Aston DB11 or Vanquish
Discussion
Hi
Am debating the above in context of two kids aged 3 and 6 and a wife who is approx 5ft. Would like to be able to use it for the school run and daily use when needed and family trips out. Also I hold a race license so would prefer handling over soft GT but am balancing all of the above!
If anyone has been through similar decision making process and landed on a conclusion please let me know.
From thoughts so far:
- Vanquish might hold its value better ?
- DB11 looks bigger in the back ?
- prefer the idea of the old Aston V12 in the Vanquish
- DB11 I expect will feel a lot newer and less dated
But a primary concern is how comfortable I can make it to take the kids out for a day or all four of us out for a day - if we can do this it will get a lot of use and I will be a happy man!
Thanks
Am debating the above in context of two kids aged 3 and 6 and a wife who is approx 5ft. Would like to be able to use it for the school run and daily use when needed and family trips out. Also I hold a race license so would prefer handling over soft GT but am balancing all of the above!
If anyone has been through similar decision making process and landed on a conclusion please let me know.
From thoughts so far:
- Vanquish might hold its value better ?
- DB11 looks bigger in the back ?
- prefer the idea of the old Aston V12 in the Vanquish
- DB11 I expect will feel a lot newer and less dated
But a primary concern is how comfortable I can make it to take the kids out for a day or all four of us out for a day - if we can do this it will get a lot of use and I will be a happy man!
Thanks
This topic has been debated already several times. Vanquish for sure is a more raw experience, whilst the DB11 is more refined. DB11 offers slightly more space, however for two kids its not very comfy in the back in either car. In my opinion the old Mercedes entertainment system in the DB11 looks as dated as the sytem in the Vanquish already. Test drive both ot them (with your family) and then decide.
Have you also considered a Rapide S? Your kids would be happy in this car.
Have you also considered a Rapide S? Your kids would be happy in this car.
You don’t say if you want coupe or Volante, 6 or 8 speed, S or non S, and DB11 V8 or V12.
As has been said, i’m this one has been done to death. Just do some searches and you will find loads of very long threads where it is argued out.
In a nutshell - top of the pile, DB11 V12 (or DB11 AMR, it’s the same car) or Vanquish S shootout - this is probably the definitive article:
https://www.evo.co.uk/aston-martin/db11/20525/asto...
It concludes that the Vanq S is the more special car, and might have a sporting edge over the early DB11 V12, which of course it should, it was a 50k more expensive car.
It also concludes that the DB11 was probably a better all rounder, with much more modern tech.
It’s a reasonable conclusion.
If you are handling focussed, then a DB11 with AMR reflash (or the ‘full’ AMR with the stiffer bushes and lighter wheels and maybe a yellow stripe) will likely edge the Vanq S.
As a family man, wanting to haul kids, then the DB11 has more rear space and more active safety aids, airbags etc. It’s just a more modern and more efficient car, with keyless entry etc. It’s also much stronger in the midrange as a result of the pressure charging.
Both can be upgraded with apple car play, which I think was even standard in the Vanq S.
The DB11, competent and ‘better’ as it is, was never a halo car, where the Vanq was. The Vanquish is a more special car, and you will notice this as soon as you get in it.
While both are big, beautiful V12 Astons, any 2013-on Vanq is, in the opinion of most, an objectively better looking car, just so much closer to perfection. The Vanquish S was the final, stunning, perfected resolution of all the n/a VH era that had gone before. It is the best n/a VH Aston.
But the much more modern DB11 V12 with AMR reflash will likely nail any Vanq, even an S, on any real world road or track and also carry you and the family around more efficiently, safely and with more space - just perhaps with a bit less style.
As has been said, i’m this one has been done to death. Just do some searches and you will find loads of very long threads where it is argued out.
In a nutshell - top of the pile, DB11 V12 (or DB11 AMR, it’s the same car) or Vanquish S shootout - this is probably the definitive article:
https://www.evo.co.uk/aston-martin/db11/20525/asto...
It concludes that the Vanq S is the more special car, and might have a sporting edge over the early DB11 V12, which of course it should, it was a 50k more expensive car.
It also concludes that the DB11 was probably a better all rounder, with much more modern tech.
It’s a reasonable conclusion.
If you are handling focussed, then a DB11 with AMR reflash (or the ‘full’ AMR with the stiffer bushes and lighter wheels and maybe a yellow stripe) will likely edge the Vanq S.
