DB9 or V8 Vantage
Discussion
I predict this will open up a floodgate. However after owning 2 DB9's and driving a Vantage for a week, I will help out as much as possible:
Both engines have a fantastic engine note, both chassis are sharp, both bodies have flowing, aggressive yet handsome lines.
It comes down to a handful of factors-
Can you afford the extra expense? i.e initial costs and running costs in terms of fuel
Do you need (small) rear seats?
Look at the 2 cars, do you prefer the short, squat and sporty looks of the V8 or the longer, elegant, GT shaped DB9
As an Aston V12 owner (not for much longer), I must put the following points forward:
The DB9 is more exclusive in terms of production numbers, has higher power figures and better performance, the AMV8 is known by the public for being "the baby aston/ budget aston" etc if those things bother you.
Playing devil's advocate with myself, the AMV8 is lighter and performs better around corners, and achieves better value for money than the V12, many prefer the shorter stance.
So in conclusion, Are you influenced more by the engine or looks? Do you prefer a V12 or V8 engine? try the 9 if you haven't already, feel and listen to the car and follow your heart.
Both engines have a fantastic engine note, both chassis are sharp, both bodies have flowing, aggressive yet handsome lines.
It comes down to a handful of factors-
Can you afford the extra expense? i.e initial costs and running costs in terms of fuel
Do you need (small) rear seats?
Look at the 2 cars, do you prefer the short, squat and sporty looks of the V8 or the longer, elegant, GT shaped DB9
As an Aston V12 owner (not for much longer), I must put the following points forward:
The DB9 is more exclusive in terms of production numbers, has higher power figures and better performance, the AMV8 is known by the public for being "the baby aston/ budget aston" etc if those things bother you.
Playing devil's advocate with myself, the AMV8 is lighter and performs better around corners, and achieves better value for money than the V12, many prefer the shorter stance.
So in conclusion, Are you influenced more by the engine or looks? Do you prefer a V12 or V8 engine? try the 9 if you haven't already, feel and listen to the car and follow your heart.
Don't know where in the country you are but was at opening of new HWM showroom in Walton on Thames last night - they seemed to have a great selection of V8's and 9's to try including the DB9 Sportmodificato which looked stunning - I personnaly would go for the 9 - good luck in your choosing!
The DB9 has always been more GT than sports car, the V8 is much more of a drivers car to really enjoy on the twisty stuff.....BUT with the introduction of the new sport pack for the DB9 with manual gearbox & sports suspension you can now buy a real drivers DB9, although it is still less wieldy than an AMV8!
So it depends on what you want, if you want to go "softer" & down the GT route, then a nice auto DB9 would be fabulous! If you want a bigger car with the extra torque & smoothness of the V12, but still a good car "just to take out for a B road blast", then get the DB9 sport pack! If you don't want the extra seats etc & want the best drivers car in the Aston range, keep the AMV8!!
So it depends on what you want, if you want to go "softer" & down the GT route, then a nice auto DB9 would be fabulous! If you want a bigger car with the extra torque & smoothness of the V12, but still a good car "just to take out for a B road blast", then get the DB9 sport pack! If you don't want the extra seats etc & want the best drivers car in the Aston range, keep the AMV8!!
Edited by grant3 on Wednesday 11th October 14:29
amdb7 said:
I would say the V8 is the nicer looking car, the DB9 is very nice too but they don't look as good as a DB7, but thats not the point.
Yes, those chrome Escort door handles, Ford chrome number plate surround and Ford switch gear make the DB7 look loads better than a DB9, oh no, hang on, they don't
Each to their own though
:J: said:
amdb7 said:
I would say the V8 is the nicer looking car, the DB9 is very nice too but they don't look as good as a DB7, but thats not the point.
Yes, those chrome Escort door handles, Ford chrome number plate surround and Ford switch gear make the DB7 look loads better than a DB9, oh no, hang on, they don't
Each to their own though
I concur - the DB7 shape is nice but the detailing is horrific.
I seem to be in the minority on this thread but there is absolutely no question in my eyes. The DB9, good looking though it is, really never lit my fire, I can honestly say I never desired one. The first time I saw the V8, I just knew I had to have one. The proportions are automotive perfection. IMO the DB9, as can be seen in the picture above, isn't quite right in the area above the rear wheels (as the Vanquish isn't either). I've now had my V8 for 3 months and not regretted it for a minute. Even if both were the same price I'd still want the V8.
I seem to be in the minority on this thread but there is absolutely no question in my eyes. The DB9, good looking though it is, really never lit my fire, I can honestly say I never desired one. The first time I saw the V8, I just knew I had to have one. The proportions are automotive perfection. IMO the DB9, as can be seen in the picture above, isn't quite right in the area above the rear wheels (as the Vanquish isn't either). I've now had my V8 for 3 months and not regretted it for a minute. Even if both were the same price I'd still want the V8.
You mean that there is an Aston dealer that actually lets you try the cars out?
This is an emotive decision which I will not be called upon to make in the very near future, and if I was I would also be thinking Porsche 997 GT3 and Jag XKR. I think you have to try them out. Its what appeals to you and I really really understand the dilemma. I would have a DB9 Sport
but would hate to think I might have had more fun in a V8 Vantage.
Please drive them both.
This is an emotive decision which I will not be called upon to make in the very near future, and if I was I would also be thinking Porsche 997 GT3 and Jag XKR. I think you have to try them out. Its what appeals to you and I really really understand the dilemma. I would have a DB9 Sport
but would hate to think I might have had more fun in a V8 Vantage. Please drive them both.
v8tvr said:
Looking for some help, i have a Vantage and was thinking of "upgrading" to a DB9, looking for some inspiration to help me decide and what better place than this, appreciate your help.
Thanks
Thanks
Sports pack DB9 Manual, doesn't handle as good as the V8 Vantage mebbe which in fairness is more planted more 'on rails' but hell, it's a great car, damned quick and better than the auto by a million miles. Sports pack can be fitted on older models by a Dealer from Nov when it is released if you are going 2nd hand and not new.
Enjoy
mc_blue said:
:J: said:
amdb7 said:
I would say the V8 is the nicer looking car, the DB9 is very nice too but they don't look as good as a DB7, but thats not the point.
Yes, those chrome Escort door handles, Ford chrome number plate surround and Ford switch gear make the DB7 look loads better than a DB9, oh no, hang on, they don't
Each to their own though
I concur - the DB7 shape is nice but the detailing is horrific.
I'd still have a DB7 GT over any new Aston
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