V8 Vantage or DB9

[Chopdogs]

Hi All

I am going to buy an Aston. Originally I had my heart set on a V8 Vantage (2011 or so) but a pal let me have a drive in his DB9.

Suffice to say that I found the V12 rather pleasant!

I appreciate that to a great degree it's personal taste, but I wondered if anyone on here has experience living with both cars and, if so, can you give me your thoughts on which you feel is better?

It will be an occasional driver - probably no more than 3k per annum and I'd but the post 2009 model with the revised dash (similar to the 4.7 V8V.


Thanks in advance.



J

[IanV12VSRs]

I have had both and would say you need to drive both before you come to any conclusion. The DB9 is much more of a cruiser whereas the V8 has a sportier feel and far more visceral. I have to say I was disappointed with the noise of the DB9 which I found far quieter than my V8V’s even though it was a Volante. They are quite different cars!

Moved on to V12 Vantages after that and both are currently decatted and make a very pleasant noise

[dwell]

Hi, I did the opposite - wanted a DB9 but knew my mileage would be largely trips away around the continent so bought a V8Vantage because of the larger boot and the very useful rear shelf behind the seats. Mine is 2011, so far almost 30,000 largely 'touring' miles - its a great long distance tourer with room for up to 3 weeks luggage!! (ok so we pack light!) No regrets, which ever you choose enjoy every mile. Regards, Dave.

[LTP]

I have driven both but knew I wanted a V8V, mainly for the looks. I just think the DB9, while obviously a beautiful car, looks a little "stretched", with the longer wheelbase and larger overhangs but the same overall height. The Vantage just looks "right", IMHO. I find the Vantage easier to place on the road and a lot more wieldy, but the ride is obviously not as supple as a DB9.

I was able to get a newer Vantage than I could have DB9 for the budget I had - the Vantage also fits in my garage easier.

Edited by LTP on Friday 21st June 13:40

Edited by LTP on Friday 21st June 13:41

[murphyaj]

Owned both, moved from V8V to DB9 Volante a couple of years ago.

I'll echo the sentiments of those here, they are very different in character and you really can't say one is "better" than the other. As a drivers car, to head out down some country roads on a quiet morning, I'd chose the vantage as it is smaller, lighter and stiffer. For touring duties I'd chose a DB9, as the auto box is very good at that sort of driving, it's a bit more supple and the torquey engine makes fast progress efforless.

But you asked a straight question, so I'll give you a straight answer. As a first Aston personally I'd recommend the Vantage. I think it's the easier car to drive, and it doesn't lack the drama of sense of occasion of the DB9. When I had my vantage I borrowed a DB9 for a week and didn't get on with how much larger it feels on the road. The V8 is also more reliable and cheaper to maintain (although neither is particularly bad). The reason I changed to the DB9 is because I wanted to carry 2 passengers, and with the roof down the rear seats are genuinely usable. If you don't need that then I'd say the advantages of the DB9 aren't compelling enough.

However don't listen to me, try them both with a nice long test drive.