Aston Martin DB7 GT or BMW M6?

I am trying to decide what my new daily driver will be. Choosing between the new, high-tech BMW M6:
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=32976&d=1168197964

or the eternally beautiful DB7 GT:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RARE-6-SPEED-MANUAL-420-HORSE-V-12_W0QQitemZ280068453992QQihZ018QQcategoryZ5358QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Opinions, thoughts, comments appreciated.

Mike.

 

I prefer M6 over DB9,much less DB7.
(Had DB9 and M5 ,latter was a better "driver's Car")
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I can hook you up if you decide to get an M6.

 

M6!

 

I'll deviate a little bit and say DB7. As a daily driver, the transmission in the DB7 will walk all over the SMG in the BMW, and the ride is more comfortable. Also, the DB7 GT is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, in my opinion.

 

I too have thought about these two, more so the new 2006 AM V8 and the M6. I would get the 6 speed M6 when it comes out as most reviews dont like the smg M6 or M5.

 

don't listen to reviews. Only you can be the judge. I personally love the SMG. It is fun.

 

M6.

 

yeah, i'm a manual tranny guy all the way but my friend's m6 with the SMG is just sick. that car is crazy fast.

 

I am thinking of buying a 650ci as my daily driver. Any comments about this version vs. M6?

 

BMW's are a dime a dozen. Don't care what model when people see them they are still BMW's. So if you want to buy a car that everyone else has then buy the beemer. If you look around driving to work and in the parking lot you would most likely see more then 2 hands full of them. Get the Aston.

 

some people think I'm crazy, but I think the 650 sounds better than the M6. It has a higher tone. It is also powerful, but obviously not as powerful as the M6. It is a great car, and I definitely recommend it.

 

some people like to blend in.

 

I need a car that blends in as a daily driver. If I drove my Spider to work, I would lose business for sure. In fact, none of my employees or business associates know that I have the Spider -- not in it for the show. An Aston Martin would also cost me business too.

 

+1 - I dont think the AM is a shocker though - that is, its not a flashy car, so I think you can still blend in well. As an example, a local Maserati in my town blends in well and only those that know what it is take a second look. The AM does not look austentacious (sp?).

 

After watching this Clarkson review, you're going to have to pry my new DB7 GT out of my cold, dead hands:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqLyte8VkUE

 

nice....the brits can't even review a car without bashing americans

 

Why is this in the 360/430 section...?

 

Because I own a 360 Spider, and I value the opinions of my 360 brothers who I am slowly developing a relationship with. Also, guys driving 308s or 612s will have a different mentality. Finally, the cars discussed are just plain cool period. Any proper car nut would enjoy that Clarkson review.

 

Do not base your decision on magazine reviews (they test cars in a day or two and don't really get to know them) or advice from guys who's only experience is reading about these cars in the above mentioned magazines.
Do not be afraid of SMG,anyone who owns one (M5/M6) would tell you that is one of the best trannies out there,you just learn it a little longer(not in one day,more like 2 or 3 days),same with I-drive(after a while ,conventional systems in other cars will drive you nuts!).Someone here mentioned that Auto in Aston makes it easier to drive,that is a total BS,that tranny is old and outdated(read slow) and will drive you nuts.
In the end,a DB7 will bore you to death very quickly with it's Ford switchgear,below average dynamics and idiotic ergonomics.
Drive both ,preferably for extended time (maybe you could rent?) and then make your decision.

 

Or read magazines that do long term tests of the cars you're thinking of buying - Evo ran a DB7 GT, you can read the reports here:
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/35693/aston_martin_db7_gt.html

(Evo also ran an Aston V8 Vantage on long term test - you can read the reviews of that on their site too).
IIRC British Autocar had an M6 on long term test, though I can't see any reviews on their website.

Though I agree that the only way to chose your new car is by trying both for yourself, personally I'd have the Aston - the M6 just doesn't do it for me.

 

The Aston Martin. M6 is only muscle, no personal character IMO. BMWs are every where, whereas Aston's are only for those who appreciate tradition and elegance. Aston Martin is a classy car, not flashy, but has a certain aura. Very civil in it's driving style.

 

He is looking for a daily driver and fun car at the same time,not to impress young chicks with the looks alone.
And that's what the DB7 is,"looks" only, with no substance.
I can not believe that anyone who drove both these cars would even consider DB7 as alternative,that is ,if they value performance,usability and handling at all.
On top of it,M6 will still have a warranty while the Aston is an old car that was already outdated at the time of release (DB7 GT in 2003)
On the other hand ,you can probably find a nice,used DB9 at a price very close to new M6 and then we are talking about totally different situation.

 

Agreed. IMO, the M6 is obese looking, much like the regular 6 series I see on the roads. Powerful, but it weighs close to 4000lbs and looks it. The DB7 isn't the hotted-up version of a regular production car and will likely look just as good in 10 years. And with 12 cylinders, what else do you need in a daily driver...

 

Mark, I was under the impression that was the whole point why we drive these cars, to impress the young chicks .