Aston Martin DBS vs. Aston Martin V12 Vantage

The DBS (left) try's to keep up with the nimble V12 Vantage.

The Aston Martin DBS and V12 Vantage are very similar cars. Both have 6.0-liter V12 engines that produce 510-hp. Both do 0-60 in a few ticks over four seconds. Both have the same performance index. And both are proudly British. However, they are also different in some ways. For starters, the V12 Vantage is more nimble. Even though its weight is almost that of the DBS, the V12 Vantage feels like it has less understeer and better handling. The V12 Vantage is also over a foot shorter than the DBS and just over about an inch narrower. It also has a better sounding name.

The V12 Vantage's smaller size gives it an advantage.

The V12 Vantage is a newer car. Unlike the DBS, which dates back to 1967, the V12 Vantage hit the road mid 2009. The V12 Vantage is based off the V8 Vantage which was launched earlier, while the DBS is its own car. The V12 Vantage also sits lower to the ground, giving it a more stable ride while also providing less drag and quicker speeds through the corners. Compared to the larger DBS, the V12 Vantage looks more modern and not as imposing.

The V12 Vantage looks better than Eva Longoria and performs better, too.

The DBS is more imposing.

Yes, yes. James Bond does drive a DBS in Casino Royale and Qauntum of Solace and mostly ever other movie with him in it. However, does the DBS maneuver as well as the ones you see 007 driving? Well, don't expect it to stop-on-a-dime or go through narrow roads quickly. The DBS is a good car and a fairly fast one, but it disappoints for it's aging looks and slow speed through the corners. However, due to the extra few pounds of weight, it is less prone to slide around the track like many other of the high performance cars. We like the DBS and V12 Vantage. We just like the V12 Vantage more.

Check out the video below.

-stefc93

Jaguar XFR vs. Audi RS 6

The RS 6 has a faster launch, thanks to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and the 580-hp, twin-turbocharged, 5.0-liter V10.

We set out to see whether which 2-ton, performance sedan was better: the Jaguar XFR or the Audi RS 6. For this first comparison of many more to come, we choose Mugello as the track. The Lexus ISF with a Monopoly paint scheme decided to tag along. Here's how it went.

The XFR has a 510-hp, 5.0-liter supercharged V8, which puts the power down to the rear wheels.

The XFR is definitely a fun car around the corners. It feels well planted for a rear wheel driver car and its tail steps out far less often than that of the BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V. This is where the Active Differential Control comes into play. It keeps the XFR going through the turn with little drama.

The XFR corners like a car half its weight.

Going around bends with the RS 6 feels like there's an elephant sitting on the top of your hood. The weight is noticeable as is the understeer. This is due to the car's weight of 4,376-lbs. Even though the XFR weighs 4,414-lbs., the RS 6's all-wheel-drive is front biased and therefore understeers more than the XFR.

The RS 6 pulls away from the XFR due to a 70-hp advantage and twin-turbos.

And keeps pulling...

The XFR is left behind.

So what can we say about these two cars? Well, they aren't the same. If you want a fun car around the turns, then the XFR is right for you. However, if you want to have control at all times no matter how many turns there are, then spring for the RS 6. However, at almost two times the price for the RS 6($155,000 versus $80,000 for the XFR), you have to stop and ask yourself: "Is it actually worth it?" We think so.

-stefc93