In the DBS?

 

Even better...I drove the DBS and my wife was behind me in the Vantage. It was quite the sight on I-95.

Here is a pic from before the trip.

 

i love that car!

 

wish my wife could be that cool, lol.

Also thrilled to see a 42k mile car, mine's at 35.5k right now. I got some catching up to do.

 

What a sexy car!!

 

I can't stop driving it...it's awesome...even something as trivial as the mirrors folding in when the car is locked feels special. Maybe it's just the cool sound of the tiny motors.

 

One of the most beautiful cars on the road. Congrats on the pick up.

 

one of my fav cars

 

Congratulations on the stunning car! I've similar goals.

Could you comment on the differences in ride quality between your Vantage and the DBS, notably things such as comfort, harshness, noise, etc?

Thank you.

 

Comfort - The Vantage is plenty comfortable for short and mid length drives. On trips over several hours, though, I have felt some leg fatigue. The DBS feels more comfortable because of things such as the 2 lumbar adjustments, cruise control (much less leg fatigue on long drives), the feeling of a bigger cabin (not sure of the actual difference in cu. ft.), and better feeling seats (better form and alcantara in addition to the leather).

Harshness - Both are sports and touring cars rolled into one, IMHO. So, harshness is a tough one to answer. I believe that cars like Corvettes and Vipers have a much harsher feel than Astons (someone chime in here if I'm wrong on this). My wife enjoys our drives so I'm not alone. Actually, I somewhat expected the ride to be much more stiff in the DBS than the Vantage, especially in the city, but that's not the case so far. Maybe I haven't had the DBS long enough to feel more of the bumps in the road. And, I have only pushed the "sport/track" mode button once but not long enough to feel a real difference. Only time will tell on this one.

Noise - Let's face it, I don't know of too many other cars with exhaust notes as sexy as Aston Martins. The Vantage has a very refined and beautiful sound. I was worried it would be too loud in my neighborhood but, just as with the DBS, the sound levels are easily controlled with low RPMs. One pleasant surprise with the DBS has been the fact that, even with the radio on, I am constantly reminded of the growl following close behind me. But, again, it's not an obnoxious sound. I've even seen old ladies smile as they turn around to see what's driving by.

 

I have read the DBS is a firmer/harsher ride than the DB9 (and then i was assuming the Vantage to a degree), so thats nice to hear. I currently drive an Audi S5 on coilovers and 20" BBS and its surprisingly well healed and comfortable, and that is a concern of mine regarding the DBS, to a point anyway.
as for the noise, i guess i was somewhat naively thinking the cabin noise might be more pronounced in the DBS since its more a sports car than GT in some ways, but hey, its an Aston- read: luxury, so I think asked too quickly. I have an aftermarket exhaust on my S5 as well, so i am not worried about that kind of noise ( i love the sound my exhaust makes, and having driven my friends 360 with a Tubi exhaust, can fully appreciate the sound- i'm sure its a unanimous sentiment, ha).

thanks again for taking the time to respond. I am undecided if I shall choose a DB9 or a DBS (would prefer the DBS but the price gap is something i have to consider, hopefully within a year I will have come to a happy decision.)

Again, congrats on the best looking design on wheels.

 

I have 2008 DB9 6-speed sports pack and drove in a DBS prior to my purchase. At the time, the 100+K price difference was too much for me in that I drive the car very little (just over 2K miles now!). Money aside I would have preferred the DBS with more power, more advanced suspension, etc. Both are pretty exclusive but long-term they will depreciate similarly. Long-long term, say Barrett-Jackson 2035+, the DBS will do better. Congrats to the OP on getting a great car and I'm envious of both it and the way in which you use them. Dan, I've been on the fence in selling my DB9 and the right situation might do it, so PM me when you are looking b/c mine is as good as a DB9 gets.

 

Dan,

To be clear, the in-cabin engine sound in the DBS is definitely more pronounced than in the Vantage. But, it does not interfere with speaking to the person next to you or having a hands-free phone conversation.

 

Dan, as for the DBS it could be as harsh of a ride as you expected if you pressed that little suspension button, it's like night and day difference between the two modes..

 

Donahdi, sounds like its well heeled when wanted and ready for the rest at your fingertip. excellent.

Red Devil, I hear you on your thoughts, I'm sure many go through the same when purchasing either. I drive about 5-6K per year for the last 4-5 years, so the Aston would be similar. And yes, the $100K is a major amount of money, and I wouldnt really get the advantages out of, say, the carbon ceramic brakes, etc... but then again, I'm not buying an aston for pragmatic reasons. And even as they seem to take a good hit financially, It's not going to be a particular factor. When I let the rational side of my brain rule when making certain decisions I always regret it, so that is why I am working towards making this little dream real. I'll keep your car in mind when things fall into place a little more next year, thanks.


Thank you all for the great info and your time.