2022 Aston Martin DB11 Volante

Initially launched only as a V12-engined coupe, the DB11 wasn't quite as precise as expected, and the powerful engine often proved too much for the rear wheels to manage. Things have improved, and the lighter V8 engine is part of the reason why. Carrying less weight over the front axle endows the DB11 Volante with crisper responses and, as a whole, the car feels sporty, controllable, and lighter on its adaptive dampers than the earlier V12 coupe. When the fabric roof is raised, there is little to indicate that it isn't a regular hard-top, as chassis shimmy is largely absent. Drop the roof, and besides the increase in wind noise, the car remains rigid and the ride pleasingly compliant. Road noise does intrude more than in a Bentley, though. Despite the Aston's weight, the quick and precise steering makes it feel lighter than it is - only the convertible's width requires extra caution in the city. Leaving the suspension in its softest setting and combining that with the powertrain in Sport Plus mode provides what is probably the best combination of responsiveness and comfort. Overall, the Volante strikes a fine balance between engaging the driver over a twisty stretch but proving comfortable over longer distances.

A cursory survey of how the average man in the street would describe an Aston Martin would likely conjure up descriptions such as: beautiful, powerful, glamorous, and expensive. And, while much has changed from the DB9 Volante to the DB11 Volante, this is a convertible that stays true to public perception of what an Aston should be. So yes, the turbocharged V8 ensures a rapid turn of speed and does just enough to avoid excessively mourning the V12, it handles more sharply than before, and it's absolutely stunning to look at. But, because we're not playing the role of casual observer, we also have to tell you about the DB11's flaws: the rear seats offer non-existent space, the infotainment system feels outdated, and it's noisier than a GT should be. The Bentley Continental GT Convertible is even more solidly screwed together, too. But then again, Aston Martins have never been without their flaws. And yet, for everything they don't do perfectly, they remain utterly desirable - a classic case of the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Like the DB11 Volante, the Ferrari Portofino offers 2+2 seating, a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and the thrill of open-top motoring. However, the Portofino has a retractable hard top in place of the Volante's eight-layer fabric top; despite this, it's the Ferrari that's the significantly lighter of the two, although it isn't quite as lengthy as the Aston. Under the hood of the Portofino lies a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 with 592 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque, comfortably more than the Aston. As a result, the Ferrari is faster, taking just 3.5 seconds to hit 62 mph (as opposed to the Aston's time of 4.1 seconds). Both cars are positioned as GTs, but they're more on the sporty end of the spectrum, especially the Ferrari with its super quick dual-clutch gearbox and hyper-reactive steering. We'd give the driving enjoyment edge to the Ferrari, but the Aston Martin is more luxurious inside, comes with a few more features than the Italian, and has much more scope for personalization. Choosing between these two gorgeous convertibles will be both the worst and best decision you'll ever have to make.

的DB11轻快地可能会更漂亮,但Bentley Continental GT Convertible makes as grand an entrance as any other drop-top. At over 190 inches long and weighing in at well over 5,000 lbs, the Bentley casts a considerable shadow. It offers the option of both a 4.0-liter V8 with 542 hp and a 6.0-liter W12 with 650 hp - the latter can accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. To drive, the Continental GT is majestic: it has a sublime ride, surprisingly good body control, and is quieter than the DB11. The Aston does excite the enthusiast a bit more, though. In the cabin, the Bentley wins with stunning materials and it also has a much better infotainment system than the Aston. While the Aston Martin's slinky styling will win over many buyers, it's the Continental GT Convertible that comes across as the more polished GT.