DB9 v 456GTA......anyone had the same conumdrum?
Discussion
Anyone found themselves in a similar conundrum? Having driven both for short periods, my heart is pulling me to the 456. Sensual, understated looks with bags of power and an exhaust note which makes you shiver and giggle simultaneously. the DB9 is iconic, given its appearance and pedigree, is hand built though lacks rear space and a certain 'something' I really cant explain. Sory...!
Cost of ownership sways me towards the "9" although I recognise it's not exactly cheap to own....though I'm used to £1-2kpa costs. The 456 going pop however raises the bar to levels potentially beyond reason.
So putting aside boring matters such as the cost to run, depreciation (as both are near the bottom of the curve in my uneducated view), and assuming a budget of £30-35k....which I realise is bucket scrapping for a "9", has anyone else found themselves deciding between these two fine machines?
Experiences, thought processes, decisions taken and why appreciated..! I have posted this also on the 'Fezza' folder if only to balance up opinion. The rear space is quite important though not a complete deal breaker.
Thanks.
Cost of ownership sways me towards the "9" although I recognise it's not exactly cheap to own....though I'm used to £1-2kpa costs. The 456 going pop however raises the bar to levels potentially beyond reason.
So putting aside boring matters such as the cost to run, depreciation (as both are near the bottom of the curve in my uneducated view), and assuming a budget of £30-35k....which I realise is bucket scrapping for a "9", has anyone else found themselves deciding between these two fine machines?
Experiences, thought processes, decisions taken and why appreciated..! I have posted this also on the 'Fezza' folder if only to balance up opinion. The rear space is quite important though not a complete deal breaker.
Thanks.
The decision needs to be made as to whether you 'need' rear seats or not - the DB9 has nothing useable except for luggage space, where it's great! The 456 has proper comfortable back seats. If you don't need them, then the decison should be between a DB9 and a 550 (although prices have rallied slightly)!
The DB9 is a far more modern motor car as well and in manual form will be more than a match for the 456 as a driver's car - you can also select a sports pack car
Noise wise, they are as evocative as each other. Comparing auto vs auto though, the 6 speed DB9 completely outclasses the old fashioned 4 speed auto.
35k will get you a decent example of either car. I went with the DB9 over a 550/456 as I wanted a ragtop, if I was looking for a coupe though, it would have been a MUCH harder choice...
I'd like to run a 456 alongside the DB9 as car for the other half at some point, went to sniff around them at Rardley Motors, very classy outfit. I think they're absolutely lovely in Tour de France or Le Mans blue with cream or tan leather.
As you say, running costs will be probably double..? The Aston is very reliable, Ford Prestige build standards.
The DB9 is a far more modern motor car as well and in manual form will be more than a match for the 456 as a driver's car - you can also select a sports pack car
Noise wise, they are as evocative as each other. Comparing auto vs auto though, the 6 speed DB9 completely outclasses the old fashioned 4 speed auto.35k will get you a decent example of either car. I went with the DB9 over a 550/456 as I wanted a ragtop, if I was looking for a coupe though, it would have been a MUCH harder choice...
I'd like to run a 456 alongside the DB9 as car for the other half at some point, went to sniff around them at Rardley Motors, very classy outfit. I think they're absolutely lovely in Tour de France or Le Mans blue with cream or tan leather.
As you say, running costs will be probably double..? The Aston is very reliable, Ford Prestige build standards.
yeti said:
The decision needs to be made as to whether you 'need' rear seats or not - the DB9 has nothing useable except for luggage space, where it's great! The 456 has proper comfortable back seats. If you don't need them, then the decison should be between a DB9 and a 550 (although prices have rallied slightly)!
The DB9 is a far more modern motor car as well and in manual form will be more than a match for the 456 as a driver's car - you can also select a sports pack car Noise wise, they are as evocative as each other. Comparing auto vs auto though, the 6 speed DB9 completely outclasses the old fashioned 4 speed auto.
35k will get you a decent example of either car. I went with the DB9 over a 550/456 as I wanted a ragtop, if I was looking for a coupe though, it would have been a MUCH harder choice...
I'd like to run a 456 alongside the DB9 as car for the other half at some point, went to sniff around them at Rardley Motors, very classy outfit. I think they're absolutely lovely in Tour de France or Le Mans blue with cream or tan leather.
As you say, running costs will be probably double..? The Aston is very reliable, Ford Prestige build standards.
agree with the above but I just think the 456 is too dated now......until 8 weeks ago the DB9 was current and even the latest version is very similar to a 2004 DB9.......the argument gets more difficult when you compare a DB9 to a 612The DB9 is a far more modern motor car as well and in manual form will be more than a match for the 456 as a driver's car - you can also select a sports pack car
Noise wise, they are as evocative as each other. Comparing auto vs auto though, the 6 speed DB9 completely outclasses the old fashioned 4 speed auto.35k will get you a decent example of either car. I went with the DB9 over a 550/456 as I wanted a ragtop, if I was looking for a coupe though, it would have been a MUCH harder choice...
I'd like to run a 456 alongside the DB9 as car for the other half at some point, went to sniff around them at Rardley Motors, very classy outfit. I think they're absolutely lovely in Tour de France or Le Mans blue with cream or tan leather.
As you say, running costs will be probably double..? The Aston is very reliable, Ford Prestige build standards.
I know beauty is subjective but how anyone can view the 456 and compare it the the magnificent design of the DB89 is beyond me.
Normally I wouldn't jump in and honk about what attracts someones eye but surely I thought everyone could see the hideous disproportion between front and rear profile of the 456
Not only that but they don't drive very well (My F in Law owned one many yrs ago and I drove it frequently) and I remember feeling somewhat under-whelmed at the experience. Certainly dated when new and they didn't sell well then for good reason.
So....DB9 all the way
Normally I wouldn't jump in and honk about what attracts someones eye but surely I thought everyone could see the hideous disproportion between front and rear profile of the 456
Not only that but they don't drive very well (My F in Law owned one many yrs ago and I drove it frequently) and I remember feeling somewhat under-whelmed at the experience. Certainly dated when new and they didn't sell well then for good reason.
So....DB9 all the way
vpr said:
I know beauty is subjective but how anyone can view the 456 and compare it the the magnificent design of the DB89 is beyond me.
I think the 456 is stunning... Nothing to choose for looks between the two. The decision between 456 and 612 is easy too, one is half the price of the other
OP, I see now you're asking about the GTA... That 4 speed auto is old tech from a defunct company. Auto vs Auto there is no contest, the DB9s ZF walks it. Manual vs manual, well that's different... And the DB9 manual is a mighty good car
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff