Always been a 911 man........
Discussion
Norfolkaston said:
I've had an 06 DB9 since new (30,500 miles currently) and a 997 C4S gen 2 since Jan 09 (33,500 miles to date). The 911 is my daily drive. I love both cars but both are very different - my thoughts and personal opinions on ownership of both:
1. Cost of ownership. The Porsche is much cheaper to run. Servicing is every 2 years or 20,000 miles and the dealer costs are cheaper. Whenever the DB9 goes in for service, the bill is always over £2,000. The last service on the 911 was about £450. I bought an extended warranty for the 911 (for a further 2 years) when the car was 2 years old and this was about £750 cheaper than the comparable warranty on the DB9. In terms of mpg, I get about 19 mpg from the DB9 and 25 mpg from the 911 (both since new).
2. Reliability. Touch wood, my DB9 has been a very reliable car, but I have much more confidence in the reliability of the 911. I take it for granted that the 911 will start every time and not go wrong, but that was never an assumption I had with the DB9, although it's been a pleasant surprise to see how well it has performed over the last 6 years.
3. Insurance. I'm 48 and live in North Norfolk, so low risk area. DB9 is £700 a year and the 911 £400. Both are insured with Porsche Insurance and on limited mileage.
4. Driving experience. The DB9 for me is more of an 'experience' to drive - it feels a special car and the cabin environment feels higher quality. The sound is sublime (I had Works Service fit a switch on the steering column so I could have the same effect as removing the infamous fuse 22). If I was to drive down to the South of France I would choose the DB9 every time - it's such a relaxed car to drive long distances.
But, and this is a big but, I find the 911, by far, the better drivers' car. I'm sure it's my (rather poor) driving style, but I've never felt completely comfortable hustling the DB9 along too fast on twisty roads - it's a big, heavy car compared to the 911 and the brakes could have better feel. By comparison, when I have a fast drive in the 911, I get out of the car at the end with a big smile on my face amazed at what a wonderful driving experience it is (and wanting to get back in and do it again).
If I had to choose only one to live, it would be a very difficult choice - they are both wonderful machines in their own way. I'd certainly try and organise an extended test drive in a DB9 to see what you think of it first.
Jesus £2000 for a service ! I've had 3 Aston Martins and have never spent more than £900.........what are they doing to it ? 1. Cost of ownership. The Porsche is much cheaper to run. Servicing is every 2 years or 20,000 miles and the dealer costs are cheaper. Whenever the DB9 goes in for service, the bill is always over £2,000. The last service on the 911 was about £450. I bought an extended warranty for the 911 (for a further 2 years) when the car was 2 years old and this was about £750 cheaper than the comparable warranty on the DB9. In terms of mpg, I get about 19 mpg from the DB9 and 25 mpg from the 911 (both since new).
2. Reliability. Touch wood, my DB9 has been a very reliable car, but I have much more confidence in the reliability of the 911. I take it for granted that the 911 will start every time and not go wrong, but that was never an assumption I had with the DB9, although it's been a pleasant surprise to see how well it has performed over the last 6 years.
3. Insurance. I'm 48 and live in North Norfolk, so low risk area. DB9 is £700 a year and the 911 £400. Both are insured with Porsche Insurance and on limited mileage.
4. Driving experience. The DB9 for me is more of an 'experience' to drive - it feels a special car and the cabin environment feels higher quality. The sound is sublime (I had Works Service fit a switch on the steering column so I could have the same effect as removing the infamous fuse 22). If I was to drive down to the South of France I would choose the DB9 every time - it's such a relaxed car to drive long distances.
But, and this is a big but, I find the 911, by far, the better drivers' car. I'm sure it's my (rather poor) driving style, but I've never felt completely comfortable hustling the DB9 along too fast on twisty roads - it's a big, heavy car compared to the 911 and the brakes could have better feel. By comparison, when I have a fast drive in the 911, I get out of the car at the end with a big smile on my face amazed at what a wonderful driving experience it is (and wanting to get back in and do it again).
