Discussion
I was in a similar position, you see a db7 driving down the road and they look special, however first time I sat in one it felt anything but special, you could really feel the Jag xjs and ford in it.
I love Astons, if you want an event to drive like the 964 but a db4/5/6 or v8, the first car they have made since the v8 that I really like is the DBS as in the bond film that is a special car! Although I rather liked the thuggishness of the virage.
I love Astons, if you want an event to drive like the 964 but a db4/5/6 or v8, the first car they have made since the v8 that I really like is the DBS as in the bond film that is a special car! Although I rather liked the thuggishness of the virage.
I happend to follow both a DB7 V12 and a Jaguar XKR (both coupes) for 10 minutes on the autoroute the other day and got a good look at both of them on the move.
I must admit to having been a DB7 fan (and the Vantage in particular) but comparing these two cars recently, the Aston looked like it had dated badly but the Jag looked better than ever to me!
There is something about the DB7 though, the front apron, the sills, but from the rear three-quarters, the rear lights and the panel gaps around them let it down badly.
I used to think that the Jag's rear lights looked odd, but in a dark colour, I can't see how they could be improved upon and they are very well integrated and those 20" wheels really give the car presense.
Gawd I must be getting old, starting to like old Jags!
However, the thought of a well priced Gransport or CLS AMG at some point in the future would probably stop me ever going there though...
I must admit to having been a DB7 fan (and the Vantage in particular) but comparing these two cars recently, the Aston looked like it had dated badly but the Jag looked better than ever to me!
There is something about the DB7 though, the front apron, the sills, but from the rear three-quarters, the rear lights and the panel gaps around them let it down badly.
I used to think that the Jag's rear lights looked odd, but in a dark colour, I can't see how they could be improved upon and they are very well integrated and those 20" wheels really give the car presense.
Gawd I must be getting old, starting to like old Jags!
However, the thought of a well priced Gransport or CLS AMG at some point in the future would probably stop me ever going there though...
Hugely different cars you really can't compare them. Stick with the 911 and save a fortune, 964 is a lovely car.
That said, DB7 is a very nice looking car, quite well built, but as others have said interior is a bit of a let down. However, it's not that bad, the leather is good and the cabin does manage to feel special if you don't look at the switch gear too closely!
Biggest problem with the car is the feel of it on broken tarmac/average B road. It's cr@p.
It shimmys and shakes just like the helm of an old XJS, and in no way is this feedback of the accurate type. I've driven a few V12 variants, and the engine is nice, and I like the car a lot but I just couldn't buy one as the lovely shape and body hide a very outdated chassis. Getting back in my 996 was like fast forwarding 20 years.
One car I always wanted was a Vanquish, but even after driving a new S I just couldn't bring myself to entertain one (or afford a new one - lol). Awful transmission, clunky, and just felt poorly engineered. I really hate that as that was my dream modern car. My business partner is getting a new Vantage Roadster in a few weeks and have been in a couple of coupes, not haven driven one can't really comment but these are supposed to be much, much better. IMO the only truely great Astons are the ones made before the late 1960's. DB5 and below.. I'd sell my soul for a nice DB4 GT please !
That said, DB7 is a very nice looking car, quite well built, but as others have said interior is a bit of a let down. However, it's not that bad, the leather is good and the cabin does manage to feel special if you don't look at the switch gear too closely!
Biggest problem with the car is the feel of it on broken tarmac/average B road. It's cr@p.
It shimmys and shakes just like the helm of an old XJS, and in no way is this feedback of the accurate type. I've driven a few V12 variants, and the engine is nice, and I like the car a lot but I just couldn't buy one as the lovely shape and body hide a very outdated chassis. Getting back in my 996 was like fast forwarding 20 years.One car I always wanted was a Vanquish, but even after driving a new S I just couldn't bring myself to entertain one (or afford a new one - lol). Awful transmission, clunky, and just felt poorly engineered. I really hate that as that was my dream modern car. My business partner is getting a new Vantage Roadster in a few weeks and have been in a couple of coupes, not haven driven one can't really comment but these are supposed to be much, much better. IMO the only truely great Astons are the ones made before the late 1960's. DB5 and below.. I'd sell my soul for a nice DB4 GT please !
Yes but all these cars are period pieces now, not particularly fast or nimble, and priced away beyond their admittedly strong appeal. Its surprising that though that the DB7 which was always billed as the most beautiful car in the world, it does seem to have aged, and its saggy and inelegant compared with the XK8, which had always been the poor relative. The ones that do look good are the volantes, particularly in dark colours. And the engine sounds terrific. But as a driving experience i'm not so sure, and to run, I think could be a real nightmare.
The thing that I always find special about Porsche's is you can drive to a track day, take it on track with no special preparation and have a potent track tool, then drive it home in reliable comfort, take it to the supermarket the day after, go for a sunday drive in it, park it outside a nice restaurant, they never feel out of place.
What about the Virage? Guessing that is a just an ancient driving experience but this one caught my eye http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/231712.htm Classy old beasts I reckon.
But agree with wildoliver about nothing else getting near to a Porsche as an all-rounder in terms of prestige, practicality and driving experience.
But agree with wildoliver about nothing else getting near to a Porsche as an all-rounder in terms of prestige, practicality and driving experience.
Edited by nine6four on Thursday 30th August 13:24
nine6four said:
What about the Virage? Guessing that is a just an ancient driving experience but this one caught my eye http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/231712.htm Classy old beasts I reckon.
But agree with wildoliver about nothing else getting near to a Porsche as an all-rounder in terms of prestige, practicality and driving experience.
Lurveley Aston methinksBut agree with wildoliver about nothing else getting near to a Porsche as an all-rounder in terms of prestige, practicality and driving experience.
Edited by nine6four on Thursday 30th August 13:24
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