My Views After Test Driving RWD & 4S Both today!

[daveo4EV]

I’ve owned 6 Teslas (‘13 P85, ‘14 P85D, ‘16 X90D Perf, ‘17 X100D Perf, ‘22 Y LR)
several porsche’s

Porsche is _NOT_ the vehicle for you

first off - touching the brake doesn’t equal engaging the friction brakes - Regen is blended in and you may or may not be actually wearing the brakes depending on how much braking you request

one pedal driving is nice, but it should be optional in _ALL_ vehicles - sayng one is better than the other with _NO_ context is a pointless discussion - One Pedal driving is a disaster on the track, and lovely in stop and go traffic…

in any case reading all your comments - I’m fairly convinced you’ll be much happier with a Tesla in your driveway, weekly OTA software updates, and a the $$$ savings in the bank - Porsche is NOT your car vendor given what you seem to value in terms of feature set - for one Porsche’s lack of auto-pilot levels of functionality and lack of any desire to aggressively update the vehicle software via OTA will ultimately frustrate you.

Porsche doesn’t care that they aren’t like Tesla in the areas that you seem to feel they need to do better - having owned both vendor’s cars for several years I understand both perspectives, and Porsche honestly is doing what they want to do and don’t see the need to compete in the areas you have indicated you value…you’re not wrong, and Porsche is not wrong, it’s just different from your expectations, but may ultimately frustrate you.

Stick with Tesla - you’ll be happier in the long run.

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[tbinmd]

Isn't the nav and Connectivity coming with the car with the price ?
There is no term about paying extra for it.

I think, its all included and you dont have to pay anything extra for it.
I liked the Porsche Nav, may be it will take some time to get used to it, but I liked it.
Better to use it and CarPlay SYGIC or WAZE maps together for better nav jobs.

Well at least in the US, Porsche Connect (cellular service) is included for 3 years. You would want to continue to pay for it after the free period since that's the only way to get OTA updates for the car, or you need to take the car to the dealer have them update. For some reason Porsche does not let the PCM join your home WiFi for updates and local connectivity.

 

[ithinkmac]

Current Tesla & Taycan owner.

Like daveo4EV said, you have to go into this not thinking of comparing them just because they're EVs. They're targeting different owners.

The Teslas are EVs that happen to be fast. the Taycans are fast sports cars that happens to be EV.

I too have loved the one-pedal driving my 3 Teslas (not as much regen in my '16 X). Commute driving is great. Have my '16 X since '16, with about 80k miles, still on 1st set of pads and rotors. It works, it's great.

Got my 4S CT a few weeks ago, didn't like the lack of one-pedal driving at 1st, but as others mentioned. Once you figured out the different region options. you turn it on/off when you need it. if I'm stuck in a commute traffic, and once it starts to coast when I let go of accelerator, I remember to turn regents on, then it's almost like Tesla on-pedal (not exactly the same experience, but close enough). You would think this is annoying, but after a couple of weeks, I got used to it. I enjoy spirited drives (even in my Tesla), and I find the Porsche really is the better machine here, and I can live with certain tech areas where it's behind Tesla. Just as I have lived with Tesla when it comes to it's other short comings, I just prioritized what's worth the hassle and aggravation and what's not. Once you sort that out internally, you'll be happy owning both.

The HUD on the Taycan is great, compared to my past HUDs on Range Rovers and Audis/Porsche. New HUD I love is the graphics for NAV, old ones usually just have arrows and distance, I love the new graphics (and it's much bigger area of display on the windscreen).

The pricing, again, I have come to terms with this. As others have said, you get what you paid for (in areas that are important to you), so the Porsche pricing is worth it in my opinion. Yes, it's a lot, but you get a lot of smiles and grins when driving. Invaluable.

The Model 3 perf is probably the one of the greatest values in EVs now (with regards to performance), no air suspension, those panel gaps (yes, I live with them, I know), but after seeing the Porsche, you'll wonder why you have to live with it.

The 2 biggest delta between them for me is the charging network, the OTA updates (UI included I guess, all software) for Tesla, and built-quality and performance/handling for Porsche.

So if ever one of these companies figure out how to do all of them in one car, I'm buying that car. Lucid, are you listening? I feel like Lucid could get there.

Tesla is mass market, but 1st to market (OK, first to make EVs more desirable) give it it's edge. Not sure if they'll even do boutique production like what Porsche is doing (Roadster? but it'll come out of the same assembly line as the 3).

Anyway, bottom line. Both EVs serve their targeted audience. You just have to figure out to fit into one and be happy with the decision.

I've enjoy my Taycan way more than I thought I would given that I"m so used to Tesla quirks. It's being wrapped now, can't wait to get it back and start driving.

Took my Model X on a trip to Vegas last weekend, and missed my Taycan. Man, what I would do during those long Mojave freeway stretches, or Sequoia mountain passes.

