I never really trusted it - or the Aston warranty. The Porsche I trust entirely. I also much preferred the Porsche dealer experience. They both look brilliant so couldn’t choose between them on that front.
I’m really glad I did the Aston, they’re far more special than Porsches. But I just feel far more comfortable with the Porsche; I worry a lot less, I trust it more, it’s a remarkably practical and sensible car. But it is a bit boring. I think Astons are for people who genuinely have money, whereas a Porsche is a bit more manageable if you’re just ‘doing well’. I felt out of my depth financially with the Aston - a bit of an imposter.
Tough call, really. Personally I’d do the Aston first while they’ve still got the extended warranty from the main dealer. Do that for two years and then move to a 911, probably a 992 4S to avoid the stupid suspension and centre lock wheels on the GTS.
You’ll love both, though. I do.
Mr Micawber said:
That is an awesome write up - thank you.
It leaves me more undecided than I was before though. Heart Aston. Head Porsche.
How bad were the bills on the AMR DB11? What sort of mileage did you do in it?
I think I did 5k in a year and then sold it. Had a bill for £4k for a turbo issue but Aston themselves wanted £10k for it. Servicing cost nothing as it was on a service pack. It also locked me out of the boot once! The Porsche had a few things done under warranty so it’s far from perfect, but they’re niggles more than anything else. It leaves me more undecided than I was before though. Heart Aston. Head Porsche.
How bad were the bills on the AMR DB11? What sort of mileage did you do in it?
I think, as trailmonster says, if you want something really different and really special the Aston is leagues ahead. The Porsche reminds me of my old Audi S3 and even smells the same!
There’s a slight worry with Porsches that your headlights might go missing. That may or may not be a factor for you. As far as I know, no one steals Astons.
As others have said, the Aston will feel more special - more luxurious. The 911 will feel more evolved somehow - everything done for a purpose, nothing superfluous.
I've had a Vanquish and currently have a 911. I probably wouldn't have another Aston - but I'd have another 911 were I to sell my current one. It feels (to me at least) a more purposeful drivers car - maybe less of an event than firing up an Aston, but more focussed somehow.
Nice choice and you need to drive both.
I've had a Vanquish and currently have a 911. I probably wouldn't have another Aston - but I'd have another 911 were I to sell my current one. It feels (to me at least) a more purposeful drivers car - maybe less of an event than firing up an Aston, but more focussed somehow.
Nice choice and you need to drive both.
AstonZagato said:
I would echo that the 911 is a more focused driver's tool but the Aston is more of an event.
On the DB11, I would recommend trying a late Vanquish. I was making the choice I thought the Vanquish was more impressive in every single way. It is an older car but very, very lovely.
Exactly my thoughts. A 911 is just a 911, db11 v8 isn't pretty, nor anywhere near as special as a n/a v12 vanquishOn the DB11, I would recommend trying a late Vanquish. I was making the choice I thought the Vanquish was more impressive in every single way. It is an older car but very, very lovely.
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