Discussion
I've been searching through the archives of these here pages and I cannot believe how often these two cars are compared....DBS or sometimes DB9 vs XK.
Some people even state that they would sooner have the XK. Clearly these people are missing something.....probably part of their brain.
Today I took a look at a new DBS and then next door to look at the new XK8. To say there is absolutely no comparison is an understatement to say the least. The attention to detail particularly interior coupled with the sheer class of the Aston is just
beyond comparison....Yes I know the Aston should be its a lot more expensive so why compare?
Some people even state that they would sooner have the XK. Clearly these people are missing something.....probably part of their brain.
Today I took a look at a new DBS and then next door to look at the new XK8. To say there is absolutely no comparison is an understatement to say the least. The attention to detail particularly interior coupled with the sheer class of the Aston is just
beyond comparison....Yes I know the Aston should be its a lot more expensive so why compare?
Putting the looks and interior quality aside for the moment, IMO the XKR (5.0L S/C) is the best GT car available right now.
Performance wise, the XKR matches and surpassed the DBS, the Auto box in the XKR has a smoother faster change, and when in Dynamic mode the speed of the changes in manual operation are as good as any DSG box I have tried, that includes our F458!
The ride is extremely well composed, never harsh even on poorly surfaced roads and the car flows in a very natural manner. Handling wise, the car is a GT, it has a very fluid steering set up which whilst light, has a positive turn in, good straight line feel and is linear from lock to lock. It is very controllable and traction is extremely strong. When in the right conditions, the car can be drifted in a very controlled progressive manner and the car always leaves you feeling in control.
The XKR engine is incredible, great power, a good rev range and endless amounts of torque. Lovely noise which is no longer masked by the Supercharger.
The DBS has a heavy steering feel, quite meaty but a little vague and rubbery in the straight ahead. It is a little more tail happy but very controllable and the ride a little less comfortable overall than the XKR. Not quite as well sorted as the Jag as an all rounder but perhaps a little more "exciting" at times. Performance wise, the Jag is probably a little quicker particularly from 50 - 120. On most roads most of the time you would not notice too much difference. The DBS has to be worked a little harder, the XKR always seems to be ready to go.
Looks are always a tricky subject because everyone has a different perspective however the DBS is more coherent and looks as "one" whereas the XKR is clearly built to a price therefore the stuck on spoiler looks a little cheap. When stood in isolation the XKR is undoubtedly a stunning car, when parked next to a DBS (or DB9 and Vantage) however its beauty fades a little.
Interior wise, the XKR in Black with white contrast stitching and Aluminium trim is a lovely place to sit. The Sat Nav whilst being a bit fiddly to use on the move (small touchscreen buttons) is very accurate and all of the other car functions easy to use. Quality of build is good and materials are generally classy and modern.
The DBS has a bespoke look to it. This is both good and bad. Some of the switches look 20 years out of date - in fact some of them do date back over 20 years. The volvo sourced sat nav is appalling, and the mirror switches and stalks are cheap feeling for a bespoke car. The Leather used on seats, dash and door trims however is lovely, much higher grade than the Jag. The centre section is a mess ergonomically however it looks great and looks to be of a very high quality. The instruments also look great but are not especially easy on the eye to use.
Enough of my waffle though, which would I choose? Logically it has to be the XKR - it does everything the DBS does and often does it better. It is very well made, has a great feel to it and is a car that every time you jump into it makes you feel great and that you have made the right choice - until you see a DBS!
Performance wise, the XKR matches and surpassed the DBS, the Auto box in the XKR has a smoother faster change, and when in Dynamic mode the speed of the changes in manual operation are as good as any DSG box I have tried, that includes our F458!
The ride is extremely well composed, never harsh even on poorly surfaced roads and the car flows in a very natural manner. Handling wise, the car is a GT, it has a very fluid steering set up which whilst light, has a positive turn in, good straight line feel and is linear from lock to lock. It is very controllable and traction is extremely strong. When in the right conditions, the car can be drifted in a very controlled progressive manner and the car always leaves you feeling in control.
The XKR engine is incredible, great power, a good rev range and endless amounts of torque. Lovely noise which is no longer masked by the Supercharger.
