Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2010 Porsche Panamera VS 2010 Lexus IS-F Near Scottsdale, AZ

The Panamera offers all wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The IS-F doesn’t offer all wheel drive.

Both the Panamera and the IS-F have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The Panamera’s corrosion warranty is 4 years longer than the IS-F’s (10 vs. 6 years).

The Panamera S’ standard 4.8 DOHC V8 produces 18 lbs.-ft. more torque (389 vs. 371) than the IS-F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The Panamera Turbo’s standard 4.8 turbo V8 produces 84 more horsepower (500 vs. 416) and 145 lbs.-ft. more torque (516 vs. 371) than the IS-F’s 5.0 DOHC V8.

For more instantaneous acceleration and better engine flexibility in any gear, the Panamera’s engines produce their peak torque at lower RPM’s than the IS-F:

On the EPA test cycle the Panamera S RWD gets better fuel mileage than the IS-F (16 city/24 hwy vs. 16 city/23 hwy).

The Panamera’s standard fuel tank has 4.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the IS-F (21.1 vs. 16.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Panamera S4/Turbo’s standard fuel tank has 9.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the IS-F (26.4 vs. 16.9 gallons).

For better stopping power the Panamera Turbo’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the IS-F:

The Panamera’s brakes have 38% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the IS-F (836 vs. 606 square inches), so the Panamera has more braking power available.

The Panamera offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The IS-F doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The Panamera stops shorter than the IS-F:

For better traction, the Panamera has larger standard tires than the IS-F (F:245/50R18 & R:275/45R18 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19). The Panamera’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the IS-F (F:255/40R20 & R:295/35R20 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Panamera offers optional 20 inch wheels. The IS-F’s largest wheels are only 19 inches.

The Panamera offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Lexus doesn’t offer an active suspension on the IS-F.

The Panamera offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The IS-F’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Panamera’s wheelbase is 7.5 inches longer than on the IS-F (115 inches vs. 107.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Panamera is 3.9 inches wider in the front and 5.8 inches wider in the rear than on the IS-F.

The Panamera Turbo 4 handles at .96 G’s, while the IS-F pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Road & Track skidpad test.

As tested by Road & Track while at idle, the interior of the Panamera Turbo 4 is quieter than the IS-F (51 vs. 52 dB).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the Panamera is rated a Compact car by the EPA, while the IS-F is rated a Subcompact.

The Panamera has .8 inches more front headroom, 1.5 inches more rear headroom and 2.6 inches more rear legroom than the IS-F.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Panamera’s available rear seats recline. The IS-F’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Panamera’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The IS-F doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.