Db9 vs m4 - daily driver
Discussion
So it seems like an odd comparison, but I'm after an automatic comfortable daily driver that can also be fun to drive - including "spirited" driving and cruising etc. My budge it about £45k, max 50 for the right car.
I've ruled out a gran turismo (my first choice, but didn't find the seats comfortable - I'm 6ft 4)
Bentley gt - too old for me
F type - great car, but only the 3.0 in budget
And many other great car such as The xkr 5.0, new mustang 5.0, c63 etc ...
But I've essentially narrowed it down to the db9 for everyday driving and being a great cruiser, the v12 should make it fun on side roads/road trips etc
The m4 would have new technology, power/torque etc and with a hard top folding roof, should really be a great driving experience.
I haven't driven either of the two cars - only thing I know is a friend and keen car guy had the m4 for about 1 month then sold it, off putting in a way, even though I respect the new m4 for what it is.
I've ruled out a gran turismo (my first choice, but didn't find the seats comfortable - I'm 6ft 4)
Bentley gt - too old for me
F type - great car, but only the 3.0 in budget
And many other great car such as The xkr 5.0, new mustang 5.0, c63 etc ...
But I've essentially narrowed it down to the db9 for everyday driving and being a great cruiser, the v12 should make it fun on side roads/road trips etc
The m4 would have new technology, power/torque etc and with a hard top folding roof, should really be a great driving experience.
I haven't driven either of the two cars - only thing I know is a friend and keen car guy had the m4 for about 1 month then sold it, off putting in a way, even though I respect the new m4 for what it is.
All the tech in the world can never replicate the sound and feeling of a V12 on song. Every time you open the garage it'll put a silly grin on your face and you won't have even got in it yet. On top of that, they are rock solid reliable.
https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~...
https://used.astonmartin.com/en-GB/Search/Details~...
As a daily the M4 is probably better in every single way, but which do you actually want?
I use my Vantage as a daily, and the only negative is, by using it every day it feels slightly less special. Strange!
The V8 F Type values are plummeting so you should be able to find one in budget. The V6 is meant to be a great car aswell
I use my Vantage as a daily, and the only negative is, by using it every day it feels slightly less special. Strange!
The V8 F Type values are plummeting so you should be able to find one in budget. The V6 is meant to be a great car aswell
So I test drove the m4 today. My main concern was the noise. It's implemented very well and without knowing it was artificially done, I'm not sure you would really be able to tell. Even so, I found it too loud and yet contradictory to everything I just said, it still sounds too fake - I'm still not 100% on this - suppose it's something you need to learn to live with.
I heard a rumour you can get an app and change the note to any volume/sounds you want, is this true?
I also found the steering modes useless, sport+ and comfort didn't do anything for me, although comfort could be good in traffic jams ..?
Otherwise I really enjoyed my short drive in the car. It's more than happy moving slowly in traffic (good daily) and fun to drive when the road cleared up.
I think I'm sold on the M, I'll let you know Monday what I think of the db9 and what I decide to get.
I heard a rumour you can get an app and change the note to any volume/sounds you want, is this true?
I also found the steering modes useless, sport+ and comfort didn't do anything for me, although comfort could be good in traffic jams ..?
Otherwise I really enjoyed my short drive in the car. It's more than happy moving slowly in traffic (good daily) and fun to drive when the road cleared up.
I think I'm sold on the M, I'll let you know Monday what I think of the db9 and what I decide to get.
stef1808 said:
I heard a rumour you can get an app and change the note to any volume/sounds you want, is this true?
This puts me off straight away. I want to get in a car, cold morning, ignore the neighbours and listen to the engine/exhaust on start up. All for tech, im pretty tech savvy but artificial exhaust sounds are so wrong.justin220 said:
The V8 F Type values are plummeting so you should be able to find one in budget. The V6 is meant to be a great car aswell
Got to laugh...When you said that I went and had a look at F Type's in the classifieds and found thishttp://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...
The first photo's an F Type alright but then they obviously needed something better looking to try to sell it..
stef1808 said:
But I've essentially narrowed it down to the db9 for everyday driving and being a great cruiser, the v12 should make it fun on side roads/road trips etc
The m4 would have new technology, power/torque etc and with a hard top folding roof, should really be a great driving experience.
I haven't driven either of the two cars - only thing I know is a friend and keen car guy had the m4 for about 1 month then sold it, off putting in a way, even though I respect the new m4 for what it is.
