DBS - Manual or Paddleshift - what's best in the real world?

[cardigankid]

I have gathered from previous threads that Paddle Shift models sell at a premium over manuals, but that 'works drivers' say that the manual is the one to have. I am inclined to go manual, but then I always am. From a practical, ownership perspective what's the best call?

[v8woollie]

We had an interesting discussion about this in Durbach. Personally I prefer the interaction with a gearstick and the satisfaction of achieving perfect rev matching and up/down shifts. I can see the attractions of paddle shift but it's just not for me.

[yeti]

100% agree with Woollie there... Would always be the manual box for me.

However, you need to decide yourself after some extensive test driving of both. Opinions vary

[whoami]

Depends what you want to use the car for.

But, in answer to your question, manual.

[bananarob]

Having had a manual DBS and now been forced into the paddles of a vanquish I have to sit on the fence. My mindset is still manual at the moment but I'm only 500 miles into ownership. Having done a spirited 250 ish miles today on a variety of roads, at times in auto breezing up the dual carriageway and paddles on a and B roads, there is a time and a place for both and I can appreciate the flexibility they offer. I'm not sold yet and ill ask myself in 6 months, maybe I will be more decided. I guess it depends on what you'll use the car for....

[cayman-black]

Personaly i would only have a manual DBS. If it or the vanquish had a DSG box as good as Porsches then may be!

[Jockman]

I've only ever driven a manual DBS - brilliant it was too.

Try both and make up your own mind

[hartley]

The problem with autos is they are still improving - particularly at Aston - so very soon our expectations of a good auto move on and we have a car with an 'old' gearbox. Manual's are just manuals

[Little Donkey]

Manual for me. But it is a very personal choice. Thought I heard recently that manual DBS's are becoming quite sought after.

[cardigankid]

bananarob said:

I guess it depends on what you'll use the car for....

...fun. ...exclusively.

I get the clear vibe that the manual is the enthusiast's choice, but I suspect that this -

hartley said:

The problem with autos is they are still improving - particularly at Aston - so very soon our expectations of a good auto move on and we have a car with an 'old' gearbox. Manual's are just manuals

- is the bottom line. Thanks guys. Will keep you posted.

Edited by cardigankid on Sunday 14th April 19:43

[V8 Animal]

Somebody correct me but I believe there's only about 200 manual DBS UK cars registered

[bananarob]

Its possible. When I bought my DBS in march 2010 there were about 300 uk DBS. The tt2 box had only been out 12 months. Since its release I believe the majority were tt2s.

[George29]

Paddleshift every time. You have the best of both worlds then, involving drive with the paddles when you're feeling sporty, stick it in D for the rest of the time when you have to negotiate with traffic etc.

[erics]

Try a manual dbs, then straight after a v12v (manual only).... And end up buying the latter. Like i did....

cardigankid said:

I have gathered from previous threads that Paddle Shift models sell at a premium over manuals, but that 'works drivers' say that the manual is the one to have. I am inclined to go manual, but then I always am. From a practical, ownership perspective what's the best call?

[franki68]

erics said:

Opposite way round for me,numerous v12v drives then a DBS and bought the DBS.

[whoami]

franki68 said:

Opposite way round for me,numerous v12v drives then a DBS and bought the DBS.

Me too.

Originally went to Millbrook when V12V was launched.

Drove them, then tried the DBS they had there.

Drove the V12V and DBS back-to-back at dealer.

Bought a DBS.

[yeti]

George29 said:

Paddleshift for leaving the car parked outside the house going mouldy. Everytime.

Are you qualified to comment..? Pootling to the end of the driveway and deciding it looks like it might rain next month doesn't >actually< qualify you

[Vee12V]

bananarob said:

Its possible. When I bought my DBS in march 2010 there were about 300 uk DBS. The tt2 box had only been out 12 months. Since its release I believe the majority were tt2s.

The fact the majority of cars went TT2 was a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy. Dealers cars would've always been specced with TT2 while many buyers went TT2 because of the residual values.

OT: Manual for me.

[George29]

yeti said:

George29 said:

Paddleshift for leaving the car parked outside the house going mouldy. Everytime.

Are you qualified to comment..? Pootling to the end of the driveway and deciding it looks like it might rain next month doesn't >actually< qualify you

I drive a paddle shift car daily actually

[yeti]

Vee12V said:

The fact the majority of cars went TT2 was a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy. Dealers cars would've always been specced with TT2 while many buyers went TT2 because of the residual values.

As a DB9 owner, I will concede that as the concept of the ultimate relaxing grand tourer back in 2004, the TT2 made sense. With the DBS, the car was launched as manual only and it should have stayed that way (like the V12V), but would have limited their market if the cheaper DB9 was the only auto you could get in the range. DBS was colossally more profitable than DB9 so the more they could sell, the better

I think the opinions on this thread prove as well as ever; only you can decide.