Aston v Merc

[Ocean53]

I am looking at returning to a DB9 Volante 2009 model but am just checking the competition.
I have had a 996 Carrera 4 Cab which I enjoyed but the current range does not get me excited.There is a load of very useful comparisons on this site between the Aston and the Porsche but I have not seen any mention of the Merc SL600.
Can anyone confirm from experience that my excluding this car from consideration is not a mistake.
Also does anyone have any info of when the '9' is to be replaced?

Edited by Ocean53 on Thursday 30th July 17:47