PDK comparison -Panamera vs 997S

[E55AMG]

I hate to admit it but, like a fungus, it's starting to grow on me My wife is looking to get out of her MB ML500 and i'm thinking of either a cayenne or maybe the pana, although like most in this country (for some odd reason) she now "needs" an SUV. What is up with that? Isn't it funny how some of us base what car the wife gets on what we want I also want "her" to have a maser QP. Anyway, while the car is no beauty I think color choice will be very important. I absolutely love the interior though.

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[E55AMG]

Originally Posted by yrralis1

I drove a Panamera 4S today. What an impressive car . It's comfortable , handles great for its size , has plenty of power , and offers a comfort ride in air suspension right down to a tight sport plus . I actually felt the car lower --very cool.

The PDK was different .
1) In normal mode --it actually begins in 2nd gear . Talk about upshifting right out of the gate .
2) There are no rough downshifts in sport auto mode.
3) sport plus adjusts shifting and won't wait until redline unless pedal control dictates a more aggressive setting.

All in all the PDK was more civilized . The car was beautiful . Even the rear is growing on me . It attracted a ton of attention . Mercedes S class owners were catching up to look at it . I think the Panamera is better as it offers this cross between a big car and Porsche bloodlines .

Larry, interesting thoughts on the PDK comparo vs. your S. I was at the PSDS masters class 2 weeks ago and got a chance to drive the PDK S during open lapping. I was a bit disappointed (as was my buddy who was with me). Not disappointed in the results - obviously, shifts are very fast and almost seamless - which was the problem. It was kind of boring and not much of an event.

Now, if you're simply talking about fastest laps etc. than of course it can't be beat. But, a little "drama" during up/down shifts would be nice. Granted, these cars DID NOT have sports chrono so not sure how big of a difference that made. Perhaps a great deal? But, compared to the shifting of an F430 F1 tranny, not as exciting.

[DaveC]

I drove the S version. Mixed bag. The car is very big. The styling is so-so. The rear end is not as horrible as one might think, but it's certainly not something that inspires. None of the big sedans from MB, Audi, or BMW have the uniqueness/eccentricity/presence of the Panamera, so this may be a plus or a minus. I did not care for the progressive steering which is too light at low speed and not firm enough at higher speeds. The ignition interrupt at idle annoying and must be disabled w/ a switch. The standard interior is below par for the price but the showroom Turbo w/ full leather is superb. The performance of the standard engine in this heavy car is okay, but not Porsche. If one must have a Panamera it has to be the Turbo fully decked out which is north of $150K, otherwise might just as well get a Lexus 460 which is just as cushy, more reliable than most of the competition, and a lot less money.

[casaforte9]

I test drove the Panamera 4s too, here are my thoughts
1) car looks much better in person, looks very long from the side, from the front it is very nice
2) Regular and adaptives are both good, to my surprise the regular seats wee very comfy compared to 911 std pwer seats
3) Sport Exhuast is nice from outside but from inside , regular exhuast and spoort dont sound too different to justify the price
4) The proressive steering is too light at slow speeds and light at highway speed
5) feels little underpowered: 911 S pulls strongly from lower gears due to it being about 900 lbs lighter than 4s with almost same power , 385 vs 400
6) PDK: The 911 S pdk is sportier and faster changing in normal and with Sport chrono compared to PDK with SC in panamera. I read somehwere that pdk shifts slowly and smoothly in panamera compared to 911 and it seems true
6) Panamera 4s had awesome traction in heavy rain
7) Interior is superb
8) car feels huge around serpentine raods but front end is very buttoned down
9) A very sporty sedan , better than M5, e63 etc
10) Very very impressive interior, gives you a jet like feeling and a very nice highway cruiser and can carry lots of speed into corners

[yrralis1]

Originally Posted by E55AMG

Larry, interesting thoughts on the PDK comparo vs. your S. I was at the PSDS masters class 2 weeks ago and got a chance to drive the PDK S during open lapping. I was a bit disappointed (as was my buddy who was with me). Not disappointed in the results - obviously, shifts are very fast and almost seamless - which was the problem. It was kind of boring and not much of an event.

Now, if you're simply talking about fastest laps etc. than of course it can't be beat. But, a little "drama" during up/down shifts would be nice. Granted, these cars DID NOT have sports chrono so not sure how big of a difference that made. Perhaps a great deal? But, compared to the shifting of an F430 F1 tranny, not as exciting.

The Panamera has a softer PDK but sport plus comes as close to making a titanic sized street car run like a track star . The computer adjusted shifts take away a little driver engagement but I think its not only expected but even necessary in sedan fusing luxury with sport. Much like a triathlete has to be good at all three sports but not elite class in any the Panamera will be the jock of all but the master of none in terms of luxury and sport .

I think its does a great job of giving a drive better than a BMW 7 , power greater than an AMG , and shifting comparable to a 911 , while offering the comfort of an S class at a price which doesn't make the luxury buyer gulp .

