Looks are subjective - and the Cayenne looks like a Hyundi to me (or one of those other Korean brands). FWIW, I don't care for the looks of the Armada either - though I think a small lift and some accessories would look great. As far as the other comparisons, I thought we were talking SUVs here. Key comparison factors in this class are power, space, towing, off-roading capability, and price. Seems to me the Nissan kills the Cayenne in all but off-roading - but until Porsche outfits Cayenne an offroad package that does not need a swap of tires come some snow - I am skeptical on that one to. Sports car handling tends to fall to the wayside when you're towing a boat and/or hauling a load of kids.

Not always in tow and your preference list or key factors are obviously different from mine going by vehicles we drive. I would rather have something that is fun to drive, but yet does a great job pulling my boat when I need it. If performance and handling is not at the top of your list, then you are probably not in the target market for a Cayenne and the Cayenne makes little sense.

Finally...a multi page thread on the Cayenne board...but they had to cheat to get it...;)

Let's post a 911 technical topic on the Cayenne board and see how long it lasts;)

That's amazing David! The Armada weighs 300 pounds more, has 35 horsepower less and runs 0-60 the same as a Cayenne??? Apparently, those Japanese engineers have even figured out how to overcome the laws of physics ...... :D

BTW: love that Hurley Haywood quote Eric. :D

This is just my impression based on owning a few, but I think Japanese cars in general are geared lower than German. The Japanese seem to design around our love of acceleration, while the Germans tune for the Autobahn, knowing full well that the USA buyers can't run like that.

I have no doubt that the Cayenne would leave the Armada for dead on a racetrack. Whether this is a valuable quality in an SUV, well... SmileWavy

Yeah, could be or it may have more torque too???? But FWIW, the Cayenne starts in 2nd gear, unless you select 1st manually. It's an incredibly low 1st gear. The 7 second 0-60 times for the Cayenne seem conservative to me. I wonder if the times were obtained by using 1st gear or just sticking it in auto and smashing the go pedal to the floor?

I guess the point is that comparing an Armada with a Cayenne is ridiculous in the extreme - apples and oranges. About as dumb as people who compare the Cayenne's styling to a Hyundai Sante Fe????!!!!!! Gimme a f'cking break. That is one ugly vehicle. I'm having a real tough time believing people walk up to the owners of Sante Fe's and tell them it is the most beautiful car they've ever seen. Happens nearly every day with my Cayenne, even though they have no idea it's a Porsche. Seems like only other Porsche owners describe it as ugly ..... strange, huh?

The Cayenne gets more compliments still to this day than any car in my driveway. The Cayenne in person does not look anything like the Santa Fee. I saw one not too long ago and they Cayenne is larger and more impsing looking. The Cayenne's lines make it look much smaller than it is. I don't really notice the size of the Cayenne until it is parked next to other SUVs and then I am surprised about the size. Park next to a Jeep Grand Cherokee and etc. and have a look.

" ...... any car in my driveway."

And that's a halfway decent driveway ya got there ...... :D -- Curt

Curt/other non-moronic respondees,

Thanks for the commentary. This thread serves as a reminder of the diminishing returns this BBS serves as time goes by. Most of the commentary posted had nothing to do with the questions asked. While I have been raised working on 911 cars and have owned and serviced(myself) more 911,930, and now 965(:-)) vehicles than the respondees combined I guess it's just an indication of the folks that frequent the board. Most would rather envy Jack Olsen(cool guy, great car) or contribute on posts dealing with ridiculous topics like mounting gun turrets(SP?) in your 911. Of course most popular would be saving $5 to spend $100 because most of the 911s on this board are beaters and folks who own them are always trying to save a dime.(guilty of it myself from time to time).

Regardless of the replies to this post, the Cayenne's rock. They are amazing vehicles. But...

I think I'm buying a BMW 545 Sport. The fact that the wife already owns a kiddie-wagon(minivan) has contributed greatly to the decision. The new 5's are almost perfect. Cheers.

Thanks for the input boys

Tough to go wrong with a 545 Rich! It's too bad we can't have intelligent discussions about the Cayenne on Pelican but I guess that's just the way it is and it's not going to change. -- Curt

Forced to drive a VW Toureg today. The Cayenne nav system blinked last week and my wife wanted the service manager to check since they just replaced it. Too many computers on the Cayenne is our only complaint. That Toureg, however, is aweful. It is not even close to being in the same league as the Porsche as far as handling and etc. Looks too much like and VW bug on the inside also, but the car was totally uninspiring and very floaty feeling.