The m4 would have new technology, power/torque etc and with a hard top folding roof, should really be a great driving experience.
I haven't driven either of the two cars - only thing I know is a friend and keen car guy had the m4 for about 1 month then sold it, off putting in a way, even though I respect the new m4 for what it is.
To me it would be no contest.
Every time that I drive my Aston Martin, it is an occasion.
When I drive my BMW, it is just transport.
No complaints about performance or handling but what makes it boring for me, are the hundreds of other similar looking BMWs that I see on each journey.
Edited by Jon39 on Sunday 17th January 22:29
Jon39 said:
stef1808 said:
But I've essentially narrowed it down to the db9 for everyday driving and being a great cruiser, the v12 should make it fun on side roads/road trips etc
The m4 would have new technology, power/torque etc and with a hard top folding roof, should really be a great driving experience.
I haven't driven either of the two cars - only thing I know is a friend and keen car guy had the m4 for about 1 month then sold it, off putting in a way, even though I respect the new m4 for what it is.
The m4 would have new technology, power/torque etc and with a hard top folding roof, should really be a great driving experience.
I haven't driven either of the two cars - only thing I know is a friend and keen car guy had the m4 for about 1 month then sold it, off putting in a way, even though I respect the new m4 for what it is.
To me it would be no contest.
Every time that I drive my Aston Martin, it is an occasion.
When I drive my BMW, it is just transport.
No complaints about performance or handling but what makes it boring for me, are the hundreds of other similar looking BMWs that I see on each journey.
Edited by Jon39 on Sunday 17th January 22:29
justin220 said:
As a daily the M4 is probably better in every single way, but which do you actually want?
I use my Vantage as a daily, and the only negative is, by using it every day it feels slightly less special. Strange!
The V8 F Type values are plummeting so you should be able to find one in budget. The V6 is meant to be a great car aswell
Sorry to move this a little off topic, but did you move from an Evora to the Vantage Justin?I use my Vantage as a daily, and the only negative is, by using it every day it feels slightly less special. Strange!
The V8 F Type values are plummeting so you should be able to find one in budget. The V6 is meant to be a great car aswell
justin220 said:
astirling said:
Sorry to move this a little off topic, but did you move from an Evora to the Vantage Justin?
I did indeed. I went Evora - Vantage coupe - Vantage roadster. The last step was very nearly Vantage coupe - Evora S.
Brilliant cars!
This is something I wrote this time last year, I'll have a read through and reply again if my opinion has changed 
justin220 said:
Barvo, I think the problem is all cars and tastes are very personal. I will try and give an non bias opinion, but feel that Lotus is one of those brands that really appeals to certain people, whereas an Aston appeals to almost everyone. For example, my Dad loves the Vantage, but described the Evora as a big go kart. I'm one of the ones who think Lotus has a really cool attraction to them, for being a Lotus. Something that almost no other car has for me.
Bit of history on each car -
Evora
I bought the Evora brand new from Murrays in Edinburgh, and owned for just over 3 years. The first year it was up and down to the dealership for minor problem quite a lot, small niggles, but big enough to justify a 250mile round trip once a month. I quickly got off wrong foot with it (after the initial honeymoon period wore off). After the initial 12 months of so, it was very trouble free. I think Lotus almost used its customers as Q&A for the Evora, as many of my problems were common to other cars, but aren't so much now. The next two years were fantastic. I had it out on a few track days, over to the Nurburgring, weekends away. The Evora really is a brilliant all rounder. It was so good one long distance drives (better than my pervious Range Rover Sport) and yet even better on a back road. You really should try one!
Vantage
So after 3 years (which is the longest I have owned a car!) I was itching for a change, but nothing was really appealing to me. I was tempted by an Evora S, but was worried that the cost to change was greater than how different the car would feel. I spoke to Lotus about trading up, but was not offered a good deal at all, which sealed the Evora S as a no go. Popped next door to Aston and had a nosey around. I had looked a Vantage previously but ruled it out as I thought it was a bit grown up. Anyways, got chatting, and the following week the deal was done.. I've now owned the Vantage for 15 months and being honest it's been a bit of a love hate affair initially. I think the Vantage although similar in terms of size, and what its aimed at, is actually significantly to the Evora. The first week of ownership I loved it, then I'd miss the Evora. I think the change was bigger than expected. Going from bright Orange to Grey probably didn't help! This was a conscious decision at the time thinking if I don't like it, Grey will be easy to sell, but looking back I should have went for a more 'me' colour. Since then I've done a few bits and bobs to the Vantage and I have really started to bond with it. (I have also very nearly swapped back into an Evora S, and then a Cayman - the Evora S I was worried about depreciation when the 400 came out, and Porsche didn't offer me good enough money for the PX). I've not done any major Euro trips, but I've taken it on a few long weekends away etc.
