As a 10 year veteran of 911's, I switched this spring to a P4S.
Not that i care what people say or think, I find it interesting that upon several occasions people have commented: why'd ya get the Panamera, the 911 was such a cool car.
Obviously, they haven't driven the Panamera, otherwise they'd realise that it is a very cool car. Just not a 2 seater. Looks can be deceiving...
Has anyone had similar findings?

 

Yes, many times, and I do agree with what people are saying, I also find myself seeing the 911 in the Panamera, this car really impresses me each time I'm driving it.

 

Hi, I'm still a VERY new Pana S Owner (only a month now?) but I would have to agree from some comments. I can speak from some experience (although not as long as you) as a 911 Owner, as I had a 2012 997.2 for about a year. I loved (and sometimes miss) my 911 for (primarily) the experience of shifting a manual transmission and the immediate rush of being able to watch (and hear) the revs climb and feel the torque of that car.

But to be honest, I'm a bit older now and much more comfortable with the extra room in the Panamera, and with the air suspension, sport chrono package, the combination of comfort and sport is just more everyday-livable and usable at this point - to me.

I don't really care that some may not find the Pana as cool as the 911, it's a personal choice and to me, it definitely is, but for other reasons than just the pure aesthetics. It's an extremely well-engineered car; effortlessly glides at whatever speed I choose, and has immense reserves of torque at ready. Plus, I'm a gadget freak, so the availability of so many functions on the console is something that I find satisfying.

I'd bet a lot of current sports car owners would very quickly find there is a sports car inside every Panamera and at some point in their lives, be more than happy with the car; at least in most everyday settings.

 

I am in same boat as you but still have a 991 and a race car

My initial impression of the panny when it came out was that it looked like an old mans car. and lets all be honest compared to a 911 it does and is

when I go from one car to the other the 991 quickly reminds me of how much better handling, less weight and precise it is. its like going from a bus to a gokart, sorry guys that is the honest truth

granted my PTTS is as bad as it gets for a four door Porsche, but it is still a sedan not a coupe and will be seen by us and others as such

no big deal it is what it is...and each and every P-car from the ones posted to my Cayenne tow vehicle is a truly awesome and amazing machine and a joy to drive. but to be real each has its own purpose and they my friends are all obvious

People still compliment me and make comments every bit as much when in the PTTS as the 991 as if that really matters...

 

I think the Panamera is one cool automobile… It gets tons of looks, sounds/looks awesome, and has a great driving feel! My latest purchase was tossup between a ‘13 P4S or a ’14 991 4S, and while the latter was quite nice, I’m 6’3 – 235lbs, and I just couldn’t see myself in and out of that thing on a daily basis. The Panny on the other hand, is practical, sleek, and cavernous – w/ enough room for my clubs/bike/groceries/etc. I'd have both if I could!

 

Tom is right in that a 911 is a true sports car, but as Tkdinga says, the comforts of the panny are nice. I was driving the 911 as a dd while my wife was driving an S 600. (they were both mine until my daughter took the X3. Anyway as a dd, the 911 starts to wear thin and lose it's appeal. The smooth, quietness of the Panamera combined with the array of nice options was enough to make me put the S class up for sale. Whether or not I'll want to add a 911 again (a la Tom Kerr) is another matter...In the meantime I don't miss the C4S cab all that much. (yet).

 

Geez Tom, you have some awesome cars there, (would love to see your 911 at the track!) but your Panamera is simply awesome. The cool factor there is undeniable; I'm sure you enjoy it.



I'm loving every aspect of this car so far....there are 2 Quotes that sum it up for me:

1. From a Co-Worker: "It's like a GORILLA in a TUXEDO!"
2. From Porsche's own Marketing Campaign (for the Panamera Turbo, I think, but I'd say it also fits the Pana S): "press the accelerator and it's like zapping an angry BEAR with a Cattle Prod!"

 

Or maybe a Writer for a Car Magazine said that---not sure now...

 

There isn't another 4 door car on the market that get's as much attention/comments (good or bad) as the
PANAMERA