Aston Martin DBS Volante or Vanquish Volante?

[Swissdriver]

After looking for a decent DB9.2 or DB9 GT Volante almost two years now in Switzerland without success, I recently removed some search filters and came across two cars which are priced similarly. I swear I already browsed the relevant sections in the bible (or the definitive guide) several times and I am aware that the DBS even has lower torque than the DB9.2 and the Vanquish is still 6-speed auto, however the bible also tells me that the 8-speed lost some comfort due to a stiffer damper setup.

This would be my second car and used for pure GT purposes (holidays, roadtrips to Austria/Germany etc.). I therefore do value ride comfort pretty high, but also am keen to have some nice sounds when pushing the throttle My previous GT car was a V8 BMW 6series. I am adoring Aston Martin since decades, but never had the courage to pull the trigger on one, maybe now? Please find the links to the two beauties below, any feedback most welcome, especially on the differences between those two (already fallen in love with the colour combination of the DBS though):

https://www.autoscout24.ch/5920429

https://www.autoscout24.ch/8685467

[Beckson]

Vanquish is a further developed car, with more trunk space.

It's just a bit " better". Center console on the Vanq is the nicest looking AM has made.

Styling of course is subjective.

Unless a DBS manual... then it is an easy choice.

[krisdelta]

How to choose! I love the interior on that DBS, so would struggle to look past that with the Vanq having such a dark interior.

[JJbing]

This one could be an endless debate!

I’d really recommend driving both, I did and went with the vanquish, the interior and it is a bit quicker/refined.

Only thing going against vanquish is depreciation.

[oilit]

At a quick glance, my eyes are drawn to the colours of the DBS as looking far more of a visual delight....

[Upperworks]

JJbing said:

This one could be an endless debate!

I’d really recommend driving both, I did and went with the vanquish, the interior and it is a bit quicker/refined.

Only thing going against vanquish is depreciation.

Vanquish are currently going up. I sold my last one 18 months ago, and it’s retail is probably up 10-15% since.

If budget allows, Vanquish all the way. Both lovely though.

[JJbing]

Upperworks said:

Vanquish are currently going up. I sold my last one 18 months ago, and it’s retail is probably up 10-15% since.

If budget allows, Vanquish all the way. Both lovely though.

Very true, and the older gen 2’s should be bottoming out right now.

However this car market we’re currently in (UK anyway) is crazy. Dealers can’t get stock so demand is clearly crazy. I don’t think you can fairly reflect the values at the moment.
I bought my vanquish in March which looks like perfect timing.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

Tough decision. If the interiors were the same, then Vanquish, but with a black interior, then DBS.

Just a few general thoughts for comparison...

Exterior styling: Push
Interior styling: Vanq
Interior legroom: Vanq
Boot capacity: Vanq
Holding value: DBS
Iconic: DBS
Sound system with top down: Vanq
Body construction: Vanq
Power: Vanq
Glove box: DBS
Rarity: Push
Handling: Push
Ride comfort: Vanq

[Beckson]

Handling/power will be in favor of Vanquish, its a later car, more stiff body etc.

Now of course the other option is a later model db9 which is cheaper and same power as DBS

[Astontony]

As a vanquish owner I have also had a db9 and driven a dbs and as far as I am concerned Vanquish all the way.

Pluses as above but also more hp, lighter an all carbon fibre shell which is a rarity in any marque, better looks IMO.
I have a 6 speed and it really lacks nothing that an 8 speed might have. side by side Vanquish any day. In Australia their prices have risen considerably.

A Volante even better as the sound of the V 12 is wonderful.

[andyduncan]

Vanquish definitely (biased of course) - had to look twice as it looks very similar to mine (S version) which I brought in Basel, Switzerland nearly 2 years ago.
Personally I think the values are on the up (especially for LHD versions) as there are very few on the market (Zagato's excepted).
I'm sure that all the AM GT's (DB9, DBS, Vanquish and DBS superleggera.. etc) make excellent touring machines and its a personal choice as to which one suits individual needs and desires - I choose the Vanquish S after I heard one start from cold at AM Bristol!!

Any excuse for another photo...



Hoping to be re-united with her very soon!!

[MMarkM]

Interestingly having had a Vanquish and Vanquish S I'd say go for the DBS. that being the interior colour isn't exactly my taste but if its to be a keeper I'd say go for DBS over the vanq!

[Kumayama]

MMarkM said:

Interestingly having had a Vanquish and Vanquish S I'd say go for the DBS. that being the interior colour isn't exactly my taste but if its to be a keeper I'd say go for DBS over the vanq!

I agree with above, is it a keeper go with the DBS, owning it ower a short time, go with what you fancy the most, ridewice there pretty much equal i would say

[BiggaJ]

There is no right or wrong here.

Personally speaking the DBS to me is a far nicer looking car, and in that colour with a tan interior, for me perfect. Then again I detest black interiors on cars, they just look so drab and boring.

I hear what others have said about the Vanquish being more resolved, better developed etc. but it's not going to be a in a whole other league to the DBS and I do prefer the dash layout of the DBS also.

[Swissdriver]

Thank you so much for your input guys, very much appreciated! Finally it will come down to test drive both and take it from there, looking forward to it

[dbs2000]

Out of those two, I'd take the DBS. It might just be the photo quality but it looks the better car.
If it were an 8 speed Vanq, then thats where my money would go.

[mrpseudonym]

dbs2000 said:

Out of those two, I'd take the DBS. It might just be the photo quality but it looks the better car.
If it were an 8 speed Vanq, then thats where my money would go.

+1. With identical specs I would take the vanquish, but between those two specific cars I’d take the DBS without hesitation. That Vanquish spec is just not as special

[Gruff500]

Well this is a nice problem to have!

I drove both at length and ended up going for the Vanquish 8 Speed as it is just a better car to drive - all the little changes do actually add up to a significant improvement as a GT and I didn't find any issues with the firmer ride having taken it on continental runs. I've had some long runs with friends in a DBS and the Vanquish is just more planted at speed, handles more sharply and puts the power down better.

However! The DBS is a looker plus it is quick and you don't tend to have a volante for out and out performance so the rest is emotion really - which car feels more special to be in? Plus the DBS colour choice here IMHO is better than the vanquish in this particular case.

Whichever way you go is a win so good luck and enjoy whichever incredible car you go for.

[Greathey]

Easy, for GT'ing, Vanquish hands down. It does sound good since it has the same engine as the DBS.

[GG33]

If it's a Volante, then the Vanquish has much less flex in the body due to to CF construction. I would go for the Vanq