First post. Long time Porsche owner but nothing since my 993tt (stopped using it as a daily years ago but still in the collection at 40,000 miles)

Here's my situation: I live in SF which has parallel parking everywhere, but I need in the winter to head up to Tahoe maybe 6 or 8 weekends a year which needs AWD or you have to put on chains (even when the roads are still drivable without AWD or Chains. They are very risk averse as it goes to a narrow road and they don't want to risk a problem).

And I need to take around two 13 year old kids.

I currently drive a n54 335i sedan. Wonderful handling. Fits everyone. Great form factor in the city. But doesn't solve the AWD problem. If I could get the old hydraulic steering in a 335i wagon I would! But I can't.

I was going to get a Macan Turbo but only able to drive the S without the handling options. Coming from the 335 the steering feel wasn't great, I don't really like SUV's, and the interior was just ok. I couldn't really determine how sporting it was.

I then drove a used 2012 Panamera Turbo and loved it. Interior was fantastic. Fully optioned. But it is a huge car. Much too big to use in the city on a regular basis, as parking spots are scarce and short. (195" long versus the 335i at 180" but it seems far bigger). It felt like there might be some turbo lag (is that an issue?)

I also considered the Tesla p85d but its the same size as the Panamera. AWD and blistering speed.

Therefore I am considering 2012 PTT's with up to 25,000 miles for mid/upper $90's and getting BMW i3 for city use.

A new Macan Turbo the way I want it would be $93k or so.

Rather have a new MT or a 2012 PTT for the same price?

But the Macan Turbo could be a one car answer.

The real question I guess is whether the Macan Turbo would be as fun and sporting to drive as the PTT? And whether the interior in all leather is as luxurious.

Is it so close I wouldn't notice (I value tight handling cars), and just go with the simplicity of one car for everything? (Though to be honest, I am really interested in having an electric car and I like the i3's interior a lot)

For the record, I love the looks of the Panamera. If it was the same size as a 3 or even 5 series BMW I would just buy it. I am dealing with the extra size of it.

Is the PTT much better feel and handling than the Macan Turbo or are they too similar, or even the MT better given its smaller length (185" vs 196")? Weight is similar, but the MT sits up much higher of course.

Sorry for the rambling post, but I thought you guys would understand.

 

From what I've read, there's a big difference between Macan S and Macan turbo. Big difference. But in terms of lateral grip a panny wins. A panny has superior lateral grip than most sports cars. Macan would be an efficient beast in all weather though. I recommend you try out a Macan turbo first.

 

Trying to find a Macan Turbo demo.

But the pride of ownership is also much less. I just like the looks and quality feel of the Panamera.

But the critical issue is which I would also love to take through the narrow twisty roads that lead to the beach here.

Of course, it probably is more practical as a one car solution, though I really want the 154" long i3 to play around with in the city!

 

The Macan Turbo is about as fast as a A-class 45 Amg or Audi S3 200km/h in about 18-19sec. Performancewise the PTT and Macan are notin the same league,PTT to 200km/h around13sec,with the powerkit around 11.8sec. A Macan is a "cheap" Porsche for the masses, when the Panamera is at the top of the food chain. PTT handleslike a sportscar,the Macan like a sporty SUV=truck. Honestly, these are very differnt animals and you need to test drivethem again,if you cant decide. I am not saying the Macan is bad,but these cars are so different,you shouldnt have problems deciding. Good luck whatever you choose!

 

Thanks Kip. I know which I prefer - the Panamera Turbo. I am just trying to justify getting a vehicle thats 196" long and requires me to buy a smaller one for city use!

If the Macan Turbo was 95% of the fun and performance of the PTT, then I couldn't justify it.

The PTT just looks so much nicer, inside and outside. Though I haven't been able to see a full leather MT, and I haven't been able to find one to drive, just the regular Macon S.

Thank you again.

Of course, if I could convince myself that I could carry two 13 year old boys in a 997 or 991 turbo, then I would buy that instead! (one in the front seat, the other behind him)

 

I drive a 2011 PTT and my wife a 2015 Macan turbo. First let me say yes just as fun but different. Not as different as you might think.

There is a high difference between the Macan turbo and S versions btw. I'd say my wife's turbo is every bit as quick as the Panamera turbo (maybe a tenth or two difference in 0-60 and not likely I'll tap the 100+ mph range living in the states.)

I love driving both of them. Both great daily drivers. I do miss the smaller car feeling you get from the new 981s but each of them have similar torque to my old 996tt before it was tuned.

In my opinion you'd be happy with either. (as long as you're looking at the turbo versions of both). But really test drive em.

Let us know what you decide!

 

Yes I am still looking for a Macan Turbo demo.

Does the Macan feel much smaller and more nimble on twisty roads?

Is the quality of finish and interior similar?

Which would you choose to blast through a twisty mountain road?

Thanks !

 

The parking aids help a lot with the Panamera's size. See if you can test out one with the Surround View cameras. I have those, and while I haven't yet tried to parallel park in a narrow space, they've been a huge help in a cramped parking garage.

EDIT: also, regarding twisty roads, the Panamera is very capable there. The main issue is getting past your preconceptions that because it's large and heavy it can't corner. I've done 0.8g turns in mine and the car simply did not care. It can corner harder than that, but that was my comfort limit.

 

If interested, check out my 2011 Panamera Turbo in the for sale section. Only 25kmiles and in pristine condition. 164k sticker, nicely spec'd. PM for more info.

 

I frequently park my GTS in San Francisco and don't have that much trouble with its size. The backup camera really helps and the surround view, which I don't have, would certainly help even more. There are small spots in the neighborhoods that you sometimes have to pass up, but I haven't had any issues with marked parking spots.

And the car is fantastic in handling those narrow twisty roads that lead to the beach. PDCC seems to really help with passengers' potential nausea during those drives as well. My passengers haven't experienced any of that since getting the car.

 

Ah I didn't think about the difficulty finding a demo. I did test drive before buying - but there were a few dealerships that did not have any!

I can say that the Macan feels slightly smaller (we do have 21" wheels - which makes the tire patch a bit wider, but I am not sure how much that matters) Both the Macan Turbo we have has PTV+ and PDCC, etc ( all of the handling extras ) - again not exactly sure how much that matters. Also it seems the turbos on the Macan come in a bit quicker (but of course the Panamera TT has a good sized V8!)

The interior finish is very simular. I do like the Panamera's 911 like instrument console layout, but the resolution on the TFT screen is nicer in the Macan Turbo. The panoramic roof on the Macan Turbo is also very nice, but the Panamera's lower suspension stance in sport+ makes for a very good look and a tight ride. (

Worth nothing - The Macan has a few known issues - all covered under warranty. )

So - to your question about which I would take through a twisty mountain road. Honestly I'd take either! I drive them a bit differently (I find myself more aggressive in the Macan Turbo, possibly only because I've owned it longer and know it well)

I think in general the people who own Panameras have owned many Porsches in the past while the Macan (and Macan Turbo) is attracting a new set of buyers. (Not that this really matters )

You probably can see the pattern above - I think they really are both great vehicles. I like them both very much and honestly I think you would also.

 

A Panny in SF is doable (and that's coming from someone with 22s). I vote get the PTT and a second vehicle for driving into difficult areas...that's what we do.