-ThinkMac-

 

[Brazz]

@OP..... To each his/her own....I didn't like the Teslas for the reasons you do.
- I hated the one-pedal driving...if I want to brake then I will brake
- I don't like the technology inside the Tesla....the one big screen is over-bearing and too much...IMO. I love the Porsche look.

So, it's good to have options...Tesla for you and Porsche for me.

 

[Fish Fingers]

OP

Am I right in assuming you have only ever owned a Tesla?

Your approach is from a very Tesla take on driving. Not the rest of the automotive world.

The Taycan is very intuitive for me coming from non Tesla cars in the past (BMW/Audi etc).

For example, I like having all the windscreen wiper options on a stalk and not via a menu in the screen.

Its also worth remembering that the chief designer of the Taycan stated that he drove all other electric cars, but his only benchmark was the Porsche 911.
It says a lot.

I also think you may just be happier with your Tesla.

 

[4thPcar]

It is easy to judge as a keyboard warrior and I certainly don't want to step on anyone's toes, but are you sure the Taycan is "THE" EV for you? There are lots of posts in this forum that compare Porsche v. Tesla and the gist is that Porsche purposefully designs the Taycan differently to focus on the driving experience. My main reason to pursue a Taycan is that it feels close to my 911 and would allow me to have that experience year round (I winterize my 911). If options, customization, and creature comforts/leather are the focus, I'd probably also test drive the EQS. Either way, I dont think you can go wrong with the Taycan, just want to make sure you won't regret your decision - Just my 2 cents

Haven't read any posts above yours but want to say "amen" on it. I too had a 911S and until EV's came along, it ruled the road. I didn't want to admit it but my wife's Tesla was faster off the light. Still, nothing drove like a 911 until the Taycan came along. At the end of the day, all fast cars simply catch up to traffic faster than the others. I was not looking for that benefit so much as a car that felt solid and competent. So I went with a highly spec'd RWD (including RAS which is the bomb), and I could not be happier with it.

 

[Fish Fingers]

Haven't read any posts above yours but want to say "amen" on it. I too had a 911S and until EV's came along, it ruled the road. I didn't want to admit it but my wife's Tesla was faster off the light. Still, nothing drove like a 911 until the Taycan came along. At the end of the day, all fast cars simply catch up to traffic faster than the others. I was not looking for that benefit so much as a car that felt solid and competent. So I went with a highly spec'd RWD (including RAS which is the bomb), and I could not be happier with it.

In his other thread, the OP sounds quite concerned about 0-60 times.

 

[rich_r]

I see a few misconceptions repeated all over the place (here, reviews, etc)
1. That the Tayan "doesn't have regen"
Yes, it does but the majority of it is invoked through the brake pedal
2. That "liftoff regen" is always more efficient
No, coasting is more efficient (combined with using regen when the driver really means to slow dow down)

That being said, I do wish Porsche had included some of their excellent paddle shifters on the Taycan and let you select from multiple levels of lift-off regen on demand. To me, that would make the driving experience with other Porsches where you might choose a lower gear to slow the car.

 

[Archimedes]

Get the RAS. Makes big car small in tight spaces.

And as others have said, it sounds like you didn’t have recoup on. It’s not fully one foot like Tesla, but not that far off. I hate it, so I’m glad it can be turned off. I only turn it on in slow traffic when I want to reduce the times I have to touch the brake pedal.

 

[Shaf]

So, Im in the market to buy the Taycan and went for the test drive today.
I tested both RWD and 4S.
Instantly, RWD was a turn-off, and I couldn't justify the double price of a Tesla at all.
I currently drive a Tesla Model 3 Long Range 2021.

So, I drove the 4S then and yes, that's when I could feel the Porsche feel and agility.
Instant love!
I read in the forums, that RWD steering is purer than 4S, but I felt 4S steering was a match made in heaven!

Here are some feedback -
1. Rear camera is trash, with very poor implementation.

2. Wireless CarPlay did not work, not sure why. I was in a 2021 car. I guess car play is wireless for 2021 and 2022 cars, right? You don't need to connect the cable.

3. The biggest turn-off was - there is no one pedal drive mode in Taycan. Tesla has it and its called creep/hold mode and it just makes the drive so so so so good and easy. Porsche doesn't have it, so you have to keep on using the brakes every now and then. I found this very weird. as 4S is quick and without one pedal drive creep hold mode, the brake pads will die soon, as you always have to brake again and again every 10 seconds maybe.
I just hope Porsche releases this mode to all the owners via a software update. Is there a place or email, where we can email them some features feedback?

4. The electric sound addon is almost not noticeable at all in RWD, so never get that addon if you order the RWD. But it's quite noticeable in 4S. But then again, 99.999% of drivers would be listening to music while driving, so no one would ever hear that electric sound, which is very very negligible. I would not get the electric sound addon. Even with that option off, the car is already making some sounds, and it's nice and subtle.

