971 4 vs 4S - Help!
#16
Rennlist Member
Yes that is correct. But the acceleration of the E-Hybrid has been clocked on numerous reviews at 4 seconds flat zero to sixty even though Porsche officially says 4.4 seconds. I think the Panamera 4 comes in around 5 seconds so that is quite a difference. Also I guess the extra 22 HP versus the 4S essentially makes up most of the difference in acceleration and there is no turbo lag which I did experience when test driving the 4S. Some reviews have indicated the extra weight of the batteries actually helps with the handling although I am somewhat skeptical about that. Regardless, to me the E-Hybrid makes a lot of sense given the IRS tax credit and the ability to drive on electric alone. Not really overly excited about the increased gas mileage, but that is also a nice feature. To each his own and that is what makes the Panamera so interesting.
#17
I agree with you on both of the points (highlighted from your post). Cornering, and braking are definitely affected by extra weight, even though the batteries lower the center of gravity of the car. As far as Porsche pricing is concerned, the 4 E-Hybrid is the screaming bargain of the Panamera line-up. To me, it should be priced higher than the 4S, given the batteries, and all the extra technology.
I've reviewed the specs Porsche has published and I'm still wondering what the differences are between the two 2.9 liter engines in the 4S and the E-Hybrid?? I'm wondering if it will be possible to bump up the gas engine in the E-Hybrid to match the 440HP of the 4S? If so, that would make the E-Hybrid competitive with the Turbo (550HP vs. 572HP). Not something I would want to do, but curious if it could be done??
#18
Yeh, when I hit up my service manager about this very same question, he told me I wasn't the first person to ask. Probably a little too soon to tell, but I'm sure the aftermarket people are chomping at the bit to answer that question.