Good morning! Have been doing some research on a (new to me) Panamera. Looking for a CPO around 75k-80k, seems I can find 19 GTS or 21 4S for about the same price and 25-35k miles (give or take a few thousand dollars or miles) - was wondering what the thoughts are on the two in terms of ownership, reliability, and just overall satisfaction with a 10k a year daily driver. My initial thoughts are the GTS has more grin factor, is more rare, and has a unique collectors component in terms of Porsche enthusiasts. The 21 will I believe have newer features/PCM, a facelift, and be generally less costly to maintain, although some of that is negated as I'm only shopping CPO - yet still be fun to drive.

Anyone want to share some thoughts that a non-Porsche owner may be missing? ChatGPT can only take me so far!

Appreciate your time.

Anthony
(and yes, this is my 2nd post since 2008 - this has been a long time coming )

 

The lower depreciation, V8, and more character of the GTS are a no brainer for me.
The 2.9T is less weight and a very good engine but it’s bland in Porsche applications.
The GTS has always depreciated least for Panamera so even if you are doing older car stuff it will end up being more fun and less expensive if you sell it. Why would you sell it though when a GTS is a top of the line car?

If you really don’t care about the extra power and would prefer similar driving characteristic the refresh will have better interior and newer stuff. I think the S is a great choice and it’s all the little stuff in these that gets you over time so you’ll have revised and less worn stuff.

the GTS is great but it’s not really different from the S on substance. It’s just tuned to FEEL awesome. They are both awesome and not far off in capability. GTS sounds and feels totally more aggressive and sporty but the actual differences in handling are negligible.

 

Thank you - what is tough for me is that I've only driven a base 4 Platinum (2023), so I have no clue how to 4S vs GTS will feel differently - and finding one local has been impossible. I am looking at options hundreds or thousands of miles away that have to be shipped (another reason why CPO only, I don't have anyone to inspect it locally)

I am leaning GTS, but appreciate people's feedback!

 

I don't like the refresh front end. I have a 2022 4ST with engine tune and wish I had a GTS.

 

I have a '19 (971.1) and '21 (971.2) GTS. The differences are subtle on the outside - slightly nicer tail lights on the 971.2 and full light bar across the back where the 971.1 has a small split in the middle. On the GTS, depending on the colour, the front end can look different as the 971.2 has more painted bits instead of black (the GTS has the sport kit) - my '19 is black so you can't tell. The '21 has 20 more HP - don't notice it. In the interior, the '19 has the steering wheel similar to the 991 while the '21 has the 992 wheel. The newer wheel is nicer and all blacked out. The stalks are smoother on the '21 - they look nicer but I've grown to appreciate the ridges on the '19 that give the finger a solid place to go. The PCM is basically the same from layout and usage, while it's easier to get widescreen carplay/android auto with the '21 (one flash) than the '19 (you may need to upgrade the firmware on the '19 then flash MIB). Seats and dash look the same. Centre console plug in is USB A in the '19 and USB C in the '21.

There are some youtube videos where they contrast the 4S to the GTS and point to the extra V8 torque even though HP is close. I never drove a Panamera 4S, but was cross shopping against a newer Macan GTS (same 2.9T I think) - love the GTS V8 sound, the origami rear wing, and more than enough power.

 

Sounds pretty similar on the interior, I will say the widescreen carplay is actually something I want to make sure I do! The feeling at this point is to try and find a GTS, or if possible stretch my budget to a 21 GTS - thank you for the feedback!

 

I own a '19 GTS. Was in this same dilemma. Sometimes I still am, because seems like the only way to get into a decent priced Sport Turismo is going 4S, which is still something I am considering.

The best way I can describe the difference between the 4s and GTS is: The 4S feels like a luxury car and has sportiness when you want it. The GTS, immediately after twisting ignition key and getting that V8 rumble, feels like a sporty car that happens to have luxury. Don't know if that makes sense or relays what I'm trying to convey, but it just has a different feel as mentioned by others on this thread.

Some drawbacks: There are times I feel even in the default suspension setting the car is a bit stiffer than I'd like in certain scenarios. Sometimes I want a more floaty ride, but that defeats the purpose of going with the GTS I suppose. The drawback here seems to be that as rattles and squeaks develop in the car, the harsher ride can amplify this. Something to consider.

At the end of the day, the v8 is what does it. Just a different animal, regardless of similar HP output with it and the S

 

21 for sure, for the new tail light and new PCM 5.0 The old PCM 4 is rough. But either one is fine.

 

Personally owning a 2023 GTS I’d have to say that I don’t think the choice is as simple as a 19MY GTS & 21MY 4S without knowing the options, especially the options on the 4s. For me I like the changes for the 21MY as they offer slighter more hp, pcm upgrades, and facelift changes. However, these cars are all about the options. Like for example does either have RWS?

 

@topspd looks like you kept your older panamera? I’m regret selling my 970.2 GTS when I replaced with a 971.2. GTS. Very different cars so would have been worth keeping the older one. Performance wise the newer one is superior but the 970.2 was sportier to me, and unique looking. Live and learn.

 

The 2.9TTV6 is not bland.

Any V6 is less expensive to operate and maintain. Fuel, spark plugs, oil, tires, brakes.

V8 has more grin factor. The TTV6 has good grin factor, the V8 just has more. That’s all.