If I had to choose only one to live, it would be a very difficult choice - they are both wonderful machines in their own way. I'd certainly try and organise an extended test drive in a DB9 to see what you think of it first.
Zanderman said:
Can anyone give me a view on the differences between the V*V and the DB9 please?
From what i can gather the V8V may be a bit more of a drivers car??
You are slowly reaching the same conclusion as me when I first went to see the, what was then, newly released DB9. Dissappointed with the lack of useable rear seats but still determined to own an Aston, I ordered a V8V and bought an SUV for family days out.From what i can gather the V8V may be a bit more of a drivers car??
Zanderman said:
Can anyone give me a view on the differences between the V*V and the DB9 please?
From what i can gather the V8V may be a bit more of a drivers car??
Had the feeling you were going to be left with more questions than answers after your test drive.From what i can gather the V8V may be a bit more of a drivers car??
V8V is a totally different car to drive - try it and see - and will probably give you a better feel for the car you're after.
You will also get a fair bit more for your money
Which ever Aston you decide to buy you will never be disappointed....
Every time you hit that start button, no matter how long you have owned the car, it will send a surge if excitement!!!!!
I have a V8 Vantage and love it more than anything!!!
Have only driven a 9 once and it felt equally as good. I would buy a DB9 but would have to be a Volante,
The astons do get a massive amount of attention. Every where I drive or park up it people stop and look or take pictures... I feel very privileged to own such a machine... Not to mention how many times I fund myself on the driveway admiring it my self.
My advice would be just go out and buy one... Try both the V8V and the 9
And if you need to stretch a little then sell a kidney!!!
Every time you hit that start button, no matter how long you have owned the car, it will send a surge if excitement!!!!!
I have a V8 Vantage and love it more than anything!!!
Have only driven a 9 once and it felt equally as good. I would buy a DB9 but would have to be a Volante,
The astons do get a massive amount of attention. Every where I drive or park up it people stop and look or take pictures... I feel very privileged to own such a machine... Not to mention how many times I fund myself on the driveway admiring it my self.
My advice would be just go out and buy one... Try both the V8V and the 9
And if you need to stretch a little then sell a kidney!!!
Zanderman said:
Morning All,
I have always considered myself a 911 man, have owned one before and am looking to get myself into something special for my upcoming 40th (I know any excuse!). I have been looking at 996 turbo's and 997's around the £35k mark.
Having had a look at what else I could get for that kind of money it appears that I could get an 05 DB9...... I haven't ever really considered an Aston as I thought they were probably out of my price range and a little fragile. The fact that a fairly reasonable mileage can be had for around that kind of money has me thinking.
I need a car to work most of the time as this will be my main car, need to rear seats for the kids but am mainly looking for something with some passion/sole and maybe a bit of an event. The 911 fits most of that bill perfectly and drives and handle beautifully and I have never been let down etc etc. I have had a one before so maybe time for a change??
I am going to go and have a look at a DB9 today because, well because its an Aston and a thing of real beauty! It seems like Aston owners have something of a love affair with their cars and that is what I am looking for, something a little special!
So what are people's thoughts?
Could I get a decent DB9 for around the £35k mark? What should I be looking for?
Am I letting myself in for a world of pain?
Are their any ex Porsche owners that could comment?
Thanks all!
I too have been through this loop. Ten years ago I sold my 993 to buy an Aston (a DB7 as it happens but I think the same principles apply as the DB9 is today's equivalent of the DB7).I have always considered myself a 911 man, have owned one before and am looking to get myself into something special for my upcoming 40th (I know any excuse!). I have been looking at 996 turbo's and 997's around the £35k mark.
Having had a look at what else I could get for that kind of money it appears that I could get an 05 DB9...... I haven't ever really considered an Aston as I thought they were probably out of my price range and a little fragile. The fact that a fairly reasonable mileage can be had for around that kind of money has me thinking.
I need a car to work most of the time as this will be my main car, need to rear seats for the kids but am mainly looking for something with some passion/sole and maybe a bit of an event. The 911 fits most of that bill perfectly and drives and handle beautifully and I have never been let down etc etc. I have had a one before so maybe time for a change??
