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I am in the market for a Panamera. I want to spend 100K max, 60-90K is more desirable. Looking to purchase in the next 6 months. I want something that has great driving dynamics, low and wide, light on the feet, flat cornering, eager to rev, good sound, great performance. I can make some trade-offs in electronics.
I have narrowed down the choices to slightly used 2017 Panamera 4S or 2014-16 GTS/Turbo. I drove a 2017 and was pretty impressed. Few questions
1. How would you compare driving dynamics of 2017 P4S vs older GTS/Turbo? Clearly the electronics and cabin are better. I can make some trade-offs
2. Assuming all have sport exhaust, how would you rate the sound of 17 P4S, older GTS and Turbo?
3. 2017 P4 would be more budget friendly. However it feels relatively slower with 0-60 in mid 5s. Hence, leaning to rule it out. For context, mid 5s is decent similar to my old X5 50i. But feels below average for a Porsche
4. I have a 2014 CTT. Its a great SUV. But it can't match the physics of Panamera. It is fast, but too quiet and refined. Ride is too tall. Would a 2014 PTT be equally quiet and docile even with sport exhaust? Will it have similar or better driving dynamics than 2017 P4S?
Would be interesting to hear driving comparisons between older GTS/new P4S. And also between the new P4/new P4S.
Go newer and find one with rear wheel steering. It makes my large car feel like a regular 3 series when navigating around. The newer Panamera also feels way more aggressive to me along with smoother, quieter, better ride, better stereo. Maybe you should look into a RS7 if you care more about power or maybe a GLC63 if you want a good handling 3.x sec 0-60 SUV. Let us know what you decided and just test drive them all before deciding.
I drove a 2015 Panamera GTS today and 2017 Panamera 4S few days ago. Both are great and fast cars with very nice interiors. I felt that GTS has lot of sound. But the pull of the engine is not that strong, esp after my CTT experience. I am looking for something more edgy. Are there any viable options to have the power of 2014-15 Turbo and the sound/handling of GTS? Is a Turbo with PDCC and Sport exhaust the "ideal" combo?
The GTS sits 10mm lower than the Turbo for lower center of gravity. With the GTS PASM in Sport+, the center of gravity is even lower and further improves handling. If you want to maximize handling, you want PDCC with PTV on either GTS or Turbo. 970.X GTS with naturally aspirated engines will have a better sound than the Turbo when comparing the stock Sport Exhaust.
0 to 60mph specs are the same for 2015 GTS and 2017 4S. The higher torque at low RPM's is the pull that you feel with the 2017 4S V6-Turbo engine versus the naturally aspirated engine.
Yeah, its probably the turbo vs NA engine that made the difference. Once I got a 2016 PanameraS with sport exhaust, as loaner from a dealer. That felt plenty fast and matched the sound which wasn't as loud as GTS. But sound and pull felt consistent. It was a joy. On the other hand, GTS is so loud that mind was expecting more explosive speed. Thus reducing the fun.
Btw, how do we know whether a car has PDCC or not? I remember in 911 there is a button with PDCC written on it.
Also, do check out these listings. would be curious to hear your feedback. This Turbo has PDCC which is standard on all TurboS. Is TurboS the obvious buy? Do share any feedback on the respective dealers. thanks! 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
PDCC & PTV is always ON. There is no button to turn it ON/OFF. If you don't have the window sticker or access to a VIN decoder, look under the hood, The power steering reservoir (large) is located on the driver side (left side) of the engine compartment. If the car is NOT optioned with PDCC/PTV, the reservoir should be white. If the car is OPTIONED with PDCC/PTV, the reservoir will be black that serves the power steering and PDCC (see photo... right side with green cap).
As a side note, the power steering reservoir or combined reservoir is a maintenance part that is suppose to be replaced at 60K miles. From my research, the reservoir has an integral filter and thus the need to replace.
Torque and horsepower curves (for 970.1) engines tell the story, below. S and 4S for 970.1 were normally aspirated. Note the broad torque curve of the Turbo engine.
Thanks for all the feedback. After owning a CTT, I think I will miss the torque with a PGTS. Several months ago, I briefly drove a 2013ish Turbo. While it was fast, it felt very quiet and refined. The ideal combination for me is a GTS + Turbo engine to get the handling, low stance, exhaust note, mighty fast. What are useful mods on Turbo to make it edgier and closer to GTS in terms of "driving fun"?
01-17-2018, 02:07 AM
2017 Panamera 4S or 2014/15/16 GTS/Turbo