[adias]

Originally Posted by yrralis1

... I think its does a great job of giving a drive better than a BMW 7 , power greater than an AMG , and shifting comparable to a 911 , while offering the comfort of an S class at a price which doesn't make the luxury buyer gulp .

I agree with that.

[sin911]

It is hideous! End of discussion...

I can't say that it performs bad, because I know it is quite good on performance. I read on a magazine couple months ago and the verdict on Panamera was: "It performs better than it looks!"

[yrralis1]

Originally Posted by sin911

It is hideous! End of discussion...

I can't say that it performs bad, because I know it is quite good on performance. I read on a magazine couple months ago and the verdict on Panamera was: "It performs better than it looks!"

Sometimes a car is unattractive at first but beneath its exterior is inner beauty . Drive it a few times enjoyably and the diver/machine experience leads to a whole new perception . It only took me one test drive.

Sometimes a car is so beautiful too look at . Sit in it uncomfortably , feel a few of its quirks , and watch the tow truck repeadly take it to the shop with unreliability and in that experience changes the perception of the car .

The initial attraction can only last so long. Novelty erodes.

I believe the Panamera will prove itself as one of the greatest modern luxury sport sedans of this time .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSWQ7K0X7m4

[catchmyshadow]

Originally Posted by Bara

sorry to disagree but the panamera is no beauty queen.

for its price, there are much better options from audi, MB, bmw

not true,
the pana is no doubt the best sports sedan around. it is an awesome piece of engineering and has a great appearance in reality.
the back may not be the prettiest out there but it carries the (expected) typical Porsche DNA (928, 944, 356 etc.).
it is also by far the fastest on the track and straight line.

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...aguar-xfr.html

results:

1. Panamera Turbo
2. RS6
3. new E63 AMG
4. XFR
5. M5

Panamera TT, tested with PDK, LC and sport chrono package:
0-62 mph in 3.9 sec (that´s as fast as the 997TT-MKI 6speed)

Pana TT -> owns!

[Tbird]

It's an AMC Matador with a PDK - an incredible mismatch of world class engineering and weak design. Porsche dealerships should stay open until 2AM because no one will take one of these home any other time.

Some people will like it. But then, some people like the wienermobile.

When the Cayenne came out I had same reaction. Now I own a TTS. Maybe It will grow on me.

[buckwheat986]

Originally Posted by DaveC

I drove the S version. Mixed bag. The car is very big. The styling is so-so. The rear end is not as horrible as one might think, but it's certainly not something that inspires. None of the big sedans from MB, Audi, or BMW have the uniqueness/eccentricity/presence of the Panamera, so this may be a plus or a minus. I did not care for the progressive steering which is too light at low speed and not firm enough at higher speeds. The ignition interrupt at idle annoying and must be disabled w/ a switch. The standard interior is below par for the price but the showroom Turbo w/ full leather is superb. The performance of the standard engine in this heavy car is okay, but not Porsche. If one must have a Panamera it has to be the Turbo fully decked out which is north of $150K, otherwise might just as well get a Lexus 460 which is just as cushy, more reliable than most of the competition, and a lot less money.

thanks for the summary. Sounds spot on.

[buckwheat986]

Originally Posted by sin911

It is hideous! End of discussion...

I can't say that it performs bad, because I know it is quite good on performance. I read on a magazine couple months ago and the verdict on Panamera was: "It performs better than it looks!"

I missed my dealers intro since I was away tracking my car.

After reading this thread this morning I took a ride to my local dealer to see if he had a one on the lot.

He had one outside (silver) and one marked sold inside (brown)

I spent allot of time looking at the car from every angle.

I personally was disappointed.

I have read so many times it looks better in person. I do not agree.

Its not a ugly car but its certainly no eye catching beauty and like many others I find the rear just not that great.

My wife joined me and when I asked her opinion she said it looked ordinary.

I'm sure its a great drive but looks wise its just OK IMO.

[RUFLUV]

This is one of those designs that will not end up being accepted by a large segment of porsche fans......

[buckwheat986]

Originally Posted by RUFLUV

This is one of those designs that will not end up being accepted by a large segment of porsche fans......

And theres nothing wrong with that. It will fit a certain clientèle and they will be happy pigs in $hit to own one.

[07speed]

Originally Posted by E55AMG

Larry, interesting thoughts on the PDK comparo vs. your S. I was at the PSDS masters class 2 weeks ago and got a chance to drive the PDK S during open lapping. I was a bit disappointed (as was my buddy who was with me). Not disappointed in the results - obviously, shifts are very fast and almost seamless - which was the problem. It was kind of boring and not much of an event.

Now, if you're simply talking about fastest laps etc. than of course it can't be beat. But, a little "drama" during up/down shifts would be nice. Granted, these cars DID NOT have sports chrono so not sure how big of a difference that made. Perhaps a great deal? But, compared to the shifting of an F430 F1 tranny, not as exciting.

It shifts like a honda without sports chrono. Sports chrono is a must with the PDK