I am going to go and have a look at a DB9 today because, well because its an Aston and a thing of real beauty! It seems like Aston owners have something of a love affair with their cars and that is what I am looking for, something a little special!
So what are people's thoughts?
Could I get a decent DB9 for around the £35k mark? What should I be looking for?
Am I letting myself in for a world of pain?
Are their any ex Porsche owners that could comment?
Thanks all!
I kept the DB7 for six years and had a great deal of fun in it and out of it. Out of it? It's a great car to look at (just like the DB9) and fantastic for long trips across Europe. What it was less good at was a) sounding great and b) twisties.
I loved my DB7 and you will (if you buy one) love your DB9. But if you enjoy driving the twisties, you may find that you need to scratch that Porsche itch again.
I sold the DB7 almost exactly a year ago to buy a 997 and don't regret it for a moment. The Porsche can do the GT thing and handle twisties - truly multi-purpose. It also costs me WAY less to run in juice and maintenance. While the DB9 is far more capable car than the DB7 (and I seriously considered upgrading to a DB9 for a while) I realised that what I really wanted was a car I could enjoy chucking around too.
So it boils down to whether you want that sense of occasion the DB9 affords, or a car that can do GT and twisties.
Enjoy your dilemma...
Edited by manek on Saturday 28th April 10:24
Zanderman said:
So I got to test drive both today back to back and am now even more confused!
The 911 for me was by far the better drive, in manual form it was just superb. Handled like a dream and rapid enough for anything I am going to ever need. I also felt at home as soon as I sat in it and quickly started to remember how my previous 911 drove and felt and really quickly started to get the best out of it with real confidence. Just loved it!! Came out with a big grin on my face because I felt like I had really been driving (if that makes sense?)
The DB9 is just impossibly beautiful, from every angle its just stunning. Maybe more so than any other car I have ever looked at. It is a very different drive to the 911 and in auto mode still handles well and has amazing pace and acceleration. Was way less impressed with the driving experience as a whole but people who say it is an 'experience' or an 'event' I understand now what they mean! Also the admiring glances and looks were quite nice!
So in terms of a decision I dont think I am there yet but to be honest if I am looking for something to get back to 'driving' then it will have to be the 911. If I am looking for something to feel special in then the DB9 has to win. The other thing is that the DB9 is going to work out at around £10k more, I can afford that and for the right car it isnt a problem but something else to factor in I guess.
Not a bad choice to have to make though I suopose!!
Yes, the attention it gets and the way an Aston clears the outside lane as people want to watch it waft by is amazing. Huge road presence.The 911 for me was by far the better drive, in manual form it was just superb. Handled like a dream and rapid enough for anything I am going to ever need. I also felt at home as soon as I sat in it and quickly started to remember how my previous 911 drove and felt and really quickly started to get the best out of it with real confidence. Just loved it!! Came out with a big grin on my face because I felt like I had really been driving (if that makes sense?)
The DB9 is just impossibly beautiful, from every angle its just stunning. Maybe more so than any other car I have ever looked at. It is a very different drive to the 911 and in auto mode still handles well and has amazing pace and acceleration. Was way less impressed with the driving experience as a whole but people who say it is an 'experience' or an 'event' I understand now what they mean! Also the admiring glances and looks were quite nice!
So in terms of a decision I dont think I am there yet but to be honest if I am looking for something to get back to 'driving' then it will have to be the 911. If I am looking for something to feel special in then the DB9 has to win. The other thing is that the DB9 is going to work out at around £10k more, I can afford that and for the right car it isnt a problem but something else to factor in I guess.
Not a bad choice to have to make though I suopose!!
But you do pay for that with hefty running costs....
I hear what you're saying about the running costs guys and you are correct.
But when it comes to twisties....I went for a razz in the DB9 with Mikey K (V8VS), Quinny (V8V) and Ash (Porker but can't remember which one) and I have to say the Porker was the third fastest around the bends, and Ash is a great driver. It was actually a tough call between the V8Vs and the V8V, both driven by highly qualified drivers.
