Which car for oneself?
Discussion
Good evening gentlemen ( and Lady Topaz) 
I have been lingering in the shadows of this forum whilst I ponder on whether to our purchase a V8 Vantage or DB9. Ideally I would prefer the volante/Roadster.
I have a modest budget of circa £45k which appears to put me into the area of 05 DB9's and 07ish V8V's.
I enjoy driving and a decent stereo and heated seats are as important as they are to drive, along with the exhaust note, so how do they compare and would like advice on which to purchase, desirable spec for both and things to look out for.
All advice and opinions welcome as I am in a bit of a quandry.
I have been lingering in the shadows of this forum whilst I ponder on whether to our purchase a V8 Vantage or DB9. Ideally I would prefer the volante/Roadster.
I have a modest budget of circa £45k which appears to put me into the area of 05 DB9's and 07ish V8V's.
I enjoy driving and a decent stereo and heated seats are as important as they are to drive, along with the exhaust note, so how do they compare and would like advice on which to purchase, desirable spec for both and things to look out for.
All advice and opinions welcome as I am in a bit of a quandry.
Bon Soir Andy.
As you have identified, your budget will stretch furthur on the V8V than the DB9, especially if you are looking at the ragtops.
They are 2 different cars to drive - both high quality - so before you even start you should try both. I find the Vantage very appealing but much preferred the DB9 on the test drive. So I bought one.
Do you need 4 seats, do you need a V12, is the extra power important ?? Once you've settled on the type of car you prefer, you can then start to focus in on the options and 'must have options'
As you have identified, your budget will stretch furthur on the V8V than the DB9, especially if you are looking at the ragtops.
They are 2 different cars to drive - both high quality - so before you even start you should try both. I find the Vantage very appealing but much preferred the DB9 on the test drive. So I bought one.
Do you need 4 seats, do you need a V12, is the extra power important ?? Once you've settled on the type of car you prefer, you can then start to focus in on the options and 'must have options'
I don't need rear seats as most of my cars have been 2 seater roadsters from Lotus Elise's to V8 SL500's so quite broad
I know I need to test drive them both but currently time is limited and I didn't want to waste a dealers afternoon getting a feel for a car hence the post here - call it a fact finding mission
Am I right in thinking that the V8V is the sporty one whilst the DB9 is the tourer? How much do they cross over and how much do running costs vary?
Thanks for your time
I know I need to test drive them both but currently time is limited and I didn't want to waste a dealers afternoon getting a feel for a car hence the post here - call it a fact finding mission
Am I right in thinking that the V8V is the sporty one whilst the DB9 is the tourer? How much do they cross over and how much do running costs vary?
Thanks for your time
Herbs said:
Am I right in thinking that the V8V is the sporty one whilst the DB9 is the tourer?
Indeed you are.What type of gearbox would you be going for? Manual DB9 volantes are pretty rare, where as there are quite a lot more V8VR with a manual gearbox.
I would highly recommend Grant's book, it should answer most queries - http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...
Herbs said:
Ideally a manual but wouldn't rule out a sportshift - is it the same box on both cars?
I have heard about the legendary book but amazon was out of stock when I last looked.
The DB9 is a conventional torque converter equipped automatic whereas the Sportshift is an automated manual box.I have heard about the legendary book but amazon was out of stock when I last looked.
Thanks - are either any good compared to the manual? I heard the sportshift is poor at low speeds and can wear the clutch. How is the DB9's auto box overall as I have not heard too much good or bad about it.
PS: I found the link to the Book in the wiki at the top and is now duly ordered
PS: I found the link to the Book in the wiki at the top and is now duly ordered
Herbs said:
I know I need to test drive them both but currently time is limited and I didn't want to waste a dealers afternoon getting a feel for a car hence the post here - call it a fact finding mission
Am I right in thinking that the V8V is the sporty one whilst the DB9 is the tourer? How much do they cross over and how much do running costs vary?
Andy, the DB9 can also be a fantastic sports car but if, as a lay person, you try to throw it around like a Vantage then the extra 12" tells you it's there.Am I right in thinking that the V8V is the sporty one whilst the DB9 is the tourer? How much do they cross over and how much do running costs vary?
Costs are slightly higher I would venture for the DB9, looking at RFL, servicing, mpg, insurance inter alia. But only in the hundreds, not thousands.
I tend to find that you know deep down if you want a DB9, so I would be erring on the side of the Vantage
Edit - found this thread for you..
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by Jockman on Tuesday 17th January 22:34
Anyone who has a log in same as my fav cat Herbert is going to be ok by me. Welcome.
Really think you do need to drive both. When I went Aston hunting, the only car in my mind was a DB9. Then after advice on here I drove the V8 Vantage which for whatever reason I much preferred.
I only drive manuals, can't get on with sportshift. If finances stretch I would advise the facelifted 4.7. Mine was sublime.
Others wil say the DB9 is the better car, however they are usually Scottish and wrong
Seriously as previously I had driven mainly 2 seaters as in Tuscans and Boxsters the Vantage was just a step up.
Drive both and see which fits your desire.
Good luck
Di
Really think you do need to drive both. When I went Aston hunting, the only car in my mind was a DB9. Then after advice on here I drove the V8 Vantage which for whatever reason I much preferred.
I only drive manuals, can't get on with sportshift. If finances stretch I would advise the facelifted 4.7. Mine was sublime.
