Moving from DB9 to V8V 4.7?
Discussion
I am considering changing my 2010 DB9 for a lower mileage V8V - probably a manual. It always surprises me when folks ask forums very subjective questions (“which is better to drive” - well, depends which one you prefer…) so I won’t be doing that you’ll be pleased to hear.
I would, however, love to hear the experiences of anyone who has made a similar switch - what has surprised you (good and bad), what differences do you notice the most etc etc
Thanks
I would, however, love to hear the experiences of anyone who has made a similar switch - what has surprised you (good and bad), what differences do you notice the most etc etc
Thanks
What I am about to write might not be super relevant, but I can comment on dimensions. Before my 4.7 I had a Maserati GranTurismo, which is roughly the same width but more importantly length as a DB9 and has the same grand tourer vibe.
Well, moving to a smaller car like the Vantage has been way more pleasant than expected, especially for the driving feeling on quick B roads and of course convenience in city driving, but this is secondary. The Vantage often feels like a toy, while the Maserati felt like a car. Both in a good way, do not get me wrong!
Not sure if am explaining myself and it is pretty difficult to put these feelings down in words.
Well, moving to a smaller car like the Vantage has been way more pleasant than expected, especially for the driving feeling on quick B roads and of course convenience in city driving, but this is secondary. The Vantage often feels like a toy, while the Maserati felt like a car. Both in a good way, do not get me wrong!
Not sure if am explaining myself and it is pretty difficult to put these feelings down in words.
I have never driven a DB9, but love my 4.7 Vantage manual.
A couple of points which might be helpful.
Outside, obviously a little more compact than the DB9, but inside when driving, it certainly does not feel small. Seem to be paying attention to the front width in tight spots, so feels big on those occasions.
Vantage luggage capacity is greater than the DB9, which may be of benefit to you. There have even been photos on here of a bicycle in the boot!
Own one driven both extensively.
They’re pretty different cars. I don’t think you’ll miss the size of the db9 personally. The vantage from memory actually has a bigger boot as well weirdly.
The v8v is a more playful engaging / sports car experience in my book. The db9 is a better tourer.
I’d have the vantage any day of the week over a db9 though.
op, have you driven one?
They’re pretty different cars. I don’t think you’ll miss the size of the db9 personally. The vantage from memory actually has a bigger boot as well weirdly.
The v8v is a more playful engaging / sports car experience in my book. The db9 is a better tourer.
I’d have the vantage any day of the week over a db9 though.
op, have you driven one?
Thanks for the responses so far. I have driven the V8V in a manual, but it was a track day so a little artificial.
Interesting to note the comments about the Vantage feeling more compact/sporty (unsurprising). I’ve had a couple of 911s and more recently an M2 and even a Boxster S, and it is that feeling that I’m missing with the DB9…
Interesting to note the comments about the Vantage feeling more compact/sporty (unsurprising). I’ve had a couple of 911s and more recently an M2 and even a Boxster S, and it is that feeling that I’m missing with the DB9…
I’ve not driven a DB9 so can’t help there but I’ve have an Elise 111R and a 996 C4S. Compared to both of those the 4.7 V8V is far more sports GT than sports car and mines mildly modded to make it sportier.
I think it quite a hard car to really hustle, it a bit tricky to know exactly what it’s doing. You need to manage the mass and it doesn’t quite have the body control, if the roads are tight it feels too big.
However give a bit of stuff ace and things improve greatly. For me what it really excels at is that slightly laid back 7-8 tenths driving whilst making quick progress. It’s significantly better insulated with goofs NVH which means you can drive it for hours straight. I done 600miles nearly all non motorway in a day with only a 10 stop for petrol and a pee. Obviously I was a bit tired but I felt ok generally. The V8V is good enough that when I get to the mountains I still enjoy it. It sounds great and feels special.
I think it quite a hard car to really hustle, it a bit tricky to know exactly what it’s doing. You need to manage the mass and it doesn’t quite have the body control, if the roads are tight it feels too big.
However give a bit of stuff ace and things improve greatly. For me what it really excels at is that slightly laid back 7-8 tenths driving whilst making quick progress. It’s significantly better insulated with goofs NVH which means you can drive it for hours straight. I done 600miles nearly all non motorway in a day with only a 10 stop for petrol and a pee. Obviously I was a bit tired but I felt ok generally. The V8V is good enough that when I get to the mountains I still enjoy it. It sounds great and feels special.
sirmarcus said:
Thanks for the responses so far. I have driven the V8V in a manual, but it was a track day so a little artificial.
Interesting to note the comments about the Vantage feeling more compact/sporty (unsurprising). I’ve had a couple of 911s and more recently an M2 and even a Boxster S, and it is that feeling that I’m missing with the DB9…
Interesting to note the comments about the Vantage feeling more compact/sporty (unsurprising). I’ve had a couple of 911s and more recently an M2 and even a Boxster S, and it is that feeling that I’m missing with the DB9…
I have just had a thought about your point.
There must be a significant difference in the front weight balance, between the DB9 and Vantage.
The Vantage engine is lighter and positioned entirely behind the front axle line.
The almost perfect front / rear weight balance, can be felt with the responsive steering.
Great point. The Vantage has 51%/49 % weight distribution and so has great balance. With concentration it is much better than even a 997 up to about 85/90% of its limit. Thereafter 997 settles and is better….but how often do you get to that % with 380bhp on public roads? The DB9 is a lovely tourer and I would chose it with a manual box to say, the Italian Lakes, but for my home Buckinghamshire roads I would take the Vantage over the DB9 every time. Hope this is helpful.
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