Maserati Ghibli Vs. Porsche Panamera: Practical Alternative to a Coupe at The Same Luxury Level

Sports sedans have been around since the 1930s and have evolved significantly since then. Despite their luxurious and expensive appearance backed by unprecedented performance, they are a more practical alternative to coupes, which are usually not spacious and have small trunks. Some models, like the Porsche Panamera, are liftback coupes. However, there are also traditional sports sedans like the Maserati Ghibli. Today, we compare these two outstanding models.

To help you decide whether Maserati or Porsche is the best option for you, we compiled a comparative table of their main characteristics. 

Of course, autos of this class are richly equipped. We selected versions of approximately the same price range for comparison—the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 and Porsche Panamera 4S. They are equipped with a keyless entry system, power accessories, dual-zone climate control, a powerful audio system, rain and light sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, alloy wheels, and adaptive cruise control. Porsche has 8 airbags, while Maserati has 6. The Panamera also has an electric fifth door.

The Maserati Ghibli has recently gone through its second update. It has a graceful profile of an arched roofline and a long, sculpted bonnet. The wide grille resembles a mouth, and the air intake is enlarged in the front bumper. New and curved headlights are LED. The front fenders are convex, and three small holes are placed in the sidewalls - like on the classic Maserati. 

The Maserati Ghibli interior is finished with leather and polished aluminum. The three-spoke steering wheel is small, and there are influxes on its rim in the grip area. The speedometer and tachometer dials are in separate deep wells and the rest of the information you can find on a color display installed between the devices. As usual with Maserati, the wide central panel is crowned with an analog clock. Below them is a large 10.1-inch touchscreen display of the Maserati Touch Control multimedia system. But the switches here are small, making it difficult to use them by touch. The steering column can be adjusted in two planes. The front seats are firm but provide excellent lateral support. They are electrically operated and heated. A high transmission tunnel with two armrests hiding a cooled box separates the driver and front passenger. Visibility is good in all directions.

Unlike its rival, the Porsche Panamera is a five-door liftback. It is attractive with its swift design of an arched roof and high window line. Drop-shaped LED headlights and a slightly concave bonnet make the Panamera related to the Porsche 911 coupe. A wide air intake is housed in the front bumper. The sidewalls are embossed, and the front fenders have ventilation holes. The rear pillars have a large inclination angle, and the rear fenders are seriously expanded.

Panamera is somewhat larger than its rival - 199″ versus 196″ for Ghibli. At the same time, Maserati has the largest wheelbase - 118″, while Porsche has 116,1″. Ghibli and Panamera weigh 4,123 lbs each.

The interior of the Porsche Panamera also combines leather and polished aluminum. Metal plates decorate pedals and sills. The compact three-spoke steering wheel is familiar from the Porsche 911. Only the central tachometer remained of the analog instrument dials, and 7-inch screens appeared on its sides. The left one displays the readings of the speedometer and the engine temperature sensor, and the right one shows the indicator of the remaining fuel in the tank and the onboard computer. The center console is tilted, and it has a massive 12.3-inch display of the PCM multimedia system. Thanks to it, a few switches for the audio system and climate control units exist. Moreover, the keys are touch-sensitive – they work from a light touch.

The front seats of the Porsche Panamera are comfortable and endowed with excellent lateral support. They are electrically adjustable and heated. Of course, the driving position is low, and the high transmission tunnel enhances the impression. However, visibility suffers from this.

On the second row, the Ghibli has more legroom than the Panamera, and their cabin is wider in the shoulder area. Porsche, by the way, is often a four-seater. Maserati has the most spacious trunk – 520 liters versus 459 liters for Porsche.

Both vehicles are equipped with turbocharged petrol engines. The Maserati Ghibli has a 3.0-liter V6 under the hood, developing 430 hp at 5500 rpm. It has a vigorous character and spins very quickly. At the same time, it is flexible because a peak of 580 Nm of torque is available at 2250-4000 rpm. With an 8-speed automatic transmission, acceleration to 60 mph takes 4.7 seconds, and a top speed of 178 mph.

 A special acoustic synthesizer in the exhaust system provides a rich engine sound. True, the appetite is the largest: 16 MPG in the urban cycle and 24 MPG on the highway. 

Porsche Panamera 4S received a turbocharged 2.9-liter V6. It is the most powerful in the comparison—440 hp, 5650 rpm. The V6 is powerful from low revs, as 550 Nm of torque is available from 1750 rpm. However, it can reach a high 6600 rpm. This motor is very flexible and runs quietly. The dynamics are the best—4.4 s to 60 mph. The maximum speed is 183 mph. 

Robotic 7-speed transmission with two clutches PDK works quickly, though not as smoothly as a traditional automatic. The Porsche is more economical compared to Maserati, with 18 MPG in the city and the same 24 MPG on the highway. 

Both cars are all-wheel drive and show good traction despite considerable power. Maserati retains the rear-drive slant to achieve captivating handling. The sedan is surprisingly nimble, and the mechanical limited-slip differential works well. The steering is sharp and precise, and thanks to the hydraulic booster, it is also very informative. The Ghibli's suspension is quite springy, especially when the adaptive dampers are in the sport mode. The cabin is quiet at high speeds thanks to the excellent sound insulation.

Porsche combines comfort with excellent handling. The Porsche Panamera demonstrates enviable maneuverability and successfully disguises its weight. Traction vectoring and steerable rear wheels can significantly reduce understeer. The car pleases with its sharpness and informativeness. In corners, the adaptive dampers become stiffer, which helps to avoid large body rolls. The hatchback is not as soft as the CLS but better than the Ghibli. The Panamera can easily maintain high speeds on the motorway without sacrificing directional stability. At the same time, the cabin is quiet because the sound insulation does not raise questions.

Get your breathtaking experience behind the wheel of a Porsche or Maserati - visit the Indy Auto Man dealership in Indianapolis for a test drive! Decide which model will become your best suit and buy a used luxury car at the most favorable terms.