The short answer
Based on available data, the Porsche Panamera comes out ahead of the Maserati Quattroporte on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The consensus indicates that the vehicle is a deeply emotional purchase driven by passion for its design, sound, and driving character, not rational ownership. The Ferrari-developed 4.7L V8 models (circa 2004-2013) are frequently described as "fantastic," "beautiful," "iconic," and "intoxicating" to drive, with a sublime engine note and a "classy, baller feel." However, these older V8 models are almost universally associated with very high maintenance costs, expensive parts, and a high likelihood of significant reliability issues, particularly with early automated manual ("F1") transmissions and electrical systems.
Best version to buy
The 2009-2013 Quattroporte S or GTS with the 4.7L Ferrari-derived V8 and the ZF automatic transmission is most frequently cited as the desirable version. This configuration is praised for its glorious engine, improved transmission reliability over the earlier "F1" automated manual, and the classic Pininfarina design.
Known issues
Overall
Sentiment is deeply divided and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain, and ownership expectations. Long-term owners of V8-powered models, particularly the GTS and Turbo variants from the second generation (2017+), frequently praise them as among the best daily drivers they have ever owned, citing a blend of exceptional performance, practicality, safety, and surprising reliability with proper maintenance. However, significant and severe criticism is directed at the E-Hybrid models, especially first-generation examples, which are described as profoundly unreliable with catastrophic electrical failures, frequent breakdowns, and extremely short hybrid battery life (reportedly 3-5 years).
Best version to buy
Second-generation (2017+) V8 models, specifically the GTS and Turbo variants. The GTS is highlighted for its intoxicating engine character and as a sweet spot in the lineup.
Known issues
The verdict
The Porsche Panamera is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Maserati Quattroporte, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Maserati Quattroporte is worth a closer look instead.
Common problems by model year
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Which is more reliable, the Maserati Quattroporte or the Porsche Panamera?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Maserati Quattroporte and the Porsche Panamera. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Maserati Quattroporte or the Porsche Panamera?
The Maserati Quattroporte seats more passengers than the Porsche Panamera on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Maserati Quattroporte is classed as a Sedan, the Porsche Panamera as a Liftback.
Which has better fuel economy, the Maserati Quattroporte or the Porsche Panamera?
The Porsche Panamera is more fuel-efficient on paper: 1.4-1.6 L/100km combined versus 14.7 L/100km for the Maserati Quattroporte, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Maserati Quattroporte or the Porsche Panamera?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Porsche Panamera than the Maserati Quattroporte. See the known issues comparison above.