Furthermore, I would like to add that I wouldn't track race the Panamera, maybe just for some fun with a group but never anything serious. The Panamera is not a car I want to take to the track.
For me, AWD has the advantage of making it easier to be fast. Of course this can be dangerous because every good driver actually knows that AWD can't beat physics, it can just extend the safety net a little bit. So taking advantage of AWD in such occasions can be as dangerous as driving a RWD car at the limit, so this is a win/win or loose/loose situation for good drivers. On the other hand, AWD gives me a piece of mind, especially when it rains or snows.
I know that many drivers look at AWD as a fun killer but 1. Porsche has a RWD behavior oriented setup and 2. it requires a very good driver to actually feel the difference between the same car with or without AWD.
The new 991 is a very good example for that: Drive a Carrera S without the Power Steering Plus and then a 4S with Power Steering Plus. Most people will actually say that the Carrera S feels heavier and less agile.
Btw: My Panamera Turbo S feels heavy and comfortable(even with the sportiest chassis setup you can feel the suspension work, which is sometimes quite annoying because it gives you the feel of a heavy car) when driving straight but as soon as you drive through some twists and turns, the character changes completely and the car feels like a 911. I actually do not like this setup, I wish the PTS would feel the same going straight but apparently Porsche was worried that Panamera drivers would complaint about comfort. I wouldn't.
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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche Panamera Turbo S, BMW X5M, Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe PP/DP, Mini Cooper S Countryman All4