I currently have a silver Panamera GTS on order scheduled for an early Dec. delivery. My mind had been set on the GTS until I saw some recent positive press for the new 2013 Audi S8. Now I am officially debating both cars.

Can anyone who has test driven both comment on their thoughts? I know that the GTS handles better, but the S8's 0-60 is 3.5s?!??! Is the handling that bad on the S8 vs. the GTS? I know the inside of the Audi is quiet and I'd miss the special exhaust note on the GTS , but is that all? Decisions, decisions.

I'm coming out of an 09 997.2 C4S PDK (that I just realized that I gotta get moving to try and sell before I decide on which new 4 door beast to get!) if that helps.

Thanks,

Dave

 

In my opinion aside from being very fast 4 doors they are 2 different cars so it depends on your priorities. No doubt the GTS is going to feel and actually be sportier - the S8 on the other hand will offer more luxury and straight line performance. I would think coming out of a 997 the GTS would be a better transition but only you can decide that. I don't think the S8's are even available yet so test driving one is going to be a challenge

 

They are not only available, but have started deliveries. One in my neighborhood already.

J

 

The S8 would never be my option, its a limo, not a sportscar. You have to know what you want. I am sceptic about the S8 times posted, I am waiting for German car mag tests, the figures posted seem like press car results, not real life performance. But I have to admit, when I saw them, I was thinking about the S8 also. But still, not my type of car.

 

After being a longtime Porsche guy, I am now leaning towards the S8. The whining noise at speed on the GTS is just simply unacceptable to me. We'll see if the car I ordered has it, and if it does (which seems very likely given reports on this board and others), I am running to Audi.

 

I would do the S8 handsdown. Its not a limo at all as KIP was saying. It is the short wheel base version of the S8 and is just as long or shorter then a panny. I think the audi has one of the best looking interiors but the panny is great also. The panny will have a better exhaust note, and if you get burmester you will have the best sound system. I don't think you will notice the handling difference very much though. The audi does really well in this area also. But the comfort and straigtline speed of the audi can not be matched by the gts.

They are available here also for purchase and possible test drive.

 

Do most GTS's and Turbo's have this whining noise?? I keep seeing this problem a lot on the forum nowadays..

 

I was referring to the fact that on any circuit in the world, I bet the S8 will be several seconds slower than the PTTS feg, which actually beat a 997tt.1 on some circuits. The PTT beat a Lamborghini Balboni and MB SLS on the top gear usa test track. You will feel the difference in the corners, Audi S8 is built for a different purpose than the Panamera and until German magazines test this car I am not 100% sure these are press car straight line unrealistically adjusted results. The S6 got a 3.7s 0-60 time in US magazines and all the German magazines got 4.4s etc, not very impressive, so thats why US magazine results dont convince me anymore.

 

Do you have this whining/high pitch noise in your car?
I'm located in Miami and have a GTS on order.
No one in Miami who owns AWD Panamera seems to know noise I'm referring to.

 

It's a very easy question...
I've also looked at an S8 before I ordered my GTS.
If you want a super luxury sedan go with the S8 but if you want a super sport sedan the GTS is way to go plus it's a little cheaper to lease.... I'm in late 20s I had to go with the GTS.

 

The Car and Driver review says the S8 is speed limited to 155 mph.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review

Why do so many capable cars do that? That would certainly have an effect on my choice.

 

Ok, didnt take long:

From AutoBild Sportscars:
S8: Vmax. 250 kph, 0-100 kph: 4,0 s, 0-200 kph: 13,1 s, 100-200 kph: 9,1 s.
Panny Turbo: Vmax. 303 kph, 0-100 kph: 3,9 s, 0-200 kph: 13,8 s, 100-200 kph: 9,9 s.
Panny Turbo Powerkit: Vmax. 305 kph, 0-100 kph: 3,6 s, 0-200 kph: 11,8 s, 100-200 kph: 8,2 s.
Panny Turbo S: Vmax. 306 kph, 0-100 kph: 3,7 s, 0-200 kph: 12,5 s, 100-200 kph: 8,8 s.
M5 F10: Vmax. 305 kph, 0-100 kph: 3,9 s, 0-200 kph: 11,8 s, 100-200 kph: 7,9 s.
E63 PP: Vmax. 300 kph, 0-100 kph: 4,1 s, 0-200 kph: 12,6 s, 100-200 kph: 8,5 s.
S63 PP: Vmax. 300 kph, 0-100 kph: 4,3 s, 0-200 kph: 13,3 s, 100-200 kph: 9,0 s.



Credits dede@germancarforums

 

Two very diferent cars indeed. The S7 might be a better comparison to the Pannie.

I love the pannie, but the blind spots are killers.