Which Aston Martin DB9 Version Should You Buy?
The strongest choice on specifications alone is the 2012–2016 Aston Martin DB9 Cabrio in 5.9 AT form. Its naturally aspirated 5,935 cc Gasoline V-shaped 12-cylinder engine produces 517 hp and 620 Nm, giving it the highest output in the catalogue and a 0–100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds.
The strongest choice on specifications alone is the 2012–2016 Aston Martin DB9 Cabrio in 5.9 AT form. Its naturally aspirated 5,935 cc Gasoline V-shaped 12-cylinder engine produces 517 hp and 620 Nm, giving it the highest output in the catalogue and a 0–100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds. Buyers who prefer a Manual can choose the contemporary 5.9 MT with identical power, torque, acceleration, and 295 km/h top speed. Earlier cars offer a different trade-off: the 2008–2013 restyling has 477 hp and can reach 300 km/h in selected versions, while the 2003–2008 model has 450 hp and the largest fuel tank at 85 litres.
Aston Martin DB9 generations and versions
All three catalogue entries belong to the 1 generation and use the Cabrio body. They represent the original model and its two restylings, rather than three unrelated generations.
The 2003–2008 Aston Martin DB9 1 generation contains four listed versions: two entries named 5.9 MT and two named 5.9 AT. Every version has 450 hp and 570 Nm. The entries share the same basic drivetrain specification but differ in recorded fuel-consumption figures.
The 2008–2013 1 generation, restyling also contains four versions: two 5.9 MT entries and two 5.9 AT entries. Output rises to 477 hp and 600 Nm. Differences within this group include acceleration, top speed, consumption, kerb weight, and ground clearance.
The 2012–2016 1 generation, restyling 2 has four entries as well: two 5.9 MT versions and two 5.9 AT versions. All produce 517 hp and 620 Nm. This restyling delivers 67 hp and 50 Nm more than the 2003–2008 model, and 40 hp and 20 Nm more than the 2008–2013 restyling.
Aston Martin DB9 engine specs and transmissions
Every listed DB9 uses a front, longitudinal, naturally aspirated 5,935 cc Gasoline engine with 12 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, four valves per cylinder, and distributed multi-point injection. Buyers therefore choose between output levels, transmissions, and individual recorded specifications rather than different engine capacities.
| Production period and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2008 5.9 MT, both entries | 450 hp at 6,000 rpm | 570 Nm at 5,000 rpm | 5,935 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 12, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6-speed | RWD |
| 2003–2008 5.9 AT, both entries | 450 hp at 6,000 rpm | 570 Nm at 5,000 rpm | 5,935 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 12, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 6-speed | RWD |
| 2008–2013 5.9 MT, both entries | 477 hp at 6,000 rpm | 600 Nm at 5,000 rpm | 5,935 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 12, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6-speed | RWD |
| 2008–2013 5.9 AT, both entries | 477 hp at 6,000 rpm | 600 Nm at 5,000 rpm | 5,935 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 12, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 6-speed | RWD |
| 2012–2016 5.9 MT, both entries | 517 hp at 6,500 rpm | 620 Nm at 5,500 rpm | 5,935 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 12, V-shaped | No | Manual, 6-speed | RWD |
| 2012–2016 5.9 AT, both entries | 517 hp at 6,500 rpm | 620 Nm at 5,500 rpm | 5,935 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 12, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 6-speed | RWD |
Power per litre increases with each stage: approximately 75.8 hp per litre for the 450 hp versions, 80.4 hp per litre for the 477 hp versions, and 87.1 hp per litre for the 517 hp versions. The final restyling therefore extracts about 11.3 hp per litre more than the original while retaining the same displacement and no boost.
Aston Martin DB9 performance, fuel consumption, and emissions
The 2003–2008 5.9 MT reaches 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and has a 300 km/h maximum speed. Its two catalogue entries record either 24.0/12.0/16.5 or 24.2/11.4/17.1 litres per 100 km for city/highway/combined driving. The 5.9 AT takes 5.1 seconds and also reaches 300 km/h, with the same two alternative consumption sets. Thus, the original 5.9 MT is 0.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the 5.9 AT, despite equal output.
For 2008–2013, both 5.9 MT entries accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach 300 km/h. One records 24.0/12.0/16.5 litres per 100 km, while the other records 25.2/12.2/16.5. The two 5.9 AT entries take 5.1 seconds; one has a 265 km/h maximum and 25.2/12.2/16.5 consumption, while the other reaches 300 km/h and records 25.2/12.2/17.1. The duplicated 5.9 AT name therefore needs careful specification checking: its listed top speeds differ by 35 km/h.
Every 2012–2016 5.9 MT reaches 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and has a 295 km/h maximum. City, highway, and combined consumption are not measured, and CO₂ emissions are not measured. Both 5.9 AT entries match the 4.6-second acceleration time and 295 km/h maximum while recording 21.6/10.0/14.3 litres per 100 km and 333 g/km of CO₂.
