The Panamera turbo is faster and cheaper, yes...
But it is also all wheel drive, and has launch control...
The Aston on the other hand (despite not coming in a manual) has a very well tuned chassis, rear wheel drive, natural aspiration and no launch control or DCT
So far, when reading all the comparisons, the steering response of the Rapide was described as much better than the Panamera Turbo's response, and the Rapide felt like a much lighter car to drive (despite a very small advantage in weight).
The 4.9 (Aston) vs 4.2/4.1 (Pan T) seconds to 100 doesn't make a big difference to me. It is decent enough and faster than most cars. What matters to me is the feel of the car, the connection with the driver, and THAT is where the Aston wins in most of the comparisons.
The Aston has less room because of all the chassis rigidity tuning that the car had to undergo and the attempt to preserve it's beauty.
But this demonstrates that it is a driver's car... Sacrificing passenger comfort for the feelings of the driver... that is fine.
The rear seats to me are an excuse (fairly good as opposed to the NINE) for having an Aston and a big family... and I am perfectly fine with that
The car that I will enjoy owning every minute is the better driver's car:
- It would put the driver as a priority
- It will be naturally aspirated, low rev, with a broad torque curve
- Preferably rear wheel drive
- Breathtakingly beautiful
- Decently fast
- Agile and light
This is the Aston and not the Porsche
