DBS Volante or California?
Discussion
Hey folks. I have now decided to get out of my 997 Turbo and go for a DBS Volante - BUT, I have decided to look at a California as a serious alternative to the DBS. I'd be interested in hearing any views, especially from folks that have owned (or at least driven) them both.
Definitely want open-top
Always wanted an Aston Martin
Always wanted a Ferrari
Must be a current car
Love that the DBS is a serious top of the range Aston Martin (ok, it's not a one-77 but then none of us will ever experience that
)
Would much prefer a 458 but would be in the divorce courts if I spent that much money
Love the lines of the DBS
Love the lines of the California
I will of course drive them both but would welcome any informed views.
Cheers,
Gixxer.
Definitely want open-top
Always wanted an Aston Martin
Always wanted a Ferrari
Must be a current car
Love that the DBS is a serious top of the range Aston Martin (ok, it's not a one-77 but then none of us will ever experience that
)Would much prefer a 458 but would be in the divorce courts if I spent that much money
Love the lines of the DBS
Love the lines of the California
I will of course drive them both but would welcome any informed views.
Cheers,
Gixxer.
Umm I would like the Ferrari personnaly.Dont think you'll get much support for the Aston on here. Its a seriously old/outdated car, beaten in every way by the Cali. So on paper its the Cali, but as usual with these sorts of purchases, its fuelled primarily by the unreasoned urge/desire of the purchaser. I think only you can make that decision.
Good luck
Good luck
My personal opinion is
- the dbs looks a lot better
- the dbs sounds a lot better
- it is a 12
if you dont buy it new and dont take the initial hit, I imagine it will hold its value a bit better than the cali for the above reasons
I think it is one of the prettiest cars around and imo the cali looks rather unappealing
in the end I guess you'll have to drive both and see which one floats your boay
- the dbs looks a lot better
- the dbs sounds a lot better
- it is a 12
if you dont buy it new and dont take the initial hit, I imagine it will hold its value a bit better than the cali for the above reasons
I think it is one of the prettiest cars around and imo the cali looks rather unappealing
in the end I guess you'll have to drive both and see which one floats your boay
I would go for the California only because the Aston is a bit dated now and due for an update next year! Still think the DBS is better looking but the Ferrari wins on just about everything else and with the folding hard top and better performance mated to the that clever gear box would be decisive for me...
kryten22uk said:
Dont think you'll get much support for the Aston on here. Its a seriously old/outdated car, beaten in every way by the Cali. So on paper its the Cali, but as usual with these sorts of purchases, its fuelled primarily by the unreasoned urge/desire of the purchaser. I think only you can make that decision.
Good luck
Yep, that's expected. And if I posted this in the Aston forum guess what people would say?!? I'm going to drive both cars and see how I feel.Good luck
I love the look / idea of the DBS but haven't drive one. I drove a DB9 and was rather underwhelmed (when compared to the performance of my 911 turbo). I do admire the look / idea of the California (especially the roof - but shame about those naaf stacked exhausts...) BUT I may open the garage door every day and wish it was a 458. With a DBS I know I will open the garage door and think it's the best Aston available today. If in a year or so it's replaced (it will be longer than that in my view) then that will be about the time I am looking to move on anyway.
BUT, I've always wanted a Ferrari. I test drove a 348 when the 355 first came out and decided it was too slow. I test drove a 355 when the 430 was imminent and decided to wait. I test drove a 430 when they were first launched and decided on the 911 (performance versus price). I simply must scratch the Ferrari itch and the Aston itch - but which one first? And, I am well and truly over the Porsche itch (unless I decide to go searching for a 997 GT2RS that is....)
Hey ho...
Cheers,
Gixxer
Edited by gixxer1000 on Friday 2nd December 22:31
gixxer1000 said:
Hey folks. I have now decided to get out of my 997 Turbo and go for a DBS Volante - BUT, I have decided to look at a California as a serious alternative to the DBS. I'd be interested in hearing any views, especially from folks that have owned (or at least driven) them both.
Definitely want open-top
Always wanted an Aston Martin
Always wanted a Ferrari
Must be a current car
Love that the DBS is a serious top of the range Aston Martin (ok, it's not a one-77 but then none of us will ever experience that)
Would much prefer a 458 but would be in the divorce courts if I spent that much money
Love the lines of the DBS
Love the lines of the California
I will of course drive them both but would welcome any informed views.
Cheers,
Gixxer.
You're right - you need to drive them both. I'd be amazed if you didn't go for the California after driving them, as long as you can remain totally objective because the Aston remains the best a) looking, b) sounding and c) image (imo), but sorry to say I thought it drove like a barge (relatively speaking). The Cali lacks some mid range grunt - to be addressed by the 30+ bhp upgrade in 2012 I hope - but to my mind was always the better car to own. And like you I really wanted to buy into the DBS experience.Definitely want open-top
Always wanted an Aston Martin
Always wanted a Ferrari
Must be a current car
Love that the DBS is a serious top of the range Aston Martin (ok, it's not a one-77 but then none of us will ever experience that
)Would much prefer a 458 but would be in the divorce courts if I spent that much money
Love the lines of the DBS
Love the lines of the California
I will of course drive them both but would welcome any informed views.
