Compare the2023 Aston Martin DBSVS 2023 Ferrari 812

The Aston Martin DBS has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The 812 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The DBS has a standard Birds-eye Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The 812 only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the DBS and the 812 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and front and rear parking sensors.

The Aston Martin DBS weighs 441 to 661 pounds more than the Ferrari 812. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The DBS’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the 812’s (10 vs. 3 years).

The 812’s redline is at 8900 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The DBS has a 7200 RPM redline.

The battery on the DBS is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the DBS’ battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The 812’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The DBS’ 5.2 turbo V12 produces 134 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 530) than the 812’s 6.5 DOHC V12.

On the EPA test cycle the DBS gets better fuel mileage than the 812 GTS (14 city/22 hwy vs. 12 city/15 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the DBS’ fuel efficiency. The 812 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Aston Martin DBS, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the 812.

For better stopping power the DBS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the 812:

The DBS’ 305/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 812’s standard 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the DBS has standard 21-inch wheels. Only 20-inch wheels are available on the 812.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the DBS’ wheelbase is 3.3 inches longer than on the 812 (110.4 inches vs. 107.1 inches).

The DBS’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the 812’s (47% to 53%). This gives the DBS more stable handling and braking.

The DBS has standard seating for 4 passengers; the 812 can only carry 2.

The DBS has 1.6 inches more front headroom and 1.1 inches more front legroom than the 812.

The DBS Volante has a larger trunk with its top down than the 812 GTS (7.8 vs. 7.42 cubic feet).

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the 812, the DBS has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The DBS’ front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The 812’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

The DBS’ standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 812’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

If the windows are left open on the DBS the driver can close them all from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the 812 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the DBS has a standard remote convertible top that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. On a hot day the DBS has a standard remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The 812 doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

Keyless Entry and Go standard on the DBS allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Ferrari 812’s Keyless Start doesn’t unlock the doors or the trunk.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the DBS keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The 812 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the DBS’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The 812 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The DBS’ standard separate stalk mounted cruise control on/off switch is conveniently located with the rest of the cruise controls. The 812’s standard cruise control must be turned on with a hard to find switch on the dashboard.

The DBS’ Auto Parking can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The 812 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Aston Martin DBS comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Ferrari 812 isn’t available as a coupe.