Hey guys.

Long story short, I am trading my Panny GTS for another 958. Love the Panamera in GTS flavor, however, an unexpected increase in family size is pushing me back to a Cayenne.

I have had an '11 and '12 Turbo previously and loved both cars, however, I am just not sure that another Turbonis a "smart" buy.

I am looking at a fairly well optioned vehicle in either GTS or Turbo/Turbo S trim:

White
Espresso/Cognac seats
14 way
Vent/heated seats
Entry & Drive
Panorama
Towing
Extended High Gloss (likely)
Black PDLS and tail lights
Likely 20 inch RS Spyder 9.5 width wheels in all seasons, unless Turbo S
Burmester
Porsche crests front/rear
Sports Chrono (where applicable)
Voice Control
Sports Package, or PDCC/PTV combo (Turbo/GTS respectively)
PCCBs (had one without, the '11, and one with, the '12, and it is a MUST)
Steering wheel case leather (maybe)
Likely telephone module, but not sure
Wheel arches in exterior, only with the Turbo config
RSE and online services

Now, Turbo S comes in at 172-173k. Turbo at about 145k. GTS at 132k.

My "other" car is a '12 Ferrari California. So, naturally, I am kind of leaning towards GTS. Great vehicle, more than capable on highway and everyday driving, loaded to gills and about 15-35k cheaper to other vehicles. When I want to toss about, I can take the California.

Just worried I would miss the response of the Turbo. I haven't driven the GTS. Curious about what others would say. If it were my only car, I would go Turbo and not think twice about it. However, not sure I "need" the turbo power versus the "want" the turbo power.

I think, for the money and with lack of PCCBs standard, the Turbo S is overpriced. Equally equipped, I can save nearly 20-22k after adding GIAC flash. Then, would later, do Akrapovic Titanium Exchaust.

Opinions? Especially interested in those that have or have driven a GTS.

Thanks mates! Happy Thanksgiving.

J

 

For an SUV and family hauler I would take the Turbo hands down, perfect balance between comfort and performance, just add the SportDesign package for the GTS look. Imo the Turbo S is too expensive for just a few more HPs.
My GTS is a great drive, it feels like its always "ON" (I like that), but its nowhere near as powerful as the Turbo, cant say its faster than the 11'CS I just sold. For a DD, the suspension is a bit too firm even in comfort mode, I miss the relaxed but sporty suspension feel of my "S", the exhaust sounds spectacular too, but it gets tiresome to live with, I prefer that kind of noises in my 911 sports car. Just an opinion.
OTOH, If I was looking for a Panamera, It would definetely be the GTS over the turbo.

 

Even though you seem to have found your sweet spot with NA engines...
..IMO:turbo boost..there is no substitute

 

Well here is my $.02.

I went from a 2006 955 Turbo S to the 2010 957 GTS because I too thought that the NA motor with the high revs, the no lag, the lower stance and the superior handling would keep me happy or even happier. Wrong. After the first 3 months, I wanted the turbo back. The effortless passing power, the softer dampening for everyday ride and the lack of effort the Turbo got around in is often times overlooked. If you want better handling, just put the PASM in sport and there you have the GTS without the NA motor. My GTS even in comfort mode rode harsher then my old Turbo and new Turbo in sport. If you drive 10 miles daily or have a very short commute you probably hardly notice. If you have a long distance commute like I do, it becomes appearant real fast and it gets old real fast as well.

So when it came time to get into the new Cayenne for me, I didn't even hesitate to fork up the money and go Turbo. I did drive both vehicles before I made my decision and I know I made the right choice for me. Best of luck to you.

 

Just finished a 812 mile sprint up from Florida to Va with my 2013 CTT
Avg. 73 mph and 19.7 mpg.
At a roadside inn and still smiling
There is no substitute for 500 ponies and loads of torque
No way a N/A Cayenne can deliver comparable performance.
My only issue....lots of dead bugs on the nose...Needs a good cleaning tomorrow when I get home

 

RAK on the ROAD ! And getting 19.7 !!! Do you have the 14 way or 18 ways and how did they feel on such a long journey?

 

I have the 18 way with seat vent.
Absolutely the best seat I've ever had for a long highway journey to include the adaptive sport seats I had in 911s or Ferrari Daytonas in my old 430. I'm 5' 7 and 160 lbs so I don't have any bottom fat to help a seat be more comfortable
Everything about the car is a one...except the seat memory settings to include the Burm radio volume and sat surround bass and treble to include navigation volume have dementia
Don't hold settings often after a new start up after a quick highway fueling?
But that should be the only flaw.
I think the Marone sticker said the car could get 21plus mpg highway.
Right....maybe in 8th gear and 30mph

 

Very interesting. I am close to you in size and I ordered the ventilated 18 ways with so I am glad to hear what you said.
My SL500 used to lose its treble and bass settings also which was strange.
Enjoy your trip. I am counting down the weeks for the arrival. Hopefully 6 or 7 to go.
Rob.

 

It'll be well worth the wait
Oh, zero oil used from new so far. I kept it below 4500 for the first 800 miles but varied the rpm in every manual gear radically during breakin
My S has a December build. Cannot imagine it being noticeably more potent, but I fell in love with the Black/Carrera Red int.

 

Yes- the high of the anticipation is real.
I know you fell for the red interior- RAK RED.

 

Kudos to you for going through with a customization that allowed you to express your design desires
If you wanted to experience a more potent CT,you should have made your way down to Naples..would have been glad to let you drive my autobahn tested CT
Especially with the goodies I have added

 

Fyi..

 

Dang
Mine has quite the 93 grade appetite
I'll be back for an XMass holiday
I'll pm you when I'm in

 

Mine was broken in on this

 

I've had a Ferrari California too and now drive a Bentley GT SPeed, and recently we now added a '12 cayenne Diesel for kid carrying. I have been so surprised at how it does the daily stuff so well and the fuel economy is a bonus. We optioned it up to the gills so we didn't feel like we were missing out on any kit, but for carting kids, shopping and towing pony floats around it has been more than adequate. The 550Nm Torque makes it feel pretty quick for town driving (more torque than the v8 Cs)

Yesterday I was at the Porsche world road show, and drove the CTT and CGTS back to back. Both great cars and if it was your only car, no question either of those would make you very happy. But if you already have a Ferrari in the garage maybe you could look @ the diesel ??

just another idea & perspective!

ciao