V8 Vantage to DB9

[james-witton]

Hi all

So here I am with some money burning a hole in my pocket and I'm thinking of moving from a Vantage to a DB9. Should I or shouldn't I? Anyone made the same move?

I'm thinking it would have to be a big difference to leave the V8V. I've had it about a year and I'm totally in love with it. The main thing that is attracting me to a 9 is the smoother ride.

Would appreciate any thoughts/comments/insults/insights.

James

[northernmedia]

First question.
Are you over the age of fifty?

[Gdc]

I'm 51, swapped my Vanquish S for DB9 Volante 4 years ago, haven't regretted it. If you ever want the bumpy ride just put the ADS into Track mode...

[LordBretSinclair]

[northernmedia]

Gdc said:

I'm 51, swapped my Vanquish S for DB9 Volante 4 years ago, haven't regretted it. If you ever want the bumpy ride just put the ADS into Track mode...

Perfect.
You passed qualification.
Now go buy one.

[Nijius Maximus]

northernmedia said:

First question.
Are you over the age of fifty?

And/or do you look like this:



But seriously... I've driven a DB9 with Sports Pack and it was surprisingly firm and sporty. With the newer models with ADS I suppose you'd have the best of both worlds?

[james-witton]

Ha Ha turning 50 this year

[Jockman]

You will definitely notice the extra 12" at the rear, in the wet.

I know this sounds daft but you may find it less roomy as the vantage optimises space like the DB9 can never do.

I would definitely go for a test drive if I were you

[northernmedia]

Jockman said:

You will definitely notice the extra 12" at the rear, in the wet.

Oooh suits you sir.

[Nijius Maximus]

Jockman said:

I know this sounds daft but you may find it less roomy as the vantage optimises space like the DB9 can never do.

Yep, the boot is smaller as well on the DB9 which I've always found weird. Plus the Vantage is a hatchback.

Never understood why they made the two rear seats standard on the DB9 and not optional as they could've made the boot massive and a proper GT for long distances with all your luggage...

[Jockman]

Did some of the earlier ones come with a parcel shelf at the rear or was that only on the DBS

[james-witton]

"I know this sounds daft but you may find it less roomy as the vantage optimises space like the DB9 can never do."

Good point. Im 6'3" so i think a long test drive is a must.

[james-witton]

"I know this sounds daft but you may find it less roomy as the vantage optimises space like the DB9 can never do."

Good point. Im 6'3" so i think a long test drive is a must.

Edited by james-witton on Monday 4th April 16:38

[paulrog1]

james-witton said:

"I know this sounds daft but you may find it less roomy as the vantage optimises space like the DB9 can never do."

Good point. Im 6'3" so i think a long test drive is a must.

Edited by james-witton on Monday 4th April 16:38

Let me know what you think, I'm 6'2" and never been in the DB9 only a V8V and found that comfortable, be interested to see if you find the DB9 comfortable.

[SlartiF430]

I did this and i was in my mid thirties. Loved my db9 volante. The right proportions and a sweet v12. Wouldn't ever go from a db9 to a v8v though.

[kensilver]

Nijius Maximus said:

...Never understood why they made the two rear seats standard on the DB9 and not optional as they could've made the boot massive and a proper GT for long distances with all your luggage...

Something to do with export costs being lower as a 4-seater vs a 2-seater.

With all the griping going on about these mini rear seats - it tends to be the 'Con' part of every review I've read, along with not being able to match performance of almost every other sports car on the planet - I would rather not have them either. It says 'family car' when it's most definitely not. They are for desperate passengers and small children, and both shouldn't be part of the ultimate Aston experience which is seeing cars as dots in your rear vision mirror

[kensilver]

I've had both, and as others attest, it's best to go from V8 to V12. You will always be disappointed with less power, as in every walk of life.

It's true the DB9 feels a bigger car and less nimble, but I like that. When I got into my V8VR I always felt I should (and did) drive at 110%. With the DB9 I have the option to relax or drive spiritedly, which I do anyway 99% of the time.

Here's my point which most don't agree with. The Vantage is a beautiful shape, drop dead gorgeous, but I'm always shocked when I see one close up and realise how small they appear in real life. The DB9 is big enough to have some substance. Just my preference.

I've had more people comment on the V8VR than my DB9, so obviously there is some different appreciation between them - maybe it was the soft top in my case that attracted comments, a lot from women.

Driving them? As I said I drive them both in the same manner - fast. I haven't noticed any great difference in comfort or handling, and there are several twisty roads where I've made the comparison, and the V8 is slightly better as expected. But I don't drive anywhere near the limit so it's not a fair comparison.

The clincher must have to be the smooth and torquey V12. In the V8 I was always struggling to get decent acceleration from it in any gear, but the DB9 is just effortless. I've had a few V12s with Bently Contis and a SL600, and I wouldn't buy another V8 again unless I'm compelled to with the model upgrades.

[66MK]

"I'm always shocked when I see one close up and realise how small they appear in real life."

Size isn't everything...

"always struggling to get decent acceleration from it in any gear"

You've either been spoiled or you were in the 'wrong' gear!

As an aside, I'm 50 (just) and bought my 4.7 V8VR a year ago. I did suggest to my wife (a woman) that a DB9 was on the cards as at the time I couldn't stretch to a V12 Vantage (and wanted a V12 engine). Her reply was that I wasn't anywhere near old enough for a DB9...maybe there is the root bias for a V8V?

Would I buy a DB9 now after a year of V8VR? No. I'm only 50...

But a V12VR now that is interesting!

[kensilver]

66MK said:

...You've either been spoiled or you were in the 'wrong' gear!...

Yup, spoiled. I'm good at gears

Unlike yours mine was the 4.3 windup-spring version , but I've had a lot of V8's in other brands and the power difference is still massively in favour of the extra pistons. Went down from a Merc V12 SL600 to a V8 SL500 and spent the year of ownership moaning about its lack of oomph until I saw sense and got a W12 Bentley Continental GT. Ugly but very fast!

66MK said:

...Her reply was that I wasn't anywhere near old enough for a DB9...

Funny how nobody thinks the DBS is for old people - when it looks almost identical to the DB9.

[CraigV12V]

Agreed, V12V's do look kind of small but oddly seem to have more space inside especially in the boot for the coupe.

I test drove a DB9 a few years back and loved everything about it until I looked over my shoulder and saw many thousands of £'s of leather no adult could possibly ever sit on. I just felt if I was going to buy an Aston it would bug me only 4 year olds would ever be able to get in the back for 10 minutes before they started to get claustrophobia.

The V12VR I have now (same as Flugplatz's but with lightweight seats) is the best you can get from Aston. Its nearly the fastest thing they make, with the roof off it's incredible fun, and it's handling is superior to the DB9. I have a friend with a DBS and much as his car is beautiful I would not swap and I think he envies mine, its just looks like and is more fun.

I don't think I could buy a DB9. There are so many other cars that you can better get 4 people in and go quick with as good or better handling and with better cabin features. If you only want 2 seats then the V12V is a better car. But hey I am only just over 50 so maybe I'll soon be changing my mind.