V8 to DB9 (manual?)

[SCO]

Hello,

I am thinking of moving from V8 Vantage to a DB9. I love the V8 but we've got a little one on the way so its going to become less practical. I know the space in the back of DB9 is very limited but looking at previous posts on here it seems that you can just about get away with it.

I haven't tested one yet but I'm thinking the DB9 will be much more of a GT experience.

I would be grateful for your thoughts on the following:

1. Anybody owned both cars and can comment on the differences in feel/drive based on long term experience?

2. I'm thinking my perfect DB9 spec would be a manual, sport pack car as it should be closer to the V8 - what's the view on manual DB9's? Is it really a car that suits paddles better? Does the sport pack make much of a difference? When it was released as an option I remember reading a few articles saying it was a nice improvement.

Finally if there is anyone thinking of moving the other way, I'd be open to a discussion about a swap (plus cash from me).

Thanks in advance for any input.

[bogie]

havnt owned one, but driven a couple

manual with sport pack if you can find one, would be the ideal spec for me too

[simonpieman]

[quote=SCO]Hello,

what's the view on manual DB9's? Is it really a car that suits paddles better? Does the sport pack make much of a difference? When it was released as an option I remember reading a few articles saying it was a nice improvement.

quote]

For me, finding a manual DB9 made all the difference. I hadn't realised that you could get a DB9 in manual. An auto/paddles DB9 wasn't an option for me, tried a few and didn't like it. Therefore, a DB9 was out and I was wondering what to buy. V8V no good: I really liked the drive but I needed four seats. Stratstones, to their credit, must have picked up on my subconscious preferences. They rang up and said they've got a manual DB9 coming in and asked if I'd like to try it. Sceptical, I went along, had a drive and it was a slam dunk. I knew instantly I'd be buying that car. It's got the bigger car feel but retains the driver involvement demanded by a manual.

Mine is a Volante, to which they don't fit the sports pack, so cannot comment on that.

You need to drive one and judge for yourself. Manual DB9 works for me, big time.

Simon

[SCO]

quote]

: I really liked the drive but I needed four seats.


[/quote]



Thanks for your responses.

Simon, encouraging that you use the DB9 as it has four seats - they look scarily small to me, do you find you actually use them? Regularly? I suppose you don't have a headroom issue in the summer...

Steve