Hi everyone,
I’m new to this forum and interested in your opinions of moving from a Mercedes SL55 AMG to either a DB9 or DBS. Has anybody on this board done this and if so what were your findings?
Right now, I’m leaning towards the DBS but would be interested in your opinions if you have ownership or driving knowledge of both the DBS and DB9. I understand the rule of diminishing returns but is the DBS truly worth the extra and why?
Ideally I’m looking at the Coupe/Manual configuration, but anticipate my wife will miss the wonderful pano roof system on the SL so the Volante is not eliminated. However, priority is overall driving and ownership experience of a thoroughbred GT. I’m not looking for the fastest car on the planet, nor a track demon, more something for long sweeping curves in the mountains, touring the great lakes, perhaps a transcontinental trip even.
My expectations are the AM will be more involving than the SL even though performance is probably comparable. My wife wants to keep the chameleon SL for herself and drag race me for slips – if she wins, then I have to hand the keys over and she gets to keep it - frisky.
Many thanks in advance.

 

Nobody with a comparison on these?

I did some research myself and both DBS and SL55 with 510HP exactly, torque favors SL55 with 531 ftlbs vs 420 in the Aston. The 0-60 mph look identical around 4.2 - 4.3. I think the SL has it on the top end though as some claim 200mph+ (I'm limited to 186mph). Interesting Nurburgring times with 8.16 for the DB9, SL55 comes in at 8.06, DBS at 8.02 - that's too close.

Dang, I can't lose a race with my wife and let her keep the SL. That's getting too expensive. May need some advice.

Thanks much.

 

I'm actually thinking of going from DB9 to SL63. Reason being is the merc is just so much more practical. I've also been thinking this for the past several years...I just can't seem to pull the trigger

 

If you're considering a "transcontinental trip" then look at the trunk size--the Vantage has 2X the trunk size of the DB-9. Initially I was concerned (for my wife, not for me) about the firm ride of the Vantage, but that turned out to be OK for her. Not plush like the Jaguar XK, but OK.

 

jmorod: I think the SL is a fine vehicle and certainly has the versatility you may be looking for. It's very good at everything but I would find it hard to say it excels in one area (perhaps "roadster extraordinaire"). Where it may lack the most is involvement, character & passion. There's a certain germanic blandness to it's brilliance if that make sense. Don't let this put you off, if you could have just one car in life it might just be this.

dicktahoe: Not too much of a problem for us, we travel light. I dismissed the Vantage because I thought it was V8 only, but I see a V12 option which should be interesting. Both wonderful lookers but for me at least the DB9 / DBS has the edge. I'll check out the ride as that is important, would be amazed if it matched the suppleness of the SL in this area, just need it to be within reach.

Closing in on the DBS...

Thanks all.

 

Thx Balmy, those are my thoughts as well.

Pls post when you get the DBS. That's my dream ride!

 

Probably too late for advice now but I did own a SL55 and now I own a DBS. Certainly the SL55 is an enjoyable car in most respects. I think the difference lies in the fact that I feel the DBS is more of a drivers car. I would get a little nervous taking the SL into the corners hard. The convertible feature is so nice though. I think the uniqueness of the DBS, the great looks, finish on the interior and exterior, and the drive set it way apart.

 

Not too late for advice. Just found out that MB is rolling out a new SL next year (which will date the SL 63.) Looks like I'll hold off.

 

MB
alot more reliable and easier to get repaired.

 

I have been around the world. I had a CLS55; same engine, similar performance without the drop top. After another Porsche (6 in total), I made myself to a 4.3L Vantage roadster and now a Vantage V12. So while it's not exactly the transition that your considering, it's probably as close as you're going to get, at least close enough. First things first; AMG55 engines are maybe the best that they have produced. Having said that, the AMG products do not seem special. They are excellent but Aston Martins are hand made and much more exclusive. The DBS especially in the roadster is an awesome car. You will see 1 to every 100 SL AMG's. The DBS is also a bit faster and definitely better handling. I found the AMG to be very fast but a bit heavy feeling. I have had 2 Astons with both V8 and V12 engines and both were as dependable as my AMG. All cars that are intricate in design and technically superior will have little issues. I have never had an issue with either car that inhibited driving. Most of the problems were gas cap sticking and radio control stuff. So there is really no sacrifice in reliability with the AM. Drive the DBS. You will never be disappointed and will never feel ordinary. At the same time, there is a very different attitude towards AM than other exclusive brands. Most people love James Bond and that seems to ease the resent factor. Bottom line, the AM is faster. The finish of the car is exquisite, and the feel of the car is more visceral. There are more gadgets in the AM, none of which you will miss in the DBS.