DBS to V12 Vantage
Discussion
Maybe.
Personally I wouldn't change from the V12V as I prefer the smaller, lithe body. However, having caught up and passed a stunning DBS in Lightning Silver on the M40 the other day I have to say that it is a work of art. Quite stunning. I hadn't felt that way about the DBS before when seeing it in other colours in the showroom.
The great news is that you have a test drive. Go and find out and bring back your report.
Personally I wouldn't change from the V12V as I prefer the smaller, lithe body. However, having caught up and passed a stunning DBS in Lightning Silver on the M40 the other day I have to say that it is a work of art. Quite stunning. I hadn't felt that way about the DBS before when seeing it in other colours in the showroom.
The great news is that you have a test drive. Go and find out and bring back your report.
I know it's going to make the N400 feel slow, (and confirm just how much I need to learn about driving). I'm well qualified to answer this one - I've owned 6 Astons in the past 4 years and drove a DBS every day for 18 months then switched into a V12 Vantage which I now drive every day or two. The V12 Vantage is the better car, no question. It feels more alive, better suspended, more pointy, more urgent and in my opinion looks better proportioned. There is a reason all the mags prefer the V12V over the DBS.
Go for it!!
Get it in a light colour - it shows off the lines better, and the bonnet vents do grow on you!
Go for it!!
Get it in a light colour - it shows off the lines better, and the bonnet vents do grow on you!
Edited by polar8 on Wednesday 14th July 00:00
polar8 said:
...and in my opinion looks better proportioned.
Better proportioned? Hardly. The V8/12V is simply too wide for its length to be called well proportioned. And those silly black vents all over the hood (sorry, bonnet) are very tacky. That alone would keep me from buying a V12V. The DBS is a stunner and epitomizes the AM look. The V8/12V is a poor substitute for a looks point of view.Edited by polar8 on Wednesday 14th July 00:00
"Poor substitute"? That's just silly. All of the current Astons are stunning. IMO, the advantage goes to the V8V/V12V, but it's close. Also, shortly after the V8V went on sale, a group of automobile designers was asked to select the best looking car on sale. Result: 1st place to the V8V, 3rd to the DB9. The DBS hadn't arrived yet.
I think there is only a cigarette papers width between the DBS and the V12V. Both have the same interior, the same space, the same engine, brakes and possibly gearbox (on manuals).
The only differences I can see between the two are a) the external body and b) the active suspension on the DBS. The suspension on each changes the driving style of the cars – one setup best as a long distance GT, the other, a more nervous but more precise handling GT/Sportscar.
Yer pays yer money, yer takes yer choice. Both are highly privileged places to be and b
hing one against the other is a bit like complaining that your girlfriend who looks like Laetitia Casta is ugly and that you would prefer to have one who looks a little more like Heidi Klum.
G
The only differences I can see between the two are a) the external body and b) the active suspension on the DBS. The suspension on each changes the driving style of the cars – one setup best as a long distance GT, the other, a more nervous but more precise handling GT/Sportscar.
Yer pays yer money, yer takes yer choice. Both are highly privileged places to be and b
hing one against the other is a bit like complaining that your girlfriend who looks like Laetitia Casta is ugly and that you would prefer to have one who looks a little more like Heidi Klum.G
went for a drink with my brother last night......I have a DB9 he has a V8V......they were both parked next to each other and the DB9 looks so much better. Its more imposing; makes more of a statement........I would agree that the V8V is more chuckable but thats not the reason I'm on my third Aston.......if I wanted a chuckable drivers car I would have bought a Lotus Elise or similar
Same with the DBS and V12V only a stage higher.......keep the DBS......or if you seriously rich....have both !!
Same with the DBS and V12V only a stage higher.......keep the DBS......or if you seriously rich....have both !!
I have come from a db9 to a V12 Vantage and without commenting on the driving experience which some of the previous posters have expressed already I think the hatchback design is so much more practical than the boot in the db9/dbs design. The rear seats are useless anyway so the V12 Vantage offers more luggage space and accessibility. Also for a tall driver (6"4) there is more headroom in the V12 Vantage because the DBS/DB9 roofline design curves more at that point. It is really horses for courses with the V12 Vantage being the more urgent car than the more GT based DBS. The longer wheelbase and overhang makes the DBS less pointy but it is a quieter and comfortable drive. The suspension on the V12 Vantage suits the car better than the two different settings on the DBS where neither are perfect. Also the V12 Vantage is more understated with better visibility. As EVO points out, the V12 Vantage is a very good package that grows on you. I am not bothered at all by the bonnet vents, especially when I see the heat waves that come out of there after a spirited drive. I think without them the bonnet would start to melt underneath. as the V12 engine sits very close to the bonnet lid. Have a go and report your findings.
Back to basics if everyone liked the same model their would be no need of alternatives, What your intended use of the car, budget and aesthetic appearance are all completely individual, I like all the current models for different reasons some practical and some heart felt, each have better qualities for specific purposes, and they all look good and any Aston will make you smile when sat in the drivers seat,
clorenzen said:
I have come from a db9 to a V12 Vantage and without commenting on the driving experience which some of the previous posters have expressed already I think the hatchback design is so much more practical than the boot in the db9/dbs design. The rear seats are useless anyway so the V12 Vantage offers more luggage space and accessibility. Also for a tall driver (6"4) there is more headroom in the V12 Vantage because the DBS/DB9 roofline design curves more at that point. It is really horses for courses with the V12 Vantage being the more urgent car than the more GT based DBS. The longer wheelbase and overhang makes the DBS less pointy but it is a quieter and comfortable drive. The suspension on the V12 Vantage suits the car better than the two different settings on the DBS where neither are perfect. Also the V12 Vantage is more understated with better visibility. As EVO points out, the V12 Vantage is a very good package that grows on you. I am not bothered at all by the bonnet vents, especially when I see the heat waves that come out of there after a spirited drive. I think without them the bonnet would start to melt underneath. as the V12 engine sits very close to the bonnet lid. Have a go and report your findings.
some good points madeSimond001 said:
don4l said:
Simond001 said:
what is a PDC?
Performance Driving Course. A day at Millbrook in an Aston.The greatest pleasure known to man with your trousers up.
Don
--
Just submit your details and someone will get in touch.
Make sure you check out all the other events they run, there are some good days out to be had !!
rick-derby- said:
Each have better qualities for specific purposes, and they all look good and any Aston will make you smile when sat in the drivers seat,
Whoaaa calm down people 
Rick's comments here sum it up for me as a non-Aston, possibly soon-to-be owner. Once an Aston owner, you are part of one big "family" and you should all embrace each others fine choice of automobile!
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