The DBS has a heavy steering feel, quite meaty but a little vague and rubbery in the straight ahead. It is a little more tail happy but very controllable and the ride a little less comfortable overall than the XKR. Not quite as well sorted as the Jag as an all rounder but perhaps a little more "exciting" at times. Performance wise, the Jag is probably a little quicker particularly from 50 - 120. On most roads most of the time you would not notice too much difference. The DBS has to be worked a little harder, the XKR always seems to be ready to go.
Looks are always a tricky subject because everyone has a different perspective however the DBS is more coherent and looks as "one" whereas the XKR is clearly built to a price therefore the stuck on spoiler looks a little cheap. When stood in isolation the XKR is undoubtedly a stunning car, when parked next to a DBS (or DB9 and Vantage) however its beauty fades a little.
Interior wise, the XKR in Black with white contrast stitching and Aluminium trim is a lovely place to sit. The Sat Nav whilst being a bit fiddly to use on the move (small touchscreen buttons) is very accurate and all of the other car functions easy to use. Quality of build is good and materials are generally classy and modern.
The DBS has a bespoke look to it. This is both good and bad. Some of the switches look 20 years out of date - in fact some of them do date back over 20 years. The volvo sourced sat nav is appalling, and the mirror switches and stalks are cheap feeling for a bespoke car. The Leather used on seats, dash and door trims however is lovely, much higher grade than the Jag. The centre section is a mess ergonomically however it looks great and looks to be of a very high quality. The instruments also look great but are not especially easy on the eye to use.
Enough of my waffle though, which would I choose? Logically it has to be the XKR - it does everything the DBS does and often does it better. It is very well made, has a great feel to it and is a car that every time you jump into it makes you feel great and that you have made the right choice - until you see a DBS!
DBS every time. It's almost a stupid question. Like comparing a 599 to a Brera cloverleaf. People like to compare them because of power outputs but that's just being petty really. 2 different cars designed for 2 different audiences. If you want an Aston you buy an Aston. If you want a Jag you buy a Jag.
vpr said:
Tell me more about the wheel wobble.....was it not a case of flat tyres due to storage?
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=85...Edited by kryten22uk on Wednesday 24th November 12:00
Careful folks! Awhile back I asked the question of a lowly V8V or a 5 litre XKR and the thread descended into a slanging match and got shut down by the mods.
I'll be incredibly brave now, even if I do say so myself...
The 5 litre xkr is a better car than the DBS, the DB9 and the V8 vantage. There, stick that in your pipe and smoke it folks! It's better and I think anybody who consumes enough car related material knows it is. That's only the case because the XKr is also better than every other GT out there though, inc the m6, SL, California. With it's frankly more sophisticate active dif, better gearbox, mighty engine etc it's quite a bit more technically impressive than the DBS.
Before you flame me to death, notice I did by an Aston and not the Jag! Thing is, the Jag is certainly a better car in quantifiable terms but there are other considerations. While lovely inside and out all the Astons are otherworldly in looks and the luxury and quality inside is for me a different class. Astons also have manual boxes which is a huge plus for me too. The Astons are very special hand built cars versus the mass produced Jag. It depends what you want at the time, I wanted to have that special Aston feeling and wanted a smaller car and wanted a manual box. Frankly, I can have an XKR next time if I want, it's not a choice that most Aston owners need to make, you can have both over awhile. Doesn't mean that in most objective terms the XKR isn't a better vehicle, but those magazine style judgements don't have to pass the test of the individuals specific needs. There are ways in which the DBS is more satisfying than the XKR and if those are your more important points then you go for a DBS. You might fancy a V12 for instance.
Killer for me is though, the depreciation on an XKR is going to hurt a lot more than an Aston for a similar buy price. Better to buy one after an Aston maybe and save on that.
V12 vantage mind, that's another story.
I'll be incredibly brave now, even if I do say so myself...
The 5 litre xkr is a better car than the DBS, the DB9 and the V8 vantage. There, stick that in your pipe and smoke it folks! It's better and I think anybody who consumes enough car related material knows it is. That's only the case because the XKr is also better than every other GT out there though, inc the m6, SL, California. With it's frankly more sophisticate active dif, better gearbox, mighty engine etc it's quite a bit more technically impressive than the DBS.