5. My final feedback to convince my wife was I need a Porsche, which I can customize to my own needs and I don't want to be driving a minimal computer like
a tesla. The feel when you sit inside a taycan with leather all around is epic good. I just wish I won't regret spending 2x price than my current tesla which does everything 100% perfect already.

6. The car which I test drove - did not have HUD or massaging seats, so I couldn't try them, but I think it would be great. Maybe existing owners of Massaging option and HUD option can tell better.

7. The car is big, so I guess the real axle steering thing might help, but it's just so expensive and I think, will skip it, as no point paying for an option that will only help in parking spots.

8. Now the final decision was to sit and finish the final config today. But Porsche's April production line is full and the dealership doesn't have any future allocation details.
Now Im worried, if I pay the deposit and don't get the allocation for April may, then I will be very sad to wait long. So, need to decide!

I have a 20 4S. Wireless car play works perfectly well for me.

 

[Lansford]

Yes, but all Im saying is, those should be basic options - https://share.getcloudapp.com/X6u8g4rk

You are spending more than 2x price and then you dont even get the option and the car also doesnt remember your settings like regen always ON, etc.
So, no matter if its Porsche or Tesla or mercedes, if the price tag is super premium, they should simply give the option for the driver to choose.

If they can give option for leather to choose, they sure can give for braking or holding. Leather isn't important, driving preference more is important.

Hi. Please take this constructively. But given your feedback, not sure the Taycan is for you. Great feedback but given your concerns (at the fundamental level) you just might not be happy. Just my 2 cents

 

[Lansford]

Good luck…with your Tesla

LOL

 

[285kph]

While driving, when I take my foot off the gas pedal, it coasts....just like an ICE car.

Actually, it coast better than most ICE cars. One of my favorite features. Like you, I'm glad they didn't try to emulate Tesla.

 

[DerekS]

The electric sound addon is almost not noticeable at all in RWD, so never get that addon if you order the RWD. But it's quite noticeable in 4S.

This is not good advice. I test drove the 4S before I got my RWD, and used ESS in both cars. I use it in my RWD all the time and can absolutely hear it.

I'm thinking the RWD either didn't have the option or it was broken somehow. Or maybe you tested one car in Sport and one in Normal or something.

 

[Wakesurfer]

I’ve owned 6 Teslas (‘13 P85, ‘14 P85D, ‘16 X90D Perf, ‘17 X100D Perf, ‘22 Y LR)
several porsche’s

Porsche is _NOT_ the vehicle for you

first off - touching the brake doesn’t equal engaging the friction brakes - Regen is blended in and you may or may not be actually wearing the brakes depending on how much braking you request

one pedal driving is nice, but it should be optional in _ALL_ vehicles - sayng one is better than the other with _NO_ context is a pointless discussion - One Pedal driving is a disaster on the track, and lovely in stop and go traffic…

in any case reading all your comments - I’m fairly convinced you’ll be much happier with a Tesla in your driveway, weekly OTA software updates, and a the $$$ savings in the bank - Porsche is NOT your car vendor given what you seem to value in terms of feature set - for one Porsche’s lack of auto-pilot levels of functionality and lack of any desire to aggressively update the vehicle software via OTA will ultimately frustrate you.

Porsche doesn’t care that they aren’t like Tesla in the areas that you seem to feel they need to do better - having owned both vendor’s cars for several years I understand both perspectives, and Porsche honestly is doing what they want to do and don’t see the need to compete in the areas you have indicated you value…you’re not wrong, and Porsche is not wrong, it’s just different from your expectations, but may ultimately frustrate you.

Stick with Tesla - you’ll be happier in the long run.

Dave has given you the best advice.............and not to steal his thunder I was thinking about replying to you with the same advice. You will not be happy with a Porsche if you keep wishing that it was something else. What you are asking Porsche to do is build their car like a Tesla................which is the same as asking Tesla to build their car like a Porsche. Neither it going to happen. You will be spending way to much money on this car to be faced with an 'I wish that this car had this and that' every time that you drive it. Save yourself the heartache and buy something that you really want and will be happy with every time to sit in the drivers seat.

I will make one observation about your desire for one pedal driving. In my mind a real driver's car does not have one pedal driving. I want complete control of the acceleration and braking of the car........and that includes left foot braking. I have put my car into sport mode and find the recuperation to be a huge annoyance to say nothing about it being a huge distraction when I lift on the accelerator and I find the car starting to slow at a faster pace than I am anticipating. And this slowing is much 'quicker' than you get in an ICE car. I understand that this probably goes against the theory of an EV car, but I purchased a Porsche first and it just happens to be an EV. My little bitty pea brain thoughts anyhow.

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