Question for 911 + Panamera owners: I have a 2006 911 C4 cab. Bought new, now with 27,000 miles on it with almost 10k in the first year I owned it. When I took my car in for service, dealer gave me a 2011 Panamera 4 loaner. Really liked it. It has 4k miles used as demo/loaner. Fully loaded. Dealer is taking $15k of list. Thinking about Panamera vs. 911.

A real dilemma. Got rid of my daily driver Lexus LS a couple of months ago. Not sure whether new car appeal of Panamera will wear off in a few months and I'll be back spending $100k on new 911 or not. If so, I'd be better of keeping my current 911. Have kids, need a semi-practical daily driver, but can't decide whether to keep 911 or switch to Panamera. Opinions?

 

I would not pay big cash for the V6 Panamera. I think you may end up envying the V8.

 

I thought that too. It did feel underpowered, but the interior is ridiculous. 4S is on different level, but it is $18k more. I just can't justify it. I can justify keeping '06 911 and getting Panamera 4 before spending extra $18k for it. Porsche should have priced it $10k apart.

 

I disagree. The V6 is an excellent car. Enhanced driving dynamics due to lower front weight. It's not all about power, and the V6 moves rather well too.

 

Wait until Summer, your C4 value will be worth a lot more when the sun is shinning.

 

NorthVan - there's no doubt about that. I love convertibles...that's the dilemma. driving to NYC from the burbs in Connecticut in the winter, though, makes one forget about summer.

 

It is just around the corner, I say sit back and enjoy the 997C4, buy a $20,000 - $30,000 family mobile (perhaps a used Cayenne) and have the best of both worlds.

 

Don't do it, you will deeply miss the handling of a 911.

Agree with Ed. Get a Cayenne on the side.

Panameras are good, but nothing like a 911.

 

The Panamera is a fantastic 4 passenger vehicle, probably the best out there. But you'd miss the unique dynamics of a 911. They're not interchangeable, they serve different masters.
CATTMAN

 

Very tough question and replies will vary in opinion . For instance there was a forum member whose 997S was very problematic and he traded fior a Panamera S he he posts in that section and loves the car !!!! There's also a few Panamera S and 4S guys who want to buy a Panmera Turbo on the next round .

I began writing this post unsure of what I would do if in your shoes but as i began to write it I arrived at an answer .

Keep your car and buy an "S" (or 4S if needed) .
If you opted to trade the current car (you don't sound ready yet) .. i would insist on buying the Turbo .
In my opinion the Panamera Turbo is the best sedan in the world .

 

Final Verdict: Thank you, everyone. (This is like a support group for capitalists.) I had the dealer start on all of the paperwork on the Panamera 4; I called and told him I was all set and have the car prepped for delivery. Kids and wife were excited to get a new car. This morning, when it was 22 degrees out, I dropped the top on the 911 in the garage for one last time just to see - then started driving to dealership. Then it was a no brainer. 997 is probably the best looking 911 ever. The shape is so clean, so iconic, so nuanced. NorthVan's logic is irrefutable: Summer is right around the corner. It is a champion even on the snow/ice. After owning a car for 5 years, if I am still as enthusiastic about it, it makes no sense to trade it in. I would have regretted it. It is a downer not to get that new car buzz when one is looking forward to it, but it is better than convertible-envy a few months later when the sun comes out (convertible is a big stress-reliever, I find.) Thanks to everyone for your help - this board influenced my decision the most.

Maybe European delivery on a Panamera later (based on US economy

 

I hope your car has winter tires to drive it in 22F weather. Your best decision is keep your cab and get a Panamera 4 for the family. Win-win!

 

It was freezing here today and dry roads, I drove my car with PS2's on it. Not much traffic when I was coming to work, and it will be about 50 when I go home. Tires aren't the best, but it is OK IMO.

 

Glad I could help out, I am not a fan of convertibles, but my brother is and I know how he gets with out the soft top.

Enjoy the C4, it is a great car, and if you can afford to keep it, I say do so and enjoy it.

 

I'm told that summer tires should not be driven below 40F.