DB9 vs 997 turbo vs M6 vs Audi LM, what a great problem to have

[V8slayer]

I'm thinking of upgrading in about two years. Since I live in Australia, the above mentioned four cars will be released about then. Well the DB9 is out but Aston brings out a new model about as often as they change actors for James Bond. So if I buy one in two years, it'll still be "Current" for many more.

But it's so painful, which to choose?

DB9:

Advantages: Sophisticated, sexy

Disadvantages: 450BHP from 6L v12, 5.1s 0-62, you'd expect more from a 100,000 pound car


997 turbo

Advantages: it's a Porsche, all wheel drive, it's always been the bench mark for hight performance cars.

Disadvantages: tiptronic shift is crap, it might not beat the similarly priced LM.


M6

Advantages: BMW is my favourite brand. V10 engine coupled with SMG3 sounds too good to pass up.

Disadvantages: Too heavy, more of a GT than a sports car. MAY NOT COME TO AUSTRALIA. DAMN THEM!!!


Audi LM

Advantages: 610BHP, only 1550kg, fsi, dsg, quattro
Disadvantages: can't really think of any, of course it's also not confirmed for Australia.


Which would you choose?

[crayzayjay]

It can really only be between the 997 Turbo (though that's not even out yet) or the DB9.

The 997 TT will obviously be a much more dynamic experience than the DB9 (which weighs in at a hefty 1800kg), but the DB9 is a gigantic improvement on the DB7 in terms of handling. It may be quite as beautiful as the DB7 (imo) but it's still an exquisite shape, a stunning interior, and a very competent car overall. Strong brakes too, but im not sure if you can order one with a proper manual (the usual paddleshift bollocks). The DB9 is RWD versus the 997TT's AWD.
It really comes down to what you want out of the car you buy. If the 997 TT will be an improvement on the 996TT, which is a pretty safe assumption, it will remain the fastest real-world supercar in the world, but it will not quite as suited to touring as the DB9. It'll be a sharper drive, but won't have as sumptuous an interior as the Aston's, nor as good a ride (the DB9's curb weight helps it there)

[Neutrino]

well considering the thread was started 35 minutes before the 1st of April, it sounds like he was pulling a prank.

[crayzayjay]

Prank or not 997TT vs DB9 is an interesting comparo

[Neutrino]

Originally Posted by crayzayjay

Prank or not 997TT vs DB9 is an interesting comparo

yeah its true you have apoint there. Btw do you have any info or links on the 997TT i really don't know anything about it.

Originally Posted by crayzayjay

If the 997 TT will be an improvement on the 996TT, which is a pretty safe assumption, it will remain the fastest real-world supercar in the world,

IMO the 996TT despite its sheer performance its not really a supercar, as you said it just too "real-world", its just not really out there like a Zonda or an Enzo. I think the GT1 and the new carrera GT are the only true supercar porsche out there - at least acording to my views of what a supercar is.

Personally I would place the 996 in the exotic bracket with the modena gallardo etc.

[crayzayjay]

Here's some info on the 997 Turbo. I'm fairly sure it'll have a good 450bhp in standard form, if not more. Though im not so sure about the claims of 0-60 in 3.7

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?video_...y.php?id=39014

Originally Posted by Neutrino

IMO the 996TT despite its sheer performance its not really a supercar, as you said it just too "real-world", its just not really out there like a Zonda or an Enzo. I think the GT1 and the new carrera GT are the only true supercar porsche out there - at least acording to my views of what a supercar is.

Personally I would place the 996 in the exotic bracket with the modena gallardo etc.

Well, the way i look at it is this. Yes, the 996TT, Modena, Gallardo are all on the softer side of what is classed by some people as a supercar. Hell, even the Murcielago is said to be as easy to drive as a Golf. The reason why i still kind of consider these cars as supercars is the sheer level of performance on tap and the fact that they're not made for cruising, like say a Maserati 3200GT, which is an all-out GT in my book. True, driver involvement is compromised in these cars, but if you're only going to use the tag 'supercar' for the Enzo's, Carrera GT's and Zondas of this world, which are on another galaxy, not much else would qualify for that tag.
If you really want to make the distinction, i'd call the 996 TT & 360 Modenas "Super-GT's" to distinguish from cars such as the Maserati. However, in my mind the GT3 is a supercar, as is the 360CS ; both take around 4 seconds to get to sixty and have a ~190mph top end, and both are only slightly compromised for driver comfort... it really comes down to technicalities, and what names you choose to assign to these cars, but as long as i know which ones are more 'serious' than others, im not too bothered with what they're called

[moslerporschefreak]

From what I've seen of the early reports, the Audi LM has been compared very closely to the Gallardo, 996 TT, 360 (CS), etc. Though I wouldn't choose it because of appearance, I was wondering why crayzayjay, you didn't put it into the "considerable" category. As far as performance, it seems as though it should.

[V8slayer]

well we can scratch the Audi LM off the list.

I read in a car magazine that it won't use the 5L V10 twin turbo engine. Because that would mean it will have superior performance than the Gallardo and Audi can't allow that from a marketing point of view.

Although I'm suprised at the general lack of enthusiasm for the M6.

As for comparing the 997 turbo with the DB9. It's really a matter of what you want. If it's to look stylish and cruise for chicks, you can't go wrong with the DB9. If it's driving experience and performance, it's no contest. The 997 wins hands down.

[crayzayjay]

mosler> i didnt go for the audi because it's the least desirable (to me) out of all the cars mentioned here. Besides, when was the last time audi made a decent car for enthusiasts? you have to go back a while...

slayer> it's not so much a lack of enthusiasm for the M6. its just that id rather have a DB9 if im looking to cruise and a 997TT if i wanted more performance. 997TT vs M6? No chance...

[moslerporschefreak]

All valid points for the Audi LM. Personally I'm surprised the Audi LM even made it to production, I thought for a while that it was to be just a concept car, one reason being the marketing issue that V8slayer brought up. Anyway, yeah, the 997 TT really can't be matched by the M6. However good the BMW engine is, the fact that it is a relativelye large car with four doors (right?) puts it at an inherent disadvantage. And while the large interior may prove to be more utilitarian, I don't thinks that's going to be the determining factor in this comp.

[crayzayjay]

The M6 will have two doors. Based on the 6-series:

[moslerporschefreak]

Did I say four doors? Silly me, I clearly meant two, just had a slip of the tongue

[Boss San]

Are you Aussie's gettin' the new M5?
I'd rather get one of those instead of the 6 series.

[MITSU-EVO]

I would pick the DB9, maybe Porsche has a more efficient performance. However, the Aston is still fast no matter what, and a lot more refined compared to Porsche. IMO, DB9 makes the best combination of sports and luxury possible

[V8slayer]

I just went to the Aston dealer yesterday. What a beautiful car. I already have to wait till about 2006 to get mine even if I place the order and the deposit now. And I'm really of a mind to do that.

The only thing stopping me, and I do mean ONLY, is the insane performance of a Porsche turbo. Even the 996, which in standard form is 30bhp less than the rumoured 997, is amazingly fast with a factory upgrade kit (450 bhp). A full second faster in a 0-60 sprint than the DB9.

The Aston salesman didn't even try to say that the DB9 can stay with the Porsche. They just said that you won't use all that amazing performance 99% of the time. And for all that time, you'd be much happier sitting in a suave and plush DB9 as opposed to the plastic cage of a Porsche. And they have a point. For that much cash, you'd expect a better cabin.

I guess the only way to decide is to test drive both back to back. On the same day. If the DB9 comes even remotely close to the pleasure of the Porsche driving experience, I don't think I could say no.