Compare the2021 Honda Clarity Fuel CellVS 2021 Porsche Taycan

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Clarity Fuel Cell deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Clarity Fuel Cell’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Taycan’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

Both the Clarity Fuel Cell and the Taycan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

Honda’s powertrain warranty covers the Clarity Fuel Cell 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Porsche covers the Taycan. Any repair needed on the motor, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Taycan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 6 times as many Honda dealers as there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Clarity Fuel Cell’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Clarity Fuel Cell’s reliability 51 points higher than the Taycan.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Honda vehicles are better in initial quality than Porsche vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Honda 19th in initial quality. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, Porsche is ranked 24th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Porsche vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda 4 places higher in reliability than Porsche.

The Clarity Fuel Cell’s maximum driving range on a tank of hydrogen is 360 miles (producing zero emissions other than water), 59% further than the Taycan 4S Performance Plus’ 227-mile range. After it exhausts its hydrogen, the Mirai can then refuel in a few minutes, while the Taycan has to recharge for 22 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a conventional charging station can take up to 11 hours.

For better traction, the Clarity Fuel Cell has larger tires than the Taycan (235/45R18 vs. 225/55R19).

The Clarity Fuel Cell’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Taycan’s standard 55 series front tires.

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 1000 pounds less than the Porsche Taycan.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Clarity Fuel Cell has standard flush composite headlights. The Taycan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the Clarity Fuel Cell is quieter than the Taycan Turbo S (34 vs. 35 dB).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Clarity Fuel Cell a Mid-size car, while the Taycan is rated a Compact.

The Clarity Fuel Cell has 14 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Taycan (102 vs. 88).

The Clarity Fuel Cell has .9 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom, 3.2 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, 4.5 inches more rear legroom and 4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Taycan.

If the windows are left open on the Clarity Fuel Cell the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Taycan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Clarity Fuel Cell’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Taycan’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Clarity Fuel Cell has standard extendable sun visors. The Taycan doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Porsche Taycan isn't recommended.