Before you flame me to death, notice I did by an Aston and not the Jag! Thing is, the Jag is certainly a better car in quantifiable terms but there are other considerations. While lovely inside and out all the Astons are otherworldly in looks and the luxury and quality inside is for me a different class. Astons also have manual boxes which is a huge plus for me too. The Astons are very special hand built cars versus the mass produced Jag. It depends what you want at the time, I wanted to have that special Aston feeling and wanted a smaller car and wanted a manual box. Frankly, I can have an XKR next time if I want, it's not a choice that most Aston owners need to make, you can have both over awhile. Doesn't mean that in most objective terms the XKR isn't a better vehicle, but those magazine style judgements don't have to pass the test of the individuals specific needs. There are ways in which the DBS is more satisfying than the XKR and if those are your more important points then you go for a DBS. You might fancy a V12 for instance.
Killer for me is though, the depreciation on an XKR is going to hurt a lot more than an Aston for a similar buy price. Better to buy one after an Aston maybe and save on that.
V12 vantage mind, that's another story.
This is always an interesting debate.
Logically the XKR is the choice, so why have I bought Aston V8V's, DBS ( don't get me started on the wheel wobble, Gaydons deniableblack op) and now a California? Simple truth is we make choices based on passion as well as sense.
Mind you unless the economy improves its gonna be a Jag next time.
Logically the XKR is the choice, so why have I bought Aston V8V's, DBS ( don't get me started on the wheel wobble, Gaydons deniableblack op) and now a California? Simple truth is we make choices based on passion as well as sense.
Mind you unless the economy improves its gonna be a Jag next time.
Putting aside performance, my husband had a brand new XK for two years. I agree with everything that has been said regarding the more modern interior, superior sat nav etc. But build quality on his 08 model was poor and the dealership were awful in putting the many issues right.
When I came to change my car he asked if I wanted a new convertible XKR or 2nd hand V8 Vantage. To me it was no contest. Driving the Jaguar was a lovely luxurious experience, but the Aston for its relative rarity and presence on the road won hands down. After a year with the V8 and now nearly a month with the V12 I have no regrets.
A practical person should maybe go with the Jaguar, but for those wanting a little more 'style, panache' shall we say I think the Aston, particularly the DBS pushes all the right buttons.
Down to personal preference in the end I guess.
Di
When I came to change my car he asked if I wanted a new convertible XKR or 2nd hand V8 Vantage. To me it was no contest. Driving the Jaguar was a lovely luxurious experience, but the Aston for its relative rarity and presence on the road won hands down. After a year with the V8 and now nearly a month with the V12 I have no regrets.
A practical person should maybe go with the Jaguar, but for those wanting a little more 'style, panache' shall we say I think the Aston, particularly the DBS pushes all the right buttons.
Down to personal preference in the end I guess.
Di
cathalm said:
Killer for me is though, the depreciation on an XKR is going to hurt a lot more than an Aston for a similar buy price. Better to buy one after an Aston maybe and save on that.
ay? You cant get a DBS for anywhere near the price of an XKR, so not sure I get the "similar buy price" point. Thereafter, the loss on a DBS in its first year is, what, £60k? Loss on an XKR probably £15k. So I'd say Aston depreciation is probably the killer, not the Jag.Ahem, pay attention at the back. I said depreciation on an Aston of similar price to an XKR , I didn't say on a DBS. Look earlier in what I said, I was comparing the whole Aston range rather than just the DBS and talking about my own experience of this choice which sadly didn't involve a DBS. To be more specific then, for the price of a new or nearly new xkr you can get a low mileage vantage or db9 that has already taken a hit. In 2 or 3 years your Aston won't drop as far as that new Jag. Check xkr values over the years, you can get a steel one for 20p now and can still spend a pretty penny on a DB7 of similar vintage.
I have to admit i am a shallow man. Style over function at this level for me.
The Jag I am sure is very capable etc but it could be the image that does it no justice for me. Jags have always had the old man pipe and slippers kinda image and I'm not there yet though I do own a few classic jags.
Wife bought a new DB9 a few yrs ago on the simple basis that it was the only car that turned her head. She has just chopped that for a new DBS Volante and I am blown away by the sheer beauty and utter perfection of the car. Absolutely beautiful.
And lets face it Aston Martin has a kind of twinkle to its name
The Jag I am sure is very capable etc but it could be the image that does it no justice for me. Jags have always had the old man pipe and slippers kinda image and I'm not there yet though I do own a few classic jags.
