Which Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo is better: diesel or petrol?
Although the modern Panamera offerings come fitted with either a turbocharged petrol engine or a hybrid electric configuration, customers could still opt for a diesel variant not too long ago. We compare the Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo diesel with the Panamera 4S Sport Turismo petrol to find out which is better.
When the Porsche Panamera first arrived, it was a departure from the vehicles one would have come to expect from the German automaker. The Panamera was originally offered in sedan configuration but not long after Porsche went back to the drawing board and created the Sport Turismo models which take shape as a station wagon.
Measuring in at 5 049 mm long, 1 428 mm high and 1937 mm wide, the Sport Turismo adds an additional 20-litres of luggage space in the boot with the seats folded up and an extra 50-litres with the rear bench folded flat. The Sport Turismo models are also the first in the Panamera range that offered a 2+1 seat configuration at the rear as traditional models only provided for two occupants.
Powertrain
While both the diesel and petrol models offer the same striking design on the exterior and plush interior trim, the biggest difference happen under the bonnet. Below we compare the two models side by side to find out which is better.
| Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo -Petrol | Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo - Diesel | |
| Engine | 2.9-litre, twin-turbocharged, V6 petrol | 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8 diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed double-clutch automatic | 8-speed double-clutch automatic |
| Power | 324 kW | 310 kW |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 850 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.4s | 4.3s |
| Top speed | 286 km/h | 282 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 8.2 L / 100km | 6.8 L / 100km |
| CO2 emission | 188 g/km | 177 g/km |
Warranty and maintenance
Both the Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo diesel and petrol variants were sold with a 3-year / 90000 km warranty as well as 3-year roadside assistance. Further, included in the original price is a 5-year / 90000 km maintenance plan with service intervals scheduled at every 30 000 km.
Conclusion
Both the diesel and petrol derivatives of the Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo models offer customers a stylish wagon design manufactured with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. However, the question is whether consumers looking to purchase a used Porsche Panamera should choose the petrol or diesel-engined model.
While the performance figures show a marginal difference, it is when we take a closer look at the fuel consumption and emissions where the differentiation happens. Even with the larger and heavier V8 configuration, the diesel model manages to mirror the performance figures of the petrol model, however, achieves it while able to return an average fuel consumption figure of 6.8 L / 100km which is 1.4 L / 100 km less than the petrol offering.
Furthermore, it produces 11 g/km less CO2 emission than its petrol sibling. This is why for us, the choice is easy. The Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo diesel is the better of the two.