Compared with the original 5.9 MT, the final 5.9 MT cuts 0–100 km/h acceleration by 0.3 seconds but reduces maximum speed by 5 km/h. Against the original 5.9 AT, the final 5.9 AT gains 67 hp, cuts 0.5 seconds from the acceleration time, and uses 2.2 litres per 100 km less fuel on the listed combined cycle when 14.3 is compared with 16.5. Reliability, engine problems, oil requirements, engine ticking, and engine sound are not measured in the supplied data, so they cannot distinguish one version from another here.
Aston Martin DB9 weight, clearance, tank, and wheel sizes
| Production period and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2008 5.9 MT, both entries | 1,800 kg | 2,045 kg | 110 mm | 85 L | 235/40 R19; 275/35 R19 |
| 2003–2008 5.9 AT, both entries | 1,800 kg | 2,045 kg | 110 mm | 85 L | 235/40 R19; 275/35 R19 |
| 2008–2013 5.9 MT, first entry | 1,880 kg | 2,095 kg | 110 mm | 80 L | 235/40 R19; 275/35 R19 |
| 2008–2013 5.9 MT, second entry | 1,710 kg | 2,045 kg | 110 mm | 80 L | 235/40 R19; 275/35 R19 |
| 2008–2013 5.9 AT, first entry | 1,880 kg | 2,095 kg | 105 mm | 80 L | 235/40 R19; 275/35 R19 |
| 2008–2013 5.9 AT, second entry | 1,710 kg | 2,045 kg | 110 mm | 80 L | 235/40 R19; 275/35 R19 |
| 2012–2016 5.9 MT, first entry | not measured | 2,145 kg | 105 mm | 78 L | 245/35 R20; 295/30 R20 |
| 2012–2016 5.9 MT, second entry | 1,785 kg | 2,145 kg | 105 mm | 78 L | 245/35 R20; 295/30 R20 |
| 2012–2016 5.9 AT, first entry | 1,890 kg | 2,045 kg | 110 mm | 78 L | 245/35 R20; 295/30 R20 |
| 2012–2016 5.9 AT, second entry | 1,785 kg | 2,020 kg | 110 mm | 78 L | 245/35 R20; 295/30 R20 |
The lightest recorded cars are the 1,710 kg 2008–2013 5.9 MT and 5.9 AT entries. At equal 477 hp, each carries about 3.58 kg per horsepower, compared with 4.00 kg per horsepower for the 1,800 kg, 450 hp original versions. The 1,785 kg final-restyling 5.9 MT and 5.9 AT improve that ratio to about 3.45 kg per horsepower. The other final 5.9 AT weighs 1,890 kg, producing a ratio of about 3.66 kg per horsepower. Weight distribution and exterior dimensions, including length, are not measured.
The original version offers the largest tank: its 85-litre capacity exceeds the middle restyling’s 80 litres by 5 litres and the final restyling’s 78 litres by 7 litres. The 2012–2016 cars move from the earlier 19-inch fitments to 20-inch wheel sizes, with 245/35 R20 at one end and 295/30 R20 at the other.
Which Aston Martin DB9 version to buy and why
Choose the 2012–2016 5.9 AT if the priority is the fullest measured specification. It combines 517 hp, 620 Nm, 4.6-second acceleration, a 295 km/h maximum, and measured consumption of 14.3 litres per 100 km combined. Between its two same-named entries, the 1,785 kg car is 105 kg lighter and has a gross weight 25 kg lower than the 1,890 kg car; their power, performance, economy, clearance, tank, wheels, and ceramic ventilated brakes are otherwise recorded identically.
Choose the 2012–2016 5.9 MT if a Manual gearbox is essential. It matches the 5.9 AT for power, torque, acceleration, and maximum speed, and its specified fuel grade is 95 rather than 98. However, consumption and CO₂ are not measured. Of the two identical-name entries, the one with a recorded 1,785 kg kerb weight is easier to compare; the other has no measured kerb weight.
Choose a 2008–2013 5.9 MT when a 300 km/h maximum matters more than the final restyling’s stronger acceleration. It offers 27 hp and 30 Nm more than the original 5.9 MT while preserving the 4.9-second acceleration time and 300 km/h maximum. The 1,710 kg entry is especially notable on paper because it is 170 kg lighter than the other 5.9 MT with the same 477 hp.
Choose a 2003–2008 5.9 MT for the simplest specification choice within the original model: it is 0.2 seconds quicker than the contemporary 5.9 AT, while both have 450 hp, 570 Nm, a 300 km/h maximum, 1,800 kg kerb weight, and an 85-litre tank. Price, sale availability, interior color, maintenance history, and reliability are not measured, so no responsible buying recommendation can be based on those factors from this catalogue data alone.