Wife bought a new DB9 a few yrs ago on the simple basis that it was the only car that turned her head. She has just chopped that for a new DBS Volante and I am blown away by the sheer beauty and utter perfection of the car. Absolutely beautiful.
And lets face it Aston Martin has a kind of twinkle to its name
The faults you can pick on either of these cars are not really faults at all just part of the character. So I imagine its a question of what you want. Who do you want to be, James Bond or Bruce Reynolds? Its not even cost - if you can't afford a new Aston you will buy a second hand one. Even depreciation isn't that different in global terms.
But in defence of the Jag I will say - all of the above comments are without even referring to the XK75 which is where Jag is really at. A nice steel XK 6 years old is still going to set you back not 20p but near 18 grand which is not far short of 911 depreciation. And though some of the Jag details are a bit cheap and spivvy, that is precisely the point. A Jag is always a statement of intent to get a bit ahead of yourself.
I wouldn't like to have to judge. Or maybe I would
But in defence of the Jag I will say - all of the above comments are without even referring to the XK75 which is where Jag is really at. A nice steel XK 6 years old is still going to set you back not 20p but near 18 grand which is not far short of 911 depreciation. And though some of the Jag details are a bit cheap and spivvy, that is precisely the point. A Jag is always a statement of intent to get a bit ahead of yourself.
I wouldn't like to have to judge. Or maybe I would
Edited by cardigankid on Wednesday 24th November 20:12
Yeah it does have that sort of image; like Clarkson says its a Jaaaaaag.XKR is a magnificent car and dynamically marginally superior to the DBS. It's a very underrated car with a Lotus like ride/handling compromise and delicate control weights.
It's V8 carries a heavy silken punch but it can't touch the DBS for aural drama, nor match its headlong rush for the rev limiter.
But overall I'm starting to think the two cars are quite different. The XKR is the ultimate every day car whereas the DBS is still something for special occasions.
If value for money was ever a factor it has to be the XK. But few would choose it in a money no object scenario.
I think the route I'd go is XKR for daily use and V12 Vantage for trips to the continent and Sunday blasts. I still find the DBS to be the most handsome of the lot though.
It's V8 carries a heavy silken punch but it can't touch the DBS for aural drama, nor match its headlong rush for the rev limiter.
But overall I'm starting to think the two cars are quite different. The XKR is the ultimate every day car whereas the DBS is still something for special occasions.
If value for money was ever a factor it has to be the XK. But few would choose it in a money no object scenario.
I think the route I'd go is XKR for daily use and V12 Vantage for trips to the continent and Sunday blasts. I still find the DBS to be the most handsome of the lot though.
XKR for everyday and V12V for the weekends you say? Sounds marvelous.Of course then you'll need a 4 seater so you'll need and M5 or an XFR. What with impending snow you will probably also need to get yourself a Range Rover. Since none of the above are really track cars you probably should consider adding a Caterham r500. If you need to go into the city it would probably be best to get yourself a Mini or Abarth for that too. That should cover it, but you don't really have a balls to the wall supercar in there so you should invest in the new Mclaren for special occasions or raid the piggy bank and get a One-77.
Ah, it is good to dream on a freezing Thursday morning....I wish.
Ah, it is good to dream on a freezing Thursday morning....I wish.
cathalm said:
XKR for everyday and V12V for the weekends you say? Sounds marvelous.Of course then you'll need a 4 seater so you'll need and M5 or an XFR. What with impending snow you will probably also need to get yourself a Range Rover. Since none of the above are really track cars you probably should consider adding a Caterham r500. If you need to go into the city it would probably be best to get yourself a Mini or Abarth for that too. That should cover it, but you don't really have a balls to the wall supercar in there so you should invest in the new Mclaren for special occasions or raid the piggy bank and get a One-77.
Ah, it is good to dream on a freezing Thursday morning....I wish.
My father told me many years ago never to trust a Jag owner.....jolly good advise........M5 sounds like an excellent choice as the day to day car......and with regard to best value for money car........who bloody cares, I never purchased my Astons, or come to think about it my wifes LV handbag collection because the're good value !! I bought them because they give me/my wife pleasure. (and more sex with regard to the LV's ) Ah, it is good to dream on a freezing Thursday morning....I wish.
Edited by michael gould on Thursday 25th November 11:31
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff