Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 S/T
Compare the Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 S/T. The Aston Martin DB12 is £43,000 cheaper. The Aston Martin DB12 is 0.1s 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 S/T is priced from £410,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 518 hp, with 465 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.7 s, a top speed of 186 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 S/T offers a 132-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20.5 mpg (WLTP combined), is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Aston Martin DB12 is £43,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 911 S/T costs less in annual maintenance (£3,500 versus £1,800), the Aston Martin DB12 is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Aston Martin DB12 has 78 L fuel tank, the Porsche 911 S/T has 64 L fuel tank · 90 L optional tank; fitment unconfirmed.
Driving Character: Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 S/T
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 S/T is a masterstroke of lightweight engineering, stripping away the excesses of modern GT cars to create a pure, analogue experience. With 525 hp from its 4.0L flat-six, it is light, agile, and incredibly communicative. The steering is sharp, providing exceptional feedback that connects the driver directly to the tarmac. While it lacks the aggressive aero package of the GT3 RS, the S/T is far more rewarding on winding roads, where its balance and precision truly shine. It is a visceral, high-revving celebration of everything that makes a 911 special, free from the complexity of electronic interference.
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 S/T — 525 hp 4.0L flat-six; lightweight chassis allows for rapid acceleration and cornering precision. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Nine-speed wet-clutch gearbox; quickest shifts in Aston Martin history. For the Porsche 911 S/T: Analogue manual drivetrain; clutch and gear linkage provide an intimate connection to the road. In outright terms it is 671 hp against 518 — a 153 hp gap — and the Aston Martin DB12 reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 S/T
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 S/T features a minimalist cockpit that highlights its lightweight mission. The absence of rear seats and the use of carbon-fibre bucket seats with houndstooth cloth create a purposeful, retro-modern atmosphere. Every detail, from the lightweight door pulls to the unique instrument cluster, feels carefully considered to reduce weight without compromising build quality. While it lacks the ultimate comfort features of a base Carrera, the S/T offers a driving environment that is focused solely on the task of performance. It is a stripped-back, high-quality cabin that perfectly mirrors the vehicle's dynamic aspirations.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Completely redesigned interior; most contemporary Aston cabin to date; the Porsche 911 S/T — Heritage-inspired dashboard; lightweight materials and purposeful gauges reflect a classic automotive design. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Curved 10.25-inch touchscreen; significantly improved tech versus DB11. For the Porsche 911 S/T: Carbon fibre structural components; cabin layout removes unnecessary weight for maximum driver focus.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 S/T
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.
For such a focused sports car, the Porsche 911 S/T is surprisingly usable, thanks in large part to its slightly softer suspension tuning compared to the RS. The narrow body makes it much easier to park and navigate through narrow urban streets than wider, winged models. However, users must remain cautious with ground clearance on steep ramps and driveways. The boot is sufficient for light luggage, provided you aren't planning an extensive road trip. It serves best as a car for the weekend blast or the alpine pass, where its agility and light weight truly excel in practice.
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 S/T — Compact 4542 mm length; manageable footprint assists in navigating through constrained urban environments. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Comfortable GT modes well calibrated for real-world road quality. For the Porsche 911 S/T: 110 mm ground clearance allows for most roads; visibility remains clear for safety. that means 262 litres of boot space against 132, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 911 S/T, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin DB12 at the pumps.
Ownership: Aston Martin DB12 vs Porsche 911 S/T
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.
Owning the Porsche 911 S/T is a pinnacle of Porsche ownership, defined by extreme rarity and intense collector interest. The model's historical significance and limited build numbers ensure that residual values remain exceptionally high, far exceeding the original purchase price. While maintenance is handled through the standard Porsche dealer network, the exclusive nature of the S/T means that bespoke parts can be expensive. With a four-year warranty, the ownership experience is as reliable as it is exciting. It is a car that rewards the dedicated enthusiast with both mechanical delight and long-term investment stability.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DB12 — Latest generation Aston; best reliability expectation of any DB model; the Porsche 911 S/T — Exclusive production status; collector interest ensures significant value preservation over many years. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DB12: Aston Martin Works and wider network both support DB12 comprehensively. For the Porsche 911 S/T: Official dealer service network; mechanical components share commonality with other high-performance Porsches. On the wallet the two diverge at £185,000 versus £410,000 — a £225,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,500 against £1,800.