Compare the2024 Aston Martin DBSVS 2024 Maserati MC20

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 MC20 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The DBS has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the MC20’s blind spot costs extra.

Both the DBS and the MC20 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 rearview cameras.

The Aston Martin DBS weighs 455 to 982 pounds more than the Maserati MC20. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The DBS comes with a full 3-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The MC20’s 50,000-mile basic warranty expires sooner.

The DBS’ corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the MC20’s (10/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

The DBS’ standard 5.2 turbo V12 produces 94 more horsepower (715 vs. 621) and 126 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 538) than the MC20’s 3.0 turbo V6. The DBS 770 Ultimate Edition’s standard 5.2 turbo V12 produces 139 more horsepower (760 vs. 621) and 126 lbs.-ft. more torque (664 vs. 538) than the MC20’s 3.0 turbo V6.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the DBS’ fuel efficiency. The MC20 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the DBS’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The MC20 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The DBS has 5.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the MC20 (21.1 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the DBS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the MC20:

For better traction, the DBS has larger front tires than the MC20 (F:265/35R21 & R:305/30R21 vs. F:245/35R20 & R:305/30R20).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the DBS has standard 21-inch wheels. Only 20-inch wheels are available on the MC20.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the DBS’ wheelbase is 4.1 inches longer than on the MC20 (110.4 inches vs. 106.3 inches).

The DBS’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the MC20’s (41% to 59%). This gives the DBS more stable handling and braking.

The design of the Aston Martin DBS amounts to more than styling. The DBS has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .38 Cd. That is lower than the MC20 (.38 to .39). A more efficient exterior helps the DBS go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the DBS get better fuel mileage.

The DBS has standard seating for 4 passengers; the MC20 can only carry 2.

The DBS has 24 cubic feet more passenger volume than the MC20 (72 vs. 48).

The DBS Coupe has a much larger trunk than the MC20 Coupe (9.5 vs. 5.3 cubic feet).

The DBS Volante has a much larger trunk with its top down than the MC20 Cielo (7.8 vs. 5.3 cubic feet).

The DBS’ standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The MC20’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.

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 Maserati MC20’s Extended Keyless Go doesn’t unlock the trunk.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the DBS has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The MC20 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The DBS also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The DBS’ power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The MC20’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

When the DBS is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The MC20’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

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 MC20 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 MC20 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

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 MC20 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.