That's it! "uninspiring" is the word I've been looking for. That describes my test drive precisely. Don't get me wrong - I believe the Toureg is a well-built SUV. And that's exactly how it drives. Same platforms? Yes. Same driving experience? Not even close.

My wife who is not really even a car person just commented on it. I asked her what she though. She said it "sucks." It is like driving a Jetta that is taller. I think that about sums it up. (BTW, we had a Jetta loaner for a brief period of time when services being performed on the Cayenne).

The Cayenne is like driving a 911 that is taller. The Toureg is about like driving a Jeta that is taller.

My wife and I both drove the Toureg and left with no interest in the car. It wasn't bad just nothing special> Then we Drove the Escalade, Lexus, Denli and Cayenne. My wife said she loved it. By far the most fun to drive. She wanted the V6 which is as fast as the Toureg V8. 0-60 does not interest her. Our price OTD was the same as the sticker on a Toureg with more options. Useless options for her, NAV system, air suspension, ETC. Now we can take her car to Havasu,AZ and tow our boat to the launch or my Suburban. I still Love all early Porsches and my Dad and I are looking for a 56 Speedster now. Too many people on this board are too closed minded. The extra money they make form the Cayenne will insure that Porsche will still be in buisness for years to come. And will also help Porsche stay independent.

Ok, Moronic response coming up;)

Closed minded? Or with a clear understanding of what they like and want and what their requirements for a Porsche are?

I don't care if Porsche is independant or not if the price is products that have no interest for me.

The Cayenne is the ultimate SUV.. for those who say they dislike SUV's then they have no reason to own one.. meaning no use for one... I have 0 kids.. but hauling a boat to the lake and the race car to the track has been extremely easy. The air suspension makes for a very smooth ride when hauling. Braking is awesome.. power is great and handling is perfect. Its a eye catcher for sure.. Old folks compliment it as well as younger kids.. you truly have to see it, and drive it to appreciate it..
To answer your first question about how to deal.. Offer $1k over invoke for a S.. and it should be yours.. If your in Cali.. I can send you to my dealer and he will take care of you..

Enjoy the pics!!

http://gallery.rennlist.com/cayennea.../ahb.sized.jpg

http://gallery.rennlist.com/cayennea.../adt.sized.jpg




http://gallery.rennlist.com/cayennea.../adh.sized.jpg

Kevin From Cali --- HELL YA!! Nice setup man!

To all the other Cayenne haters : Have any of you pulled your heads out yer asses long enough to see one or drive one ?? Probably not!!

I have a 73 911 and a 94 range rover to haul the boats/trips/dogs around which is one thing i cant do in my 73!

Do i have the money for a Cay TT Nope would i ever ? probably not but i will always remember the 10 minutes i had driving one a few weeks back. That was one nice driving machine. and damn did it sit you in your seat and never look back!!!

*** PULL YER HEAD OUT YOUR ASS And GO DRIVE ONE ***

Isn't that what a porsche is about? The feeling you get from driving... Not sitting and staring at your computer screen or the latest motor trend passing judgments.

Spoken like a true Porsche nut! and Thanks!!

Yes, I have driven the Cayenne. Congratulations Porsche, they've made a SUV handle like a car.

I dont think anyone has criticised the way the Cayenne drives.

There are lots of cars available that are excellent and competent in their category.

I think you fail to appreciate why some traditionalists such as myself object to it. Here are some of my gripes:

1) It took resources from other projects WE preferred.

2) It is a package we dislike.

3) It has four doors, it is big and heavy.

4) It is prostituting and devaluing the brand. This has at least two potential effects;
a) Reduction in status of the traditional models because of increased diffusion in the market and because it's a SUV for soccer moms,
b) Increased depreciation in the traditional Porsche market segments (probably not for the classics but...)

Rightly or wrongly the Porsche management and family decided to go down this road for their own best interests, not ours. If you think the Cayenne meets your real and perceived needs you are obviously free to aspire to one. Please forgive me if I don't want one and prefer the Old Porsche company and the pre 95 product range and image.