DB9 over SL600 – I don't think so.

[LovinDB9]

I have (or had) on order for a DB9. When I ordered the car I hadn't seen or driven one but it sure looked good. My order was in production and before it was completed I had to see and drive this car before paying for it. Well, in fine, courteous Aston Martin style they arranged for me to see and drive a DB9 last week.

I don't get it. First of all, their claim that this car is 30% larger than the DB7 from what I can tell is just not true. They claim 4 more inches in the shoulders and that too, I don't see. I am 6'2" and I could not fit into the car without my head hitting the top. The new design of the seats, while pretty, actually make the seat smaller because of the sides. The new power seats are a joke and don't work very well. They say that the front and back both go up and down. They forgot to tell you when you lower the back of the seat for headroom, the front of the seat goes up so your legs hit the steering wheel. It is one of worst power seat configurations I have seen. The SL600 has way more room in every area and dimension and their seat design and power modes are far superior to the DB9.

Also, all the insturmentation looks and is so small. The controls in the center console seem to be designed for the Munchkins from the Wizard of Oz. Try reading the letters and numbers on the controls. Not going to happen so you better have a good memory. The GPS unit, well, its a joke and not worth even mentioning.

Pretty car, yes. Technically sound, yes. Great sounding engine, absolutley. BUT comparing both cars overall, I cancelled my DB9 order and went back to Mercedes and ordered a new SL600.

The SL600 drive is more powerful. The interior on the SL600 is as nice if not nicer than the DB9. It is certainly more practical and everything flows together. It has all the bells and whistles which the DB9 is sadly missing. I mean, for that kind of money, the DB9 has no bells and whistles. Hey, they said it was a GT so don't tell me it shouldn't have at least an outside air temperature gauge. I know the DB7 had one but I guess they ran out of space or money in the DB9.

Then, there is the center console storage area that I was told about. Don't count on it. The center armrest cover does not open so you better find a place to store your garage door openers because there are no automatic openers in the DB9 either.

This was suppose to be a touring car and I am afraid I don't see it that way. If, in the alternative they are wrong and it really is a performance car, then it falls short of its high performance competition.

The SL600 is much faster, much smoother and equally as responsive. It is also a hard top convertable so you get a Coupe and Volante all in one.

I guess my login name will have to change because ladies and gentleman, I don't get what all the fuss is about this DB9.

If I was designing a car and then building a factory to manufacture it, I would have done things alot differently. But then again, I don't make cars for a living.

Like I said, DB9 over the SL600, NO CHANCE for me!

[kburke]

I just took delivery of my DB9 - stick shift model. I must say, all things considered, it is complete rubbish. No doubt, an SL 600 or virtually any Merc or BMW is infinitely better in every measurable way. I can't fit in the car properly nor see out of it. The power steering has awful low speed judder and wooden feel. The throttle cam (or fly by wire equivalent) was designed by an idiot - why do you want 80% of throttle opening for the first 10% of pedal travel? The car is advertised as having an LSD yet lifts and spins one rear wheel going up my driveway. it also has alarming chassis flex. The clutch is grabby and horrible taking up only right at the top of the travel. The Italian gearbox feels like it came from a Lamborghini, which it did. After 2 days it wouldn't start and I had to plug it in to the power socket with the (supplied) battery charger for 48 hours before it would go again. In summary, like an English tractor.

Of course, a Merc or BM is just boring anonymity with 4 wheels. People drool over the Aston. And realistically, its no worse than most other Fords to drive, although the donor Mondeo is more polished in most respects. So decide if you want charisma or practicality because you can't have both.


Counterpoint - my wife took delivery of her new Porsche 997 S on the same day. Without doubt, the best car I have ever driven by a large margin. The best engine, gearbox, ride, handling, feel - everything - of any car I have ever been in. Highly recommended.

[Luetic]

what a load of bull shit. Post for us a picture of you and your wife by your two cars, say,,,,holding a soccer ball.
we'll wait.... . ....

[kburke]

Would you settle for no wife and 2 soccer balls? Sorry for the crap photo - its night time.

[Jaguar D-Type]

Originally Posted by kburke

Counterpoint - my wife took delivery of her new Porsche 997 S on the same day.

Watch out for RMS

leaks

Originally Posted by LovinDB9

I have (or had) on order for a DB9. When I ordered the car I hadn't seen or driven one but it sure looked good. My order was in production and before it was completed I had to see and drive this car before paying for it. Well, in fine, courteous Aston Martin style they arranged for me to see and drive a DB9 last week.