Comparison Evora - Vantage
Looks - Looks are subjective, but I think the Vantage is a stunning looking car and almost everyone says the same. The Evora has a more futuristic look about it, and is very sleek. It doesn't photograph as well, I always think it looked a bit understated and small in pictures, but on the rare occasion I've seen one on the road, it really has great presence about it. Orange obviously stood out like nothing else. The Vantage tends to blend in and is much more subtle. To the general public though, the Aston looks classy, the Evora looks like a toy car.
Interior - The Vantage wins this one hands down. The Evora had more room with the back seats which was really handy for luggage or a third body, but the Vantage interior is the best I've ever sat in. Everything else seems either boring or low rent after you get used to the leathers, dashboard (mine is the updated interior, not sure what the previous is like). The Evora interior still feels a special place to sit in comparison to the Cayman. The Evora seats were much better. Probably the best seats I've sat in. The stereo and Sat Nav was poor, whereas the Aston stereo is awesome, but the Sat Nav is also awful.
Running Costs - Probably not as far apart as you would imagine. I probably drove the Evora quicker as its nature was to do so, the Vantage seems more of a cruiser and a bit less keen to rev. I averaged 24mpg in the Evora, and I'm getting 22mpg in the V8. Tyres were much the same (£700 full set). Servicing is about twice as much for the Vantage. (800 v 400). Touch wood, I've not had a single issue with my V8 so far, which I didn't expect.
Drive/Handling - This is the big one for me, and I'm afraid the Evora slaughters the Vantage in every area. The V8 sounds wonderful (from the outside, bit muted on the inside I feel) but apart from that the Evora wins hands down. Long distance, Evora is comfier, on a back road the Evora was really at home and felt brilliant. I'm not sure how Lotus do it, but it seems to have two personalities. Not sure how something so comfy on a motorway can also be brilliant around a track/country lane. The Evora wanted to be drive quickly, the steering feel was the best I've used, but even the brakes and accelerator were weighted just right. The Vantage just feels a bit sluggish, reluctant to rev, the brakes are powerful but not nearly as sharp. It feels very dim witted in comparison. I appreciate that the V8 wasn't made to be like the Evora, but it took me a while to get used to it. The Vantage is still good, just not as good.
Dealership - Both excellent. I had a lot more dealings with Lotus, but couldn't fault either. I would happily take any car to either dealer.
Others - The Lotus community is excellent. The weekend runs, the track days, the forums. Aston Martin doesn't have the same feel, not sure why... Both ownership experiences had great little touches. Lotus took us all to Knockhill to try out the new Exige V6, along with other Lotus', and Aston threw a Celebration Evening at the dealership which gave us a great insight into the brand, workshop, and basically free reign to have a look around. These things make owning a car feel more special to me. I don't really want to own two cars, so tend to look out for something that does everything. Both cars are superb, just different. It might sound a bit shallow, but owning an Aston Martin is something very special. And the Evora is very special to drive.
Happy to answer any more questions on the Evora. I would recommend trying one, although please note the Evora takes a while to really appreciate just how good it is, A 20 minute test drive doesn't tell you nearly enough.
Bit of history on each car -
Evora
I bought the Evora brand new from Murrays in Edinburgh, and owned for just over 3 years. The first year it was up and down to the dealership for minor problem quite a lot, small niggles, but big enough to justify a 250mile round trip once a month. I quickly got off wrong foot with it (after the initial honeymoon period wore off). After the initial 12 months of so, it was very trouble free. I think Lotus almost used its customers as Q&A for the Evora, as many of my problems were common to other cars, but aren't so much now. The next two years were fantastic. I had it out on a few track days, over to the Nurburgring, weekends away. The Evora really is a brilliant all rounder. It was so good one long distance drives (better than my pervious Range Rover Sport) and yet even better on a back road. You really should try one!