Others wil say the DB9 is the better car, however they are usually Scottish and wrong
Seriously as previously I had driven mainly 2 seaters as in Tuscans and Boxsters the Vantage was just a step up.
Drive both and see which fits your desire.
Good luck
Di
Herbs said:
Di - thanks for the welcome, I'm impressed with the car choices from a lady
Andy, usually by this time of night medication has taken ahold of Di so it's important to be able to decipher fact from fiction.Lest it be lost in the cloud, I would most definitely be booking a test drive in a V8V if I were you (4.7 if poss)
Herbs said:
As I am only 32 years young I think it may be worthwhile plumbing for the Vantage now and change to a DB9 in a few years time.
Thanks for all the advice. The search continues!
Thanks for all the advice. The search continues!
I think its a good idea that you drive both.....the 4.3 Vantage lacks the brute power of the DB9 and it feels slower (because it is)there is no doubt the Vantage is more chuckable
Most young wipper snappers start with the "begginers" Aston i.e the Vantage and then when they develope a pair of balls, they move on to a DB9 (ladies just buy brutish V12V's)
michael gould said:
Herbs said:
As I am only 32 years young I think it may be worthwhile plumbing for the Vantage now and change to a DB9 in a few years time.
Thanks for all the advice. The search continues!
Thanks for all the advice. The search continues!
I think its a good idea that you drive both.....the 4.3 Vantage lacks the brute power of the DB9 and it feels slower (because it is)there is no doubt the Vantage is more chuckable
Most none pipe smokers start with the "better handling" Aston i.e the Vantage and then when they develop a need for slippers and Saga, they move on to a DB9 (ladies just buy brutish V12V's)
+1 on on drive both as the sportshift is an acquired taste with the creep mode etc
Edited by mikey k on Wednesday 18th January 09:48
Someone did a great quote on here a few weeks back, the DB9 is a GT that does a great impression of a sportscar and the Vantage is a sportscar that does a great impression of a GT!
When I test drove both I found the Vantage wasn't quick enough to make it a step up from my previous car and the DB9 was much more so - scarily so. Having since had the chance to chuck my DB9 round the lanes I can confirm it does that very well too, made it an easy choice for me but a very personal one.
The TT box is great too, much of my driving time is spent noodling around the place so the auto works for me but as mentioned above it gets to chuck it round the lanes time the paddle shift is suprsingly effective. It's the first auto I've owned btw after many sporty manuals.
The snag with all this is that you probably won't get to grips with it all on a test drive. I'm pleased I went with the DB9 and as time and miles allow I've found that it's better than I was expecting.
It compliments a Caterham very well too, best of British and all that
When I test drove both I found the Vantage wasn't quick enough to make it a step up from my previous car and the DB9 was much more so - scarily so. Having since had the chance to chuck my DB9 round the lanes I can confirm it does that very well too, made it an easy choice for me but a very personal one.
The TT box is great too, much of my driving time is spent noodling around the place so the auto works for me but as mentioned above it gets to chuck it round the lanes time the paddle shift is suprsingly effective. It's the first auto I've owned btw after many sporty manuals.
The snag with all this is that you probably won't get to grips with it all on a test drive. I'm pleased I went with the DB9 and as time and miles allow I've found that it's better than I was expecting.
It compliments a Caterham very well too, best of British and all that
Eloquently and accurately put Drive both. There is noticably a difference in the set up of the Volante which is softer by design than the coupe - I believe the Vantage is the same in either format. Takes no more than a set of springs to stiffen the Volante but modifying as Aston isn't for everyone. Drive them both, you aren't wasting the dealers time as you want one of them
Gearboxes... Fabulous manual in both, DB9 TT2 is possibly more versatile but less outright sporty than the Sportshift. What's your use going to be?
Drive both. There is noticably a difference in the set up of the Volante which is softer by design than the coupe - I believe the Vantage is the same in either format. Takes no more than a set of springs to stiffen the Volante but modifying as Aston isn't for everyone. Drive them both, you aren't wasting the dealers time as you want one of them Gearboxes... Fabulous manual in both, DB9 TT2 is possibly more versatile but less outright sporty than the Sportshift. What's your use going to be?
yeti said:
Eloquently and accurately put Drive both. There is noticably a difference in the set up of the Volante which is softer by design than the coupe - I believe the Vantage is the same in either format. Takes no more than a set of springs to stiffen the Volante but modifying as Aston isn't for everyone. Drive them both, you aren't wasting the dealers time as you want one of them
Gearboxes... Fabulous manual in both, DB9 TT2 is possibly more versatile but less outright sporty than the Sportshift. What's your use going to be?
Good points .......drive both......very important."...........then buy the 9. Drive both. There is noticably a difference in the set up of the Volante which is softer by design than the coupe - I believe the Vantage is the same in either format. Takes no more than a set of springs to stiffen the Volante but modifying as Aston isn't for everyone. Drive them both, you aren't wasting the dealers time as you want one of them Gearboxes... Fabulous manual in both, DB9 TT2 is possibly more versatile but less outright sporty than the Sportshift. What's your use going to be?
Keep in mind, if it matters, that the "performance difference" between a 4.3 V8V and an MY05-08 DB9 basically doesn't exist, at least not until you're over 100 mph -- until then, the 4.3 V8V is every bit as quick as the DB9. BUT -- the difference in torque is huge, so it is MUCH easier to access the performance in the DB9. In a 4.3 V8V you need to use the gearbox a lot to extract the performance. The DB9 makes major torque, which is why it feels a lot faster than a 4.3 V8V.
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