I don't get it. First of all, their claim that this car is 30% larger than the DB7 from what I can tell is just not true. They claim 4 more inches in the shoulders and that too, I don't see. I am 6'2" and I could not fit into the car without my head hitting the top. The new design of the seats, while pretty, actually make the seat smaller because of the sides. The new power seats are a joke and don't work very well. They say that the front and back both go up and down. They forgot to tell you when you lower the back of the seat for headroom, the front of the seat goes up so your legs hit the steering wheel. It is one of worst power seat configurations I have seen. The SL600 has way more room in every area and dimension and their seat design and power modes are far superior to the DB9.

Also, all the insturmentation looks and is so small. The controls in the center console seem to be designed for the Munchkins from the Wizard of Oz. Try reading the letters and numbers on the controls. Not going to happen so you better have a good memory. The GPS unit, well, its a joke and not worth even mentioning.

Pretty car, yes. Technically sound, yes. Great sounding engine, absolutley. BUT comparing both cars overall, I cancelled my DB9 order and went back to Mercedes and ordered a new SL600.

The SL600 drive is more powerful. The interior on the SL600 is as nice if not nicer than the DB9. It is certainly more practical and everything flows together. It has all the bells and whistles which the DB9 is sadly missing. I mean, for that kind of money, the DB9 has no bells and whistles. Hey, they said it was a GT so don't tell me it shouldn't have at least an outside air temperature gauge. I know the DB7 had one but I guess they ran out of space or money in the DB9.

Then, there is the center console storage area that I was told about. Don't count on it. The center armrest cover does not open so you better find a place to store your garage door openers because there are no automatic openers in the DB9 either.

This was suppose to be a touring car and I am afraid I don't see it that way. If, in the alternative they are wrong and it really is a performance car, then it falls short of its high performance competition.

The SL600 is much faster, much smoother and equally as responsive. It is also a hard top convertable so you get a Coupe and Volante all in one.

I guess my login name will have to change because ladies and gentleman, I don't get what all the fuss is about this DB9.

If I was designing a car and then building a factory to manufacture it, I would have done things alot differently. But then again, I don't make cars for a living.

Like I said, DB9 over the SL600, NO CHANCE for me!

I don't usually respond to my own posts but in this case I think it is appropriate.

Well, got the Mercedes SL600 and after 2,500 miles I dumped that car as it was my worst driving experience. Not to go into the details, I won't ever buy another Mercedes.

Now, about the DB9. While I do think it is an absolutely gorgeous car, I do believe some more features still need to be added. I have spent a lot of time with Aston Martin and as a company and they are head over heals better than any other car manufacturer I have dealt with. That alone would make me purchase a DB9 over any Mercedes the next time around.

That being said, I stepped up and have on order the 2006 Aston Martin Vanquish S. It is my anticipation that this will be the best sports car in the world. It is absolutely gorgeous, sexy and muscular all in one. It's performance is a treat every time to drive it.

I should have it some time in September and I am counting the days.

SL600 over DB9...what was I thinking?

[michal12]

UGH, are you being serious? Did you change your mind 360 degrees within couple of months?
Please give us a hint what was wrong with the Merc. People usually love them!
P.S.: the gearbox in Vanquish is rubish, we all know that. I fear you might be back in couple of months ordering an SL 63 AMG

Originally Posted by LovinVanquishS

I don't usually respond to my own posts but in this case I think it is appropriate.

Well, got the Mercedes SL600 and after 2,500 miles I dumped that car as it was my worst driving experience. Not to go into the details, I won't ever buy another Mercedes.

Now, about the DB9. While I do think it is an absolutely gorgeous car, I do believe some more features still need to be added. I have spent a lot of time with Aston Martin and as a company and they are head over heals better than any other car manufacturer I have dealt with. That alone would make me purchase a DB9 over any Mercedes the next time around.

That being said, I stepped up and have on order the 2006 Aston Martin Vanquish S. It is my anticipation that this will be the best sports car in the world. It is absolutely gorgeous, sexy and muscular all in one. It's performance is a treat every time to drive it.

I should have it some time in September and I am counting the days.

SL600 over DB9...what was I thinking?

[wmoon89]

HAHAHA, way to go. Now you're gonna struggle with the frustrating traction control.

You're just not very good at picking out cars huh? Why didn't you just settle for the DB9 in the first place?

BTW, this thread is probably a joke. I don't believe that any of you have the money to buy an Aston Martin, it's like buying a automotive diamond.

[the blond carlover]

Originally Posted by wmoon89

HAHAHA, way to go. Now you're gonna struggle with the frustrating traction control.

You're just not very good at picking out cars huh? Why didn't you just settle for the DB9 in the first place?

BTW, this thread is probably a joke. I don't believe that any of you have the money to buy an Aston Martin, it's like buying a automotive diamond.

we are most likely to stick with posters pics and toy cars