Sedan Wannabe Coupe Battle: Porsche's Humpback Stands Up To Aston's Double-Oh Four

Autocar reports:

The new Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera Turbo have been pitted against each other in an exclusive Autocar test.

Both firms set out to build high-performance, front-engined sports cars that look like coupes but function as saloons, yet the two vehicles are so different in design and execution.

The Panamera has forced induction for its 4.8-litre V8, plus a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, four-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art information interface.

The Aston Martin appeals on a more traditional level, with a conventional 6.0-litre V12 breathing at atmospheric pressure and transferring its energy to the rear wheels alone through a normal, six-speed automatic gearbox.

The Aston is nothing less than gorgeous, but that's something only those employed in Zuffenhausen might rush to say about the Porsche...

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B7FAN - 3/1/2010 9:55:16 AM

+4 Boost

I think the Aston flows a little better than the hunch back porsche. both cars are unique in their own way

pcar4evr - 3/1/2010 9:56:22 AM

+1 Boost

Ya mean the British journal preferred the Aston?

Need4Speed - 3/1/2010 10:31:09 AM

+7 Boost

I think most of the people on this site would prefer the Aston also.

dbtk - 3/1/2010 10:35:44 AM

+6 Boost

The Aston appears more lithe like a sprinter while the Panamera more muscular like a body builder.

222max - 3/1/2010 11:55:24 AM

+6 Boost

I continue to dislike the Panamera's styling. Th Aston is gorgeous.

dhkss2002 - 3/1/2010 12:06:29 PM

+2 Boost

Beauty and the hunchback that lives under the stairs.

rxh8me9000 - 3/1/2010 1:15:43 PM

+3 Boost

I'll take the Aston any day of the week. Much respect to the porsche though.

Autoegr525 - 3/1/2010 6:34:35 PM

+3 Boost

I am surprised that the Aston is the smaller of the two cars, as the Panamera appears much smaller in person than it does in pictures. Here's betting no one over 5'9" is fitting in the back of the Rapide.