These two models couldn’t be more different in conception and execution, yet they both try to fill in that little niche that combines supercar performance with everyday driveability.
Porsche has been improving the same, seemingly improbable, and making it work in a way that has made the 911 Turbo the default choice in its segment. Its 580 PS, sub-3.0 sec 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint and 330 km/h (205 mph) top speed in S guise have the performance front covered and, actually, bring it into supercar territory, while at the same time it has all the usability of any other 911.
The DB11, on the other hand, has nothing in common with its predecessor and ushers in a new era for Aston Martin in terms of tech and aesthetics. Developing a new V12 with twin turbochargers has resulted in an incredible 600 HP, despite a slight reduction in overall capacity – yet, it’s a larger, and heavier, car than the 911 and, thus, a bit slower in absolute numbers.
That’s nitpicking, though, for both offer outstanding real world performance that is really not fully exploitable on public roads. Plus, the Aston has an advantage over the Porsche in not being the default, and thus obvious, choice. The following video shows whether it can not only challenge, but beat, the 911 at its own game. A difficult task, if ever there was one.