As a family man, wanting to haul kids, then the DB11 has more rear space and more active safety aids, airbags etc. It’s just a more modern and more efficient car, with keyless entry etc. It’s also much stronger in the midrange as a result of the pressure charging.
Both can be upgraded with apple car play, which I think was even standard in the Vanq S.
The DB11, competent and ‘better’ as it is, was never a halo car, where the Vanq was. The Vanquish is a more special car, and you will notice this as soon as you get in it.
While both are big, beautiful V12 Astons, any 2013-on Vanq is, in the opinion of most, an objectively better looking car, just so much closer to perfection. The Vanquish S was the final, stunning, perfected resolution of all the n/a VH era that had gone before. It is the best n/a VH Aston.
But the much more modern DB11 V12 with AMR reflash will likely nail any Vanq, even an S, on any real world road or track and also carry you and the family around more efficiently, safely and with more space - just perhaps with a bit less style.
Neither car is going to be enjoyable for any rear passengers for any decent duration. You can squeeze kids in the back of both but it compromises the front passenger and drivers space a lot, and theres not much window in the back so it gets quite boring staring at the back of a seat. A day out would be challenging. The DB11 has slightly more rear space because they lowered the seats and set them back slightly further to try and make them work better. The additional headroom clearance makes quite a positive difference to the cramped environment. I’d plump for the 11 if taking the family with me was the main consideration. My kids are 15 and 11 and I drive a late db9, and I can just about get one in the front and one behind (after lots of arguing about who is in front), I have had the car since they were 9 and 4 and I think we’ve all gone somewhere together in the car once or twice in that time, not from lack of trying, it just doesnt work well for a ‘trip’. The Vanquish would be a purchase for you to enjoy mainly as a 2 seater, with the bonus of being able to take the kids/wife if you needed to. A rapide would be the sensible choice unfortunately. I’d love a rapide amr but the prices are still a bit too high for me to justify at the moment. Enjoy your dilemma.
You’ll find a few threads on the subject.
I’ll repeat what I have stated before on here.
I was invited by my local dealer in France to test both cars when they were new. I first had a go in the DB11 V12 on the roads in the South of France, then took the Vanquish S immediately after. DB11 was ok but wasn’t very impressed by my test drive, it was a very good GT in the sense a big Merc is (maybe I’m exaggerating a bit but it didn’t fell special enough). Vanquish S was great, lovely naturally aspirated V12, great soundtrack, lovely interior (I hate the stuck on IPad in the DB11), I felt much more connected to the Vanquish S than the DB11 which kind of insulated me from what’s happening outside which could be a good thing if that’s what you want.
I very nearly bought a Vanquish S but driving it made me get the Performance Pack on my V12VSR, so I have the same engine spec on a smaller car, even better.
But if I had two kids to carry, I’d take the Vanquish S over a V12 DB11 anytime.
I’ll repeat what I have stated before on here.
I was invited by my local dealer in France to test both cars when they were new. I first had a go in the DB11 V12 on the roads in the South of France, then took the Vanquish S immediately after. DB11 was ok but wasn’t very impressed by my test drive, it was a very good GT in the sense a big Merc is (maybe I’m exaggerating a bit but it didn’t fell special enough). Vanquish S was great, lovely naturally aspirated V12, great soundtrack, lovely interior (I hate the stuck on IPad in the DB11), I felt much more connected to the Vanquish S than the DB11 which kind of insulated me from what’s happening outside which could be a good thing if that’s what you want.
I very nearly bought a Vanquish S but driving it made me get the Performance Pack on my V12VSR, so I have the same engine spec on a smaller car, even better.
But if I had two kids to carry, I’d take the Vanquish S over a V12 DB11 anytime.
M1AGM said:
Neither car is going to be enjoyable for any rear passengers for any decent duration. You can squeeze kids in the back of both but it compromises the front passenger and drivers space a lot, and theres not much window in the back so it gets quite boring staring at the back of a seat. A day out would be challenging. The DB11 has slightly more rear space because they lowered the seats and set them back slightly further to try and make them work better. The additional headroom clearance makes quite a positive difference to the cramped environment. I’d plump for the 11 if taking the family with me was the main consideration. My kids are 15 and 11 and I drive a late db9, and I can just about get one in the front and one behind (after lots of arguing about who is in front), I have had the car since they were 9 and 4 and I think we’ve all gone somewhere together in the car once or twice in that time, not from lack of trying, it just doesnt work well for a ‘trip’. The Vanquish would be a purchase for you to enjoy mainly as a 2 seater, with the bonus of being able to take the kids/wife if you needed to. A rapide would be the sensible choice unfortunately. I’d love a rapide amr but the prices are still a bit too high for me to justify at the moment. Enjoy your dilemma.