Vantage
So after 3 years (which is the longest I have owned a car!) I was itching for a change, but nothing was really appealing to me. I was tempted by an Evora S, but was worried that the cost to change was greater than how different the car would feel. I spoke to Lotus about trading up, but was not offered a good deal at all, which sealed the Evora S as a no go. Popped next door to Aston and had a nosey around. I had looked a Vantage previously but ruled it out as I thought it was a bit grown up. Anyways, got chatting, and the following week the deal was done.. I've now owned the Vantage for 15 months and being honest it's been a bit of a love hate affair initially. I think the Vantage although similar in terms of size, and what its aimed at, is actually significantly to the Evora. The first week of ownership I loved it, then I'd miss the Evora. I think the change was bigger than expected. Going from bright Orange to Grey probably didn't help! This was a conscious decision at the time thinking if I don't like it, Grey will be easy to sell, but looking back I should have went for a more 'me' colour. Since then I've done a few bits and bobs to the Vantage and I have really started to bond with it. (I have also very nearly swapped back into an Evora S, and then a Cayman - the Evora S I was worried about depreciation when the 400 came out, and Porsche didn't offer me good enough money for the PX). I've not done any major Euro trips, but I've taken it on a few long weekends away etc.
Comparison Evora - Vantage
Looks - Looks are subjective, but I think the Vantage is a stunning looking car and almost everyone says the same. The Evora has a more futuristic look about it, and is very sleek. It doesn't photograph as well, I always think it looked a bit understated and small in pictures, but on the rare occasion I've seen one on the road, it really has great presence about it. Orange obviously stood out like nothing else. The Vantage tends to blend in and is much more subtle. To the general public though, the Aston looks classy, the Evora looks like a toy car.
Interior - The Vantage wins this one hands down. The Evora had more room with the back seats which was really handy for luggage or a third body, but the Vantage interior is the best I've ever sat in. Everything else seems either boring or low rent after you get used to the leathers, dashboard (mine is the updated interior, not sure what the previous is like). The Evora interior still feels a special place to sit in comparison to the Cayman. The Evora seats were much better. Probably the best seats I've sat in. The stereo and Sat Nav was poor, whereas the Aston stereo is awesome, but the Sat Nav is also awful.
Running Costs - Probably not as far apart as you would imagine. I probably drove the Evora quicker as its nature was to do so, the Vantage seems more of a cruiser and a bit less keen to rev. I averaged 24mpg in the Evora, and I'm getting 22mpg in the V8. Tyres were much the same (£700 full set). Servicing is about twice as much for the Vantage. (800 v 400). Touch wood, I've not had a single issue with my V8 so far, which I didn't expect.
Drive/Handling - This is the big one for me, and I'm afraid the Evora slaughters the Vantage in every area. The V8 sounds wonderful (from the outside, bit muted on the inside I feel) but apart from that the Evora wins hands down. Long distance, Evora is comfier, on a back road the Evora was really at home and felt brilliant. I'm not sure how Lotus do it, but it seems to have two personalities. Not sure how something so comfy on a motorway can also be brilliant around a track/country lane. The Evora wanted to be drive quickly, the steering feel was the best I've used, but even the brakes and accelerator were weighted just right. The Vantage just feels a bit sluggish, reluctant to rev, the brakes are powerful but not nearly as sharp. It feels very dim witted in comparison. I appreciate that the V8 wasn't made to be like the Evora, but it took me a while to get used to it. The Vantage is still good, just not as good.
Dealership - Both excellent. I had a lot more dealings with Lotus, but couldn't fault either. I would happily take any car to either dealer.
Others - The Lotus community is excellent. The weekend runs, the track days, the forums. Aston Martin doesn't have the same feel, not sure why... Both ownership experiences had great little touches. Lotus took us all to Knockhill to try out the new Exige V6, along with other Lotus', and Aston threw a Celebration Evening at the dealership which gave us a great insight into the brand, workshop, and basically free reign to have a look around. These things make owning a car feel more special to me. I don't really want to own two cars, so tend to look out for something that does everything. Both cars are superb, just different. It might sound a bit shallow, but owning an Aston Martin is something very special. And the Evora is very special to drive.
Happy to answer any more questions on the Evora. I would recommend trying one, although please note the Evora takes a while to really appreciate just how good it is, A 20 minute test drive doesn't tell you nearly enough.
Congrats on the M4, I hope you truly enjoy it. For me, I could never buy a car that fakes its engine sound -- absolute deal breaker for me (never mind fake sound vs glorious and real V12 sound!). IMO, BMW -- especially M -- should be ashamed of itself. There are plenty of good sounding turbo engines (not as good as NA, but still good), so that's no excuse.
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