Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
Compare the Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 GT3 Touring. The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is £42,000 cheaper. The Aston Martin DB12 is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The Aston Martin DB12 is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Aston Martin DB12 is priced from £185,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 671 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.6 s, a top speed of 202 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is priced from £165,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 502 hp, with 470 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.9 s, a top speed of 199 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Aston Martin DB12 offers a 262-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23.2 mpg (combined), is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty. The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring offers a 132-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is £42,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring costs less in annual maintenance (£3,500 versus £1,500), the Aston Martin DB12 is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Aston Martin DB12 has 78 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
The DB12 marks a decisive shift in Aston Martin’s philosophy, moving away from the wallowing nature of its predecessor to embrace true sporting agility. The 671hp AMG-sourced V8 provides muscular, linear power that feels perfectly harnessed by the new nine-speed wet-clutch transmission. While the chassis balance is significantly sharpened, the car retains a sophisticated grand tourer core that isolates occupants from road imperfections. It behaves with composure on winding B-roads, offering steering that feels more connected and precise than previous models, ensuring that while it is an aggressive performer, it remains deeply comfortable over long distances.
The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is a masterclass in analogue engagement, defined by its naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine. The delivery is linear and ferocious, encouraging the driver to explore the upper reaches of the rev range. By pairing this engine with a manual gearbox, Porsche offers a pure, tactile experience that focuses on the harmony between driver and machine. While the removal of the rear wing sacrifices some high-speed downforce, the resulting aesthetic is understated. The chassis remains exceptionally communicative, providing the kind of steering feedback that standard sports cars simply fail to replicate.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — 671hp AMG V8; more powerful and responsive than the DB11 it replaces; the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring — Naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six; razor-sharp throttle response across the entire rev range. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Nine-speed wet-clutch gearbox; quickest shifts in Aston Martin history. For the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring: Rear-wheel drive layout; mechanical grip remains predictable through high-speed technical cornering. In outright terms it is 671 hp against 502 — a 169 hp gap — and the Aston Martin DB12 reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
Stepping inside the DB12 reveals a transformative leap for the marque, shedding the dated systems of old for a fully contemporary cockpit. The centrepiece is the curved 10.25-inch touchscreen, which offers responsive software and logical navigation, finally bringing the tech suite up to current luxury standards. Materials remain premium, with supple hides and high-quality finishes throughout. However, some traditionalists may lament that the cabin feels less like a bespoke, hand-crafted space and more like a modern, technology-focused office. Despite this evolution, the overall fit and finish are of an exceptionally high order for this segment.
Inside the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, the environment is defined by refined functionality. The cabin strips away the race-car excess of the standard GT3, opting for a luxurious full leather finish that elevates the daily driving experience. The instrumentation is clear and driver-focused, with the tech suite providing modern convenience without cluttering the interface. While the rear seats are vestigial and serve primarily as a parcel shelf, the front seating provides excellent support for long-distance driving. It is a space designed for focus, where the quality of the materials mirrors the precision of the mechanics.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Completely redesigned interior; most contemporary Aston cabin to date; the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring — Minimalist dashboard aesthetic; focused instrumentation provides essential performance data without digital distractions. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Curved 10.25-inch touchscreen; significantly improved tech versus DB11. For the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring: High-quality tactile materials; fabric inserts and leather surfaces convey a traditional sports car.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
Practicality in the DB12 is framed by its 2+2 layout and a functional 300-litre boot, which makes it a surprisingly viable option for weekend excursions. While the interior is more ergonomic than earlier Astons, the car’s significant 76.7-inch width demands vigilance in tighter urban environments or narrow parking bays. The ride quality is expertly calibrated, allowing it to glide over broken road surfaces in GT mode without bruising its occupants. It is clearly built for the open road, where its combination of power and usable space makes it a highly capable companion for cross-continental travel.
Despite its hardcore engineering, the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring possesses surprising urban manners. The manual gearbox is forgiving in traffic, and the front boot, supplemented by rear storage, offers enough capacity for weekend luggage. While the suspension remains stiff, it is well-damped, handling public roads with composure rather than harshness. The Touring specification is significantly more discreet than its winged counterpart, allowing it to blend into everyday traffic without attracting unwanted attention. It is a rare example of a high-performance vehicle that remains perfectly viable for the occasional shopping run or city commute.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — 300L boot and 2+2 seating balance sports car focus with GT practicality; the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring — Compact dimensions; modest 1852 mm width aids navigation through narrow residential street layouts. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Comfortable GT modes well calibrated for real-world road quality. For the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring: Front trunk provides adequate storage; daily luggage capacity benefits from the 132L rear. that means 262 litres of boot space against 132, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin DB12 at the pumps.
Ownership: Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
Ownership of the DB12 represents the most polished experience in the history of the DB lineage, with expected reliability levels that finally match its rivals. While the annual maintenance costs remain firmly in the premium category, the backing from the Aston Martin Works network provides extensive support that mitigates the risks of high-performance motoring. As the current benchmark for the brand, it holds a strong position in the market, though prospective owners should factor in high insurance premiums and the inevitable expenses associated with maintaining such a sophisticated, high-output drivetrain over time.
The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is a cornerstone of the modern enthusiast market, with its manual transmission driving high demand. Residual values are exceptionally robust, reflecting the car's status as a future classic. Porsche’s comprehensive dealer network ensures that servicing is predictable, though the GT3-spec components, particularly the optional PCCB brakes, carry higher maintenance premiums. With a four-year warranty providing peace of mind, the ownership experience is remarkably stress-free for a car of this calibre. It is a sophisticated investment that rewards its custodian with consistent, high-fidelity thrills over many years.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Latest generation Aston; best reliability expectation of any DB model; the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring — Porsche heritage ensures long-term viability; extensive dealer support maintains consistent vehicle condition. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Aston Martin Works and wider network both support DB12 comprehensively. For the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring: Stable residual values; high collector demand sustains interest in naturally aspirated flat-six models. On the wallet the two diverge at £185,000 versus £165,000 — a £20,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £1,500.