Aston Martin DBS vs. Vanquish: A Collector's Back-to-Back Comparison

AuHavrePro · 2022-11-23T02:55:34Z

Explore a detailed comparison of the Aston Martin DBS and Vanquish, including manual vs. automatic transmissions, carbon fiber bodywork, and driving dynamics, based on collector insights.

AuHavrePro's firsthand comparison of the Aston Martin DBS and Vanquish offers invaluable insights for collectors weighing these two iconic grand tourers. His back-to-back test drive, featuring both manual and automatic transmissions, provides a rare perspective on their distinct driving dynamics and design philosophies. This article synthesizes AuHavrePro's detailed observations with community expertise, making a decade-old discussion relevant for today's Aston Martin enthusiasts.

Key Points from the Discussion

The 8-speed Touchtronic transmission was primarily introduced in the USA for the 2015 model year Aston Martin Vanquish, offering a more modern driving experience compared to earlier automatics.
While the Vanquish is largely carbon-bodied, the DBS features a mix of carbon fiber for key panels like the hood, front fenders, and trunk lid, with 'Carbon Preform RTM' for other sections.
The DBS, especially with its 6-speed manual transmission, is celebrated for its 'Old School sports car manufacturing' feel, offering a more supple ride and better visibility compared to the Vanquish.
Manual transmissions, despite a potentially heavy clutch, are preferred by some for their engaging driving experience, allowing for direct control over engine sound and response, making even routine drives exciting.
The Vanquish's interior, particularly with the One-77 style steering wheel, is often seen as more refined, though some drivers may find it less impactful if accustomed to other designs.
Automatic transmissions in these Aston Martins are geared for efficiency, requiring significant throttle input to fully experience the engine's sound and power, especially in non-sport modes.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

Nov 23, 2022

DBS one of my all time favorite car designs. Bonus that you can find them in manual.

AuHavrePro

Nov 23, 2022

Amigo, the white one is, in fact, a manual! I test drove both back-to-back because I've never previously driven either, and I felt it would be most illuminating to feel how they perform one after another.... The DBS is a 2011 model year, and the Vanquish is a 2014. I first drove the Vanquish, and was sincerely impressed with how rigid and well handled the vehicle is, as opposed to the DBS its entire body is carbon-fiber. The 8-speed (older) Touchyronic transmission is decent enough, nothing huge

AuHavrePro

Nov 23, 2022

Both of them, please have a look at the review I wrote in my answer above!

patrick_y

Nov 23, 2022

USA didn't really get the 8 speed transmission until the 2015 model year. I actually like the look of the DBS more than the rear of the Vanquish. Something about the DBS looks more aggressive. The Vanquish is more elegant. The interior of the Vanquish wins over the DBS in my eyes. If I got a Vanquish, I'd aim for a 2015 with the 8 speed transmission. If I got a DBS, I'd probably try to get a manual - although the 6 speed suits the nature of the DBS quite well - but the 6 speed doesn't feel as sp

AuHavrePro

Nov 23, 2022

I totally mistyped 8-speed instead of 6-speed . Yes, the 2015+ MY have the better eight speed Touchtronic, thanks a lot for clarifying that straight off the bat! You are 100% accurate in saying that the auto trans are geared for efficiency, I truly had to hit the pedal to the metal in the Vanq to get a strong sound and response, especially in the non-S (regular) driving mode. With the MT, it does what you please with it at a moment's notice . Interior-wise they felt awfully alike to me, the bigg

ArmisT

Nov 23, 2022

I must have posed my question while you were writing all the above. Great review and experience.

Aston Martin DBS vs. Vanquish: A Collector's Back-to-Back Comparison

Key Points from the Discussion

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