Auto News 5

The Aston Martin Rapide will instantly draw comparisons to the Porsche Panamera Turbo sedan, but these two are as different as asparagus and ice cream. Even though the automakers tell us that the Panamera is only 44 pounds heavier, the Aston feels so much lighter. The Aston delivers excellent steering and sharp turn-in for a sense of compact agility that can lead you to quickly forget that there are two doors behind you. The V-12 experience lives up to its 470-hp output, but Aston's been a bit too conservative with the exhaust tuning. The six-speed automated manual in the Rapide also isn't as refined as the seven-speed dual-clutch in the Panamera, particularly when it comes to low-speed driving.