Have you owned a Vanquish, DB11 or Rapide at the same time as having a 3 & 6 yro?AMVSVNick said:
M1AGM said:
Neither car is going to be enjoyable for any rear passengers for any decent duration. You can squeeze kids in the back of both but it compromises the front passenger and drivers space a lot, and theres not much window in the back so it gets quite boring staring at the back of a seat. A day out would be challenging. The DB11 has slightly more rear space because they lowered the seats and set them back slightly further to try and make them work better. The additional headroom clearance makes quite a positive difference to the cramped environment. I’d plump for the 11 if taking the family with me was the main consideration. My kids are 15 and 11 and I drive a late db9, and I can just about get one in the front and one behind (after lots of arguing about who is in front), I have had the car since they were 9 and 4 and I think we’ve all gone somewhere together in the car once or twice in that time, not from lack of trying, it just doesnt work well for a ‘trip’. The Vanquish would be a purchase for you to enjoy mainly as a 2 seater, with the bonus of being able to take the kids/wife if you needed to. A rapide would be the sensible choice unfortunately. I’d love a rapide amr but the prices are still a bit too high for me to justify at the moment. Enjoy your dilemma.
Have you owned a Vanquish, DB11 or Rapide at the same time as having a 3 & 6 yro?M1AGM said:
AMVSVNick said:
M1AGM said:
Neither car is going to be enjoyable for any rear passengers for any decent duration. You can squeeze kids in the back of both but it compromises the front passenger and drivers space a lot, and theres not much window in the back so it gets quite boring staring at the back of a seat. A day out would be challenging. The DB11 has slightly more rear space because they lowered the seats and set them back slightly further to try and make them work better. The additional headroom clearance makes quite a positive difference to the cramped environment. I’d plump for the 11 if taking the family with me was the main consideration. My kids are 15 and 11 and I drive a late db9, and I can just about get one in the front and one behind (after lots of arguing about who is in front), I have had the car since they were 9 and 4 and I think we’ve all gone somewhere together in the car once or twice in that time, not from lack of trying, it just doesnt work well for a ‘trip’. The Vanquish would be a purchase for you to enjoy mainly as a 2 seater, with the bonus of being able to take the kids/wife if you needed to. A rapide would be the sensible choice unfortunately. I’d love a rapide amr but the prices are still a bit too high for me to justify at the moment. Enjoy your dilemma.
Have you owned a Vanquish, DB11 or Rapide at the same time as having a 3 & 6 yro?Also kits tend to sit with their legs straight out as their knee joints aren't in the same spot on the seat as a taller persons would be.
This is an easy one- Vanquish every time, doesn't need to be an S either.
One of the best looking modern Astons, stunningly beautiful from every angle, wonderful N/A V12 engine making one of the best sounds you are likely to hear, the car is also that bit more focused and raw to drive believe me as confortable and refined and it generally is in day to day driving the 8 speed is so smooth but it can be a real brute and can frighten you with it's capabilities on the right road so you arguably get the best of both worlds.
It's just a more special car, I know 'special' is hard to quantify but it just has that something about it which at least IMHO the newer DB11 lacks.
One of the best looking modern Astons, stunningly beautiful from every angle, wonderful N/A V12 engine making one of the best sounds you are likely to hear, the car is also that bit more focused and raw to drive believe me as confortable and refined and it generally is in day to day driving the 8 speed is so smooth but it can be a real brute and can frighten you with it's capabilities on the right road so you arguably get the best of both worlds.
It's just a more special car, I know 'special' is hard to quantify but it just has that something about it which at least IMHO the newer DB11 lacks.
My 6 yr old fits easily in the back of my 2015 vanquish , behind my 5ft 7 wife . He’ll fit for a few yrs yet. I’m six foot and would only want him behind me on a very short journey. The seat is all the way back normally and there is zero leg room behind me. You’ll need one or two of these -
I was in the same dilemma a few months ago and I went the DB11 route. Much more space in the rear for my kids who are 8 and 11 years old. We’ve done a few journeys that are 3hrs plus and they’ve been fine. In fact my son thinks it’s the most comfortable car we’ve had, that view may change as he’s on a booster and his head is only about 1” from the roof but he’s still not tall enough to be out of a booster so it may be unusable for the whole family for a bit.