Cheers,
Gixxer.
I even bought a Vanquish a few months ago to scratch the modern Aston itch. Stupid move, not for me, and sold it after a couple of weeks. Have decided, sadly, that those cars are best seen, heard, but not driven.
Is it just me, or does the DBS volante seem more of a mans car with its aggressive lines, stance etc, and the California something a footballer would buy for his wife. Sure the Cali might b the better overall package, but then again looks far out way performance in my eyes. I prefer strippers to female rugby players.
Even if I had that kind of cash, and was def. wanting an F car I would take the F430 over the California.
P.s. I do appreciate that it's not really a like for like comparison, and yes I def. would go for the DBS.
Mr Fox.
Even if I had that kind of cash, and was def. wanting an F car I would take the F430 over the California.
P.s. I do appreciate that it's not really a like for like comparison, and yes I def. would go for the DBS.
Mr Fox.
The Aston DBS is the best gt in the world,and old and outdated? It's 3 years old so how do people work that out?
It has a more of an old fashioned driving style ..in that your driving is not controlled by the computer and electronics like most of today's high performance cars,but it is a supreme driving machine,superb on road and surprisingly accomplished on track.
I've spent the last year driving loads of cars,and the only one that would tempt me out of the gallardo is the Aston,in fact I am test driving one in about 2 hours that I intend to buy.
It has a more of an old fashioned driving style ..in that your driving is not controlled by the computer and electronics like most of today's high performance cars,but it is a supreme driving machine,superb on road and surprisingly accomplished on track.
I've spent the last year driving loads of cars,and the only one that would tempt me out of the gallardo is the Aston,in fact I am test driving one in about 2 hours that I intend to buy.
I've had a California for a long weekend and loved it! So went to put a deposit on one(on the Monday) but then drove a DBS on the following Saturday and got my money back !
I now have a DBS and love it. The auto box in the DBS is not even in the same league as the Ferrari and feels dated by comparison.
So I have a simple solution......
Buy a manual like I did!
The Ferrari. Feels more current and is easier to drive but every time I look at the DBS I grin and it fells more aggressive to drive.
And all this from a true Ferrari man. I always dreamed of a Ferrari and was a little saddened by how much I preferred the Aston!
I will have to wait for the 458 to depreciate till I can scratch that one.
Good luck
I now have a DBS and love it. The auto box in the DBS is not even in the same league as the Ferrari and feels dated by comparison.
So I have a simple solution......
Buy a manual like I did!
The Ferrari. Feels more current and is easier to drive but every time I look at the DBS I grin and it fells more aggressive to drive.
And all this from a true Ferrari man. I always dreamed of a Ferrari and was a little saddened by how much I preferred the Aston!
I will have to wait for the 458 to depreciate till I can scratch that one.
Good luck
i went from a 997 turbo to a california and its so much better a car in terms of its fun factor. i considered a dbs and i love the looks of them but according to my colleagues who own one they have each had quite a few niggly problems. my california is up for sale as i fancy a change not sure whether to go to an sls merc or up to a 458. whatever else i own i always end up wanting another ferrari.
some points on the california:
its not huge like a 599 but it is bigger than 911
dual clutch box is fantastic and doesnt eat itself in traffic
interior is lovely with nice brushed metal door handles, centre console. big contrast to the merc sls which uses cheap plastic, the porsche is somewhere inbetween
it rides well, magnaride (optional) works well
it gets lots of positive attention
its very fast and sounds great
so far 100% reliable
some points on the california:
its not huge like a 599 but it is bigger than 911
dual clutch box is fantastic and doesnt eat itself in traffic
interior is lovely with nice brushed metal door handles, centre console. big contrast to the merc sls which uses cheap plastic, the porsche is somewhere inbetween
it rides well, magnaride (optional) works well
it gets lots of positive attention
its very fast and sounds great
so far 100% reliable
I have been lucky enough to own a DBS Volante and now a Calfornia.
The DBS is sill the better looking car in my mind, I am naturally an AM fan, BUT the California delivers for me, more pleasure, more versatilty, more reliability and with post March 2011 cars free servicing for 7 years.
The best decision I have made, even though I still look twice at a DBS when I see one.
The DBS is sill the better looking car in my mind, I am naturally an AM fan, BUT the California delivers for me, more pleasure, more versatilty, more reliability and with post March 2011 cars free servicing for 7 years.
The best decision I have made, even though I still look twice at a DBS when I see one.
Both Great Cars... I worked for Aston Martin for 5 Years and love the DBS to pieces and was the best thing since sliced bread in the Aston Martin World... however, i have moved to the prancing horse brand now and realised the technology within the California is far superior to that of the DBS. It is a quicker car, has more infotainment equipment and it has a folding hard top - the best of all worlds plus that fantastic gearbox. Personally for me, the best car in the world and is what i would put my money in to. But everyone is entitled to their opinion!
franki68 said:
The Aston DBS is the best gt in the world,and old and outdated? It's 3 years old so how do people work that out?
