Although I have spent a fair amount of time recently over on the Macan forum, I have taken a “timeout” from time to time to look at the Panamera inventory in the M.D./DC area. Why? Simple – I am not a big SUV fan, absolute load capacity is not an issue for me but, for a variety of ergonomic reasons, I prefer hatchbacks.



I am down to the point of investing enough time to do a careful comparison of the Macan versus Panamera question on 2 fronts: ingress/egress and visibility. My expectation is that the Macan will win on these counts but the question is: by how much?



Beyond this, there only 2 negatives in the Panamera column: lack of a spare tire and, on a model for model, year for year basis, a very significant cost difference. These are manageable should a car “speak loudly” to me.



Because I’m going into this without predetermined prejudice or brand loyalty, another question has occurred. Based on size, shape, footprint and function, the Panamera is very similar to its corporate cousin, the Audi A/S7.



I have done a very brief walk around and on the road comparison of a Panamera and a A7. My impressions: both cars are built to a high standard and very well finished. From a brief drive, they are both excellent road cars on the Expressway and on less than immaculate side roads. There are differences: the Audi’s ride is very smooth and comfortable and the steering is quick and precise but lacks the feedback that the Porsche provides. The Audi also does not convey quite same “bolted to the road” impression. Appearance: probably a tossup – the Porsche has a better face, the Audi is a bit sleeker the rear and, from the side, it’s pretty much a tie. There are strengths and weaknesses – the Audi has a spare tire, it’s tires and wheels are symmetrical, not offset (probably sacrificing a bit of high-speed handling but permitting tire rotation) it also has more “features and functions” some of which I would use but the trade-off is a much more complex touchscreens user interface with, from a driving instrument standpoint, less information. I prefer the Porsche interior. The Panameras that I’ve considered are all fitted with the 2.9 L twin Turbo V6 – the Audi has the 3.0 L V6. My impression is that the former is a newer and better engine.



So, my question and the reason for this post: I’m looking for opinions, information and advice from persons with more experience and perhaps more detailed comparisons of these 2 cars.



Thank you.

 

So I have had both an Audi A7 and a 971 Panamera Sport Turismo. I will say this as a qualifier, going with either is a good choice, it really depends on the use case and your preferences. They both drive well but are very different. I loved the supercharged engine in the A7 and it was plenty fast for almost everyone that has to pound decent condition asphalt. In order to keep the same quick from the line speed, for the Pana, I went with an E-Hybrid to push the torque up. The driving dynamics are what you described so you have to pick which one is more important to you (and which applies to you most of the time), S-Class type comfort of a ride in normal conditions but giving up some precision & feedback when the turns are taken a but aggressively. The ride in the Panamera is very nice, but I chose to drive in the sport almost exclusively with 5% of the time in Sport Plus and 10% of the time in Hybrid Auto (mostly for longer drives). Also, having the Sport Response available helps, knowing I can punch it in any mode at the press of a button.

I also have two small children (5 & 3 1/2) and 2 smaller dogs (Shiba Inus) so it was a real PiTA dealing with transporting them all (it didn't happen often, but it did happen) in the A7. The Sport Turismo was the perfect blend of fighting getting into an SUV (also owned a Cayenne which is really the right car for us, but like you, I don't prefer SUVs) and I highly suggest it. I literally just picked up a Taycan CT (2/3/22) and already miss the extra interior space of the Panamera ST.

 

Thank you - exactly the kind of experienced feedback I was hoping for. As I said, capacity is not an issue for me - retired, live alone, neither children nor dogs to transport. (when dog accommodation was an issue, a Chrysler station wagon was barely adequate - see attached) Any comments on reliability, maintenance etc?

In the distant past - 60's - I lived in La Jolla. I envy you your weather!

 

I'd say that this is no comparison in the same league. A7 is based on A6 and his competitor is mercedes CLS - based on E class. Panamera is in higher segment - like sporty version of A8 or S class. Only BMW 8 grand coupe could be direct competitor.

 

What years are you looking at?

 

That's a huge dog btw

 

'18 - '22

Irish Wolfhound - 250 lbs - McSorley, named for the 8th St. NYC Ale House

 

They are the same engine, just different bore/stroke ratios.

VW Audi Engines - VW V6 TFSI EA839 engine (2016-) (motor-car.net)

 

Get the Porsche, it's the same car at this point.

 

Small horse.

​

 

To address the negatives you listed... Do you _really_ want a spare tire? If you get a flat are you really going to be changing that at the side of the road? I thought about not having a spare, but in the end it didn't seem like a big deal. I live in a big city, and help wouldn't be far away. Also, I can't remember the last time I had a flat that wasn't just a slow leak that I could have repaired. If you hit something in the road, chances are the car needs to be looked at anyway.

As for the cost, both cars depreciate heavily, so you really just need to look a few years back to find the price you want. Theres a Panamera for every budget from $40k to $140k (and beyond obviously).

 

Would it then be correct to assume that, pre-2020, both were subject to the timing chain cover oil leak problem?

 

I have experienced two types of tire problems in recent years - slow leaks, easily managed with the 12V pump I carry and sidewall blow-outs where "sealant" are useless. I am not concerned with local driving but I do take several "road trips" annually to areas where road service may be hours way. The ultra low profile tires that these cars typically mount are particularly susceptible to the latter damage.

 

I almost went for the S7 just based on cost but didn't find the driving experience nor the looks to be in the same league as the P4E. In the ended I decided another empty bank account wasn't going to kill me at my age. The technology was better on the Audi and that was really about it, for me.

 

I kind of understand, but at the same time (to me, everyone is different) it seems to be overestimating the risk of a non-sealable flat, to make that a key item in a vehicle decision.

Alternatives that are more appealing (again, to me, in order of my POV):

• AAA coverage, get the premium coverage if you want
• Just deal with having to pay for a tow once every decade or so
• buy a space saver spare and take it with you on road trips only
• mount run-flats