The DB9 is definitely not for the twisties unless you can modify and drive it like Yeti. Try throwing the V8V around the bends and see how you feel
But when it comes to twisties....I went for a razz in the DB9 with Mikey K (V8VS), Quinny (V8V) and Ash (Porker but can't remember which one) and I have to say the Porker was the third fastest around the bends, and Ash is a great driver. It was actually a tough call between the V8Vs and the V8V, both driven by highly qualified drivers.
The DB9 is definitely not for the twisties unless you can modify and drive it like Yeti. Try throwing the V8V around the bends and see how you feel
Zanderman,
As has been said... DB9 is a great car, but much more of a GT than a 911 -- or a V8V. If you don't need the back seats, and you want a sports car driving experience (that also does the GT thing very well), definitely try a V8V. They're all very good to drive, and a 4.7 Sports Pack manual is a GREAT drive (as is an S, but it's paddle-shift only) -- a truly worthy competitor to a 911 in that category, plus you get all the other Aston virtues.
As has been said... DB9 is a great car, but much more of a GT than a 911 -- or a V8V. If you don't need the back seats, and you want a sports car driving experience (that also does the GT thing very well), definitely try a V8V. They're all very good to drive, and a 4.7 Sports Pack manual is a GREAT drive (as is an S, but it's paddle-shift only) -- a truly worthy competitor to a 911 in that category, plus you get all the other Aston virtues.
Speedraser said:
Zanderman,
As has been said... DB9 is a great car, but much more of a GT than a 911 -- or a V8V. If you don't need the back seats, and you want a sports car driving experience (that also does the GT thing very well), definitely try a V8V. They're all very good to drive, and a 4.7 Sports Pack manual is a GREAT drive (as is an S, but it's paddle-shift only) -- a truly worthy competitor to a 911 in that category, plus you get all the other Aston virtues.
The S is ALOT better than a sport pack 4.7As has been said... DB9 is a great car, but much more of a GT than a 911 -- or a V8V. If you don't need the back seats, and you want a sports car driving experience (that also does the GT thing very well), definitely try a V8V. They're all very good to drive, and a 4.7 Sports Pack manual is a GREAT drive (as is an S, but it's paddle-shift only) -- a truly worthy competitor to a 911 in that category, plus you get all the other Aston virtues.
The suspension, brakes and steering changes make a big difference.
Zanderman said:
I think they will probably both be budget busting though!
The S is better as it has lighter wheels, 10mm wider tyres, stiffer suspension, quicker steering rack.mikey k said:
The S is ALOT better than a sport pack 4.7
The suspension, brakes and steering changes make a big difference.
The suspension, brakes and steering changes make a big difference.
The 4.3 N400 has most of this and can be tweaked by BR to be better than an S as and wen you wnat.
mikey k said:
Zanderman said:
I think they will probably both be budget busting though!
The S is better as it has lighter wheels, 10mm wider tyres, stiffer suspension, quicker steering rack.mikey k said:
The S is ALOT better than a sport pack 4.7
The suspension, brakes and steering changes make a big difference.
The suspension, brakes and steering changes make a big difference.
The 4.3 N400 has most of this and can be tweaked by BR to be better than an S as and wen you wnat.
I respectfully disagree. IIRC, you had a 4.7 Sports Pack before your S, but I drove the S and my 4.7 Sports Pack back-to-back on the same roads -- and I disagree. I wonder if it has anything to do with your cars' being Roadsters -- mine is a Coupe, as was the S that I drove. Perhaps the difference is greater in the Roadster? Don't get me wrong, the S was great, but I do not agree it's "ALOT better." I prefer the slightly more compliant ride of the Sports Pack, and the handling is nothing short of superb. While the quicker rack of the S is nice, the steering of my car is at least as full of feel, and in no way not quick enough. Also, IIRC, your 4.7 was a SS, so perhaps part of why you see the S as much better is that the 7-spd SS is greatly improved? My car is a manual.
Also, re: the N400... The Sports Pack has the same suspension, including the lighter wheels. A 4.7 Sports Pack car is mechanically identical (except for the sports exhaust) to the N420.
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