I currently drive a 2012 Panamera Turbo. I really like it. But I have always wanted a 911 (since I was 6 years old).

I have an opportunity to get a 2013 911 4S Cab. It is pretty loaded and even has Burmester.

I drive a lot for work daily and unfortunately I don't have the best back in the world. What do you guys think about this purchase. Should I do it or will I regret not driving the larger car as a daily beater. Also, will the 911 beat me
up too much daily?
Also, I will be test driving the car soon but what is the opinion in the driving difference (especially the speed!!!!) between the two cars?

Thanks all in advance
Mark

 

A bad back and looking for daily driver? I wouldn't recommend it.
The Panny is very comfortable and capable car, but one cannot compare it to the 991 ride.
That doesn't even begin to address getting in and out of the 991.
Just my $0.02

 

Depends how bad your back is.
I have a bad back too, but I'm not in daily pain.
I daily drive my 991s w/ SPASM and it is at the max of what I can tolerate.
I hate it on rough roads and roads with sharp dips and rises, but there are no other back related concerns.
OK, stooping to get things in and out of the Frunk does strain the back, so use safe lifting techniques with heavy items.
Seating with 18way is very comfortable on long trips.

BTW, the Panamara is a land yaht compared to a 911.
The 911 completley satisfies as a daily transportation device (and sports car) but you are always being selective about cargo.

 

I can't speak to Panamera's ride as I've never driven one. But, I find the ride in my 991 GTS coupe (with PASM) to be amazingly good compared to other cars I've had/driven (e.g., S4, 335i sport) in regular mode, not punishing in any way. My back is fine, but I do feel something in my back when getting out of the car after an hour or more in the 14-way seats. It hasn't reached a point where I feel the need to play around with the seat settings to find a better position.


From a comfort perspective, the biggest difference I've noticed is sitting in a different position compared to a sedan, or more typical DD. Aside from being lower, I find the position is more reclined; this may be exaggerated by the fairly long reach to fully depress the clutch.


In any case, the best way to find out is to drive the car on the roads you typically encounter on a daily basis.

 

I've never had back problems, but if I drive the 911 more than 45 minutes or so, I look like an old man getting out of the car. If I know I'll be driving more than 45 minutes to get somewhere, I'll take my 335i M-Sport which I find to be a lot more comfortable.

 

yes, getting in and out can be a ***** for us old guys

 

911 sits much lower than a Panamera, so you'd be best advise to test it out and see whether you can manage getting into/ out of such a low car. Once inside, the 18 way seats are fantastic.

 

How bad is your back? I broke 13 vertebrae in my back and neck last summer when I slammed into a vehicle that turned in front of my bicycle while I was going 40+ mph. There were many other injuries and my back still hurts on a daily basis, guess what, my 991 with Sport Plus seats, S-PASM, and 7M is way more comfortable than the other two cars I've driven since my accident. I drove it from Los Angeles to Phoenix (6 hours) and felt like a million bucks when I got home.


I've never driven a Panamera, so I can't comment on the difference, but in my experience larger car /= more comfortable. If anyone has room to complain about a car beating up my back, it's me, and the 991 just doesn't do it.


Burmester is amazing, worth it completely.


As for having the 991 as a daily driver, I don't think I would do it personally, because it can't do much outside of get me from A to B with a big smile on my face. I have taken it on a couple of grocery outings and maxed out the frunk capacity and had a few things in the car as well, but my wagon carries two road bikes with the wheels on, will carry groceries, etc. I wouldn't want to give all that up just to daily a car that limits what I can do.

 

The Panamera is a very comfortable car . It also has a lot of practical space . In deciding to switch one has to come to terms with the new car being a different car . if a person wanted this from 6 years old into adulthood those feelings have been around a long time .
In the worst case scenario one can always buy or lease a comfortable second car . It may not have to be the case but if it is then a less expensive second car might not be a huge issue. Just knowing that a 911 sits waiting in the garage will be enough .

 

Damn - Vicelord
That's even worse than my bicycle accident - I was hit by a pickup truck. I had to sell my much loved heavily modified Lotus track / street car and get a GTS.

I like the GTS but it's not perfect. Much better than my wife's Grand Cherokee.

For people like us it is a matter of balancing life out. Not too much different than balancing a car for downforce vs straight line speed. You have to give somewhere. How much comfort you are willing to trade for fun and speed?

Good Luck whit whatever you choose. If you get a great deal on the 911 It won't cost you much to give it a try.

 

Love my 2015 991 but I would stay with the Panamera if I had a back bad.

Sent from my iPhone using 6SpeedOnline

 

I have a c4s and a PTT so maybe can offer. I have I issue with either but the 911 is harder to get in and out. My wife complains about each time. I love it but it is nowhere as comfortable as the PTT. My wife can ride in that for 600 miles and is fine. In the 911 she complains after 100 miles.

Hope it helps. I love my 911 and would not want someone to not buy one but some situations dictate otherwise.

Good luck in in you decision.

 

Well, I am eccentric & approaching 60 with 2 herniated discs but here's what i just did. Turned in my 13 S for a 16 Targa 4S. After a test drive the retuned targa suspension was a real comfort. When I push sport it feels close to the stiffness of my old S in normal PASM. Since it is a fair weather car I tend to leave the top down in the garage. Getting in & out is a breeze.
Maybe not for everyone but I am loving my targa. Makes getting older not so bad when you can use your 911 as a luxury car when you want.

 

I had a 2012 Panamera S and a 2014 911S. The P is a better DD, the 911 is a better weekend/toy/fun car.
The 911 has a stiff suspension. Seats are great, but you'll be hurting after a while. It's a sports car. I DD'd it a bit, but it's kind of a waste for that. But then, so is a PTT.

Keep the P and buy a nice 911 for the weekends.