It has a more of an old fashioned driving style ..in that your driving is not controlled by the computer and electronics like most of today's high performance cars,but it is a supreme driving machine,superb on road and surprisingly accomplished on track.
I've spent the last year driving loads of cars,and the only one that would tempt me out of the gallardo is the Aston,in fact I am test driving one in about 2 hours that I intend to buy.
Personally I think the Jaguar XKR is the best GT in the world right now! It just does not have the right badge and the styling is not quite as coherent. Quicker than the DBS, better made, more reliable and better handling - IMO.It has a more of an old fashioned driving style ..in that your driving is not controlled by the computer and electronics like most of today's high performance cars,but it is a supreme driving machine,superb on road and surprisingly accomplished on track.
I've spent the last year driving loads of cars,and the only one that would tempt me out of the gallardo is the Aston,in fact I am test driving one in about 2 hours that I intend to buy.
Both the Cali and DBS are great cars, the Cali is the more sporty of the two whereas the DBS is more of a GT. I love the looks of the DBS and really enjoy it's typically british driving style - needs manhandling to get the most out of it. The Cali is quicker, noisier and more responsive.
Nice choice to have and neither will be a mistake - you could buy the Jag and save a bit and I am sure you will not regret it!
gixxer1000 said:
Hey folks. I have now decided to get out of my 997 Turbo and go for a DBS Volante - BUT, I have decided to look at a California as a serious alternative to the DBS. I'd be interested in hearing any views, especially from folks that have owned (or at least driven) them both.
Definitely want open-top
Always wanted an Aston Martin
Always wanted a Ferrari
Must be a current car
Love that the DBS is a serious top of the range Aston Martin (ok, it's not a one-77 but then none of us will ever experience that)
Would much prefer a 458 but would be in the divorce courts if I spent that much money
Love the lines of the DBS
Love the lines of the California
I will of course drive them both but would welcome any informed views.
Cheers,
Gixxer.
Both Aston and Ferrari will not handle as well in the wet as your Turbo, just thought I'd throw that in there. I'm guessing though they will probably be weekend toys so not a huge problem for you. Definitely want open-top
Always wanted an Aston Martin
Always wanted a Ferrari
Must be a current car
Love that the DBS is a serious top of the range Aston Martin (ok, it's not a one-77 but then none of us will ever experience that
)Would much prefer a 458 but would be in the divorce courts if I spent that much money
Love the lines of the DBS
Love the lines of the California
I will of course drive them both but would welcome any informed views.
Cheers,
Gixxer.
Aston is gorgeous, I understand what people are saying about it being dated, but unless you are a very keen driver then I don't think it will bother you. The back seats in the Aston are completely 100% useless. I did once have 2 people in the back, and I had the seat pulled right forward so I was practically licking the windscreen and they were still howling in pain.
I can't really add much to that unfortunately. Go test drive them both and see what you think. For me the DBS is the better looking car (can be had in Manual if you'd prefer) where as the California is only flappy paddle (I think one or two manuals have been made but you'll never find one) but then the Cali is still pretty and makes a nice noise... Oh I don’t know!!!!
Go test drive both and see which you prefer. Let us know how you get on.
pb1695 said:
Personally I think the Jaguar XKR is the best GT in the world right now! It just does not have the right badge and the styling is not quite as coherent. Quicker than the DBS, better made, more reliable and better handling - IMO.
Both the Cali and DBS are great cars, the Cali is the more sporty of the two whereas the DBS is more of a GT. I love the looks of the DBS and really enjoy it's typically british driving style - needs manhandling to get the most out of it. The Cali is quicker, noisier and more responsive.
Nice choice to have and neither will be a mistake - you could buy the Jag and save a bit and I am sure you will not regret it!
I have drive the xkr,and deeply impressive it is,however the steering is far too light for my tastes and strangely the one I drove rode very firmly.it is also about to be replaced next year....and critically for me has no manual box ! But it is superb no doubt,just not for me.Both the Cali and DBS are great cars, the Cali is the more sporty of the two whereas the DBS is more of a GT. I love the looks of the DBS and really enjoy it's typically british driving style - needs manhandling to get the most out of it. The Cali is quicker, noisier and more responsive.
Nice choice to have and neither will be a mistake - you could buy the Jag and save a bit and I am sure you will not regret it!
Why not a Lambo e.g. http://pistonheads.com/sales/3444223.htm as a wildcard?!
If I wanted a 'rari, I would never go for a Cali TBH. Doesn't seem like a proper F-car to me, bit too poser-ish and cruiser-ish - but if that's what you're after then why not. Just a note to say I don't particularly dislike it, though - just not for me.
Aston - never really liked them so can't comment.
If I wanted a 'rari, I would never go for a Cali TBH. Doesn't seem like a proper F-car to me, bit too poser-ish and cruiser-ish - but if that's what you're after then why not. Just a note to say I don't particularly dislike it, though - just not for me.
Aston - never really liked them so can't comment.
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