NDA said:
M1AGM said:
AMVSVNick said:
M1AGM said:
Neither car is going to be enjoyable for any rear passengers for any decent duration. You can squeeze kids in the back of both but it compromises the front passenger and drivers space a lot, and theres not much window in the back so it gets quite boring staring at the back of a seat. A day out would be challenging. The DB11 has slightly more rear space because they lowered the seats and set them back slightly further to try and make them work better. The additional headroom clearance makes quite a positive difference to the cramped environment. I’d plump for the 11 if taking the family with me was the main consideration. My kids are 15 and 11 and I drive a late db9, and I can just about get one in the front and one behind (after lots of arguing about who is in front), I have had the car since they were 9 and 4 and I think we’ve all gone somewhere together in the car once or twice in that time, not from lack of trying, it just doesnt work well for a ‘trip’. The Vanquish would be a purchase for you to enjoy mainly as a 2 seater, with the bonus of being able to take the kids/wife if you needed to. A rapide would be the sensible choice unfortunately. I’d love a rapide amr but the prices are still a bit too high for me to justify at the moment. Enjoy your dilemma.
Have you owned a Vanquish, DB11 or Rapide at the same time as having a 3 & 6 yro?Also kits tend to sit with their legs straight out as their knee joints aren't in the same spot on the seat as a taller persons would be.
Edited by W12GT on Monday 4th September 09:56
Which Vanquish? The original Ian Callum designed one or the more recent version?
The back seats in both are pretty useless. A Bentley Continental GT is a better bet (or the Maserati Grand Turismo) for rear seat room but both leave me rather cold on looks (and reliability on the Maser).
If you go Aston, the DB11 has an oddly dated interior (Merc infotainment that was already last gen when the car launched). A very late Vanquish S has goodies like Apple CarPlay which the DB11 loses. The Vanquish looks and sounds a country mile better (YMMV).
The back seats in both are pretty useless. A Bentley Continental GT is a better bet (or the Maserati Grand Turismo) for rear seat room but both leave me rather cold on looks (and reliability on the Maser).
If you go Aston, the DB11 has an oddly dated interior (Merc infotainment that was already last gen when the car launched). A very late Vanquish S has goodies like Apple CarPlay which the DB11 loses. The Vanquish looks and sounds a country mile better (YMMV).
A Radders said:
Hi
Am debating the above in context of two kids aged 3 and 6 and a wife who is approx 5ft. Would like to be able to use it for the school run and daily use when needed and family trips out. Also I hold a race license so would prefer handling over soft GT but am balancing all of the above!
If anyone has been through similar decision making process and landed on a conclusion please let me know.
From thoughts so far:
- Vanquish might hold its value better ?
- DB11 looks bigger in the back ?
- prefer the idea of the old Aston V12 in the Vanquish
- DB11 I expect will feel a lot newer and less dated
But a primary concern is how comfortable I can make it to take the kids out for a day or all four of us out for a day - if we can do this it will get a lot of use and I will be a happy man!
Thanks
The kids at the age they are and the size of Mrs A Radders makes this very doable for a few years yet in a Vanquish.Am debating the above in context of two kids aged 3 and 6 and a wife who is approx 5ft. Would like to be able to use it for the school run and daily use when needed and family trips out. Also I hold a race license so would prefer handling over soft GT but am balancing all of the above!
If anyone has been through similar decision making process and landed on a conclusion please let me know.
From thoughts so far:
- Vanquish might hold its value better ?
- DB11 looks bigger in the back ?
- prefer the idea of the old Aston V12 in the Vanquish
- DB11 I expect will feel a lot newer and less dated
But a primary concern is how comfortable I can make it to take the kids out for a day or all four of us out for a day - if we can do this it will get a lot of use and I will be a happy man!
Thanks
I've done it, roof up and down.
Irish_Stu said:
My 6 yr old fits easily in the back of my 2015 vanquish , behind my 5ft 7 wife . [b[ He’ll fit for a few yrs yet[/b]. I’m six foot and would only want him behind me on a very short journey. The seat is all the way back normally and there is zero leg room behind me. You’ll need one or two of these -
Probably not for as long as you’d like to think. And it’s not as nice to drive when the passenger seat gets moved forward to the extent that your view out of the side windows is obscured.Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff