So ski season is around the corner and I'm itching for a new toy

I love the Raptor 6.2 but I may need an SUV so thats where the Cayenne comes in. I've seen some used turbos in the mid $30s so the prices are comparable

So which is better for serious snow ? Off road ?

 

Off road, rough: Raptor

Off road, European Rally, I'd have to look at the driver's record. I bet the Raptor would give it a run for it's money with a 6.2. With a 5.4, Porsche.

Snow: Which ever has the better tires, although if you are talking really deep, unplowed snow: Raptor.

IMO, I'd rather have a new Ford with a warranty than a used (and who knows how it was used) turbo Porsche. If I won the lotto, I'd buy new--one of each.

jmo, ymmv

 

First, what year model Cayenne?

You should know that the all-new 2011 Porsche Cayenne, no matter if its a base Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Hybrid or high-end Cayenne Turbo have a single-speed transfer case with locking center differential, no low range off road gearing.

The older pre 2011 models have a more traditional heavy-duty two-speed transfer case with low range off road gearing and locking center differential.

It seems strange to compare a Cayenne SUV to a Raptor pickup truck. The Raptor is a true heavy-duty 4x4, and thus better than a Cayenne in terms of off road capability.

 

This is the kind of info I was looking for, Thanks

I was just thinking since they are both high performance vehicles they would be a good match.

I also heard the Raptor has a 100mph cut off chip bcus the tires would blow off the rims at 115mph

 

Believe it or not, the Cayennes and Touregs are HIGHLY capable offroad in factory specs.

I'd probably take one over a 4runner, or Jeep Grand Cherokee (comparing new of course).


Now, if you're cruising through a foot of snow and need to keep a pace, definitely the Raptor.

Purely off-road, the Raptor is going to treat you better (ride) than the Cayenne will. It's good in the rocks and such. You'd need new tires on a Cayenne to traverse snowy passes - and you already have a GOOD set of rubber on the Raptor.

The thing about the 2 speed transfer case is interesting. I understand why they ditched it, but lo range is always good to have.

I'd say, if you can live without the amenities of the Cayenne, then you'll be fine with the Raptor. They really are two different vehicles that each have their own appeal.

The 6.2 Raptor will be faster than the 5.4, but it's not going to be by any means fast... just so you know. Those heavy 35s take its toll on the power of that truck.

Also, any tire you put on the Cayenne to make it capable in the snow will realistically be limited to ~100-120 mph. You can't have that exceptional traction without sacrificing something (speed in this case).

[youtube]OEcr8N7bzFQ[/youtube]

Around 1:40 shows some pretty difficult stuff.


-rockstate
-rockstate

 

Good points, Thanks

 

Hmmm....

difficult is a relative word , the most difficult thing about the vid was the music ...

pretty sure my Ex wouldn't have any issues with that mud road

and the raptor could probably lap it in 23 seconds

 

Haha okay very true, but it was a quick find with a Cayenne in it.

Here's a Toureg (same platform as a Cayenne) doing everything a H2SUT will do on Hankook Dynapro ATMs.

Not bad given the Toureg is running stock tires.

[youtube]22zxOi1sXi4[/youtube]

-rockstate

 

People don’t usually associate the Porsche Cayenne with off road. Probably because it doesn’t "look" like a real offroader. But it’s a good practice not to judge a book by its cover.

The Cayenne does have all the necessary tools for off road use, and then some.

● Powerful engines with high torque output
There are several available.

● Heavy duty transmission
To handle the torque from the engines.

● Heavy duty traditional transfer case unit
2003-2010 models have a 2-speed transfer case. 2011-onward models will have a single-speed transfer case, this is their only shortcoming).

● Locking center differential
Permanently locks the torque split between the front and rear drive axles to 50/50.

● Optional locking rear differential
Permanently locks the torque split between the left rear and right rear drive wheels to 50/50.

● 4-wheel electronic traction control. Porsche refers to this feature by another name: "Automatic Brake Differential" (ABD). ABD (a.k.a. traction control) forces the open front and rear differentials to act like limited-slip differentials by inducing a ABS brake apply and release cycle on the slipping (spinning) drive wheel(s). Note a locking rear differential is available.

● Good obstacle clearance with decent wheel travel.

● Drivetrain and driveline components are tucked neatly up under the vehicle to reduce the chances of snagging them on something.

● Available underbody skid plate protection and Hill Decent Control.

Hill Decent Control (HDC) sort of replaces low range gearing in the 2011 models to allow the vehicle to crawl down a steep hill at low speeds (around 3-5 mph). But there is still no electronic feature that can truly substitute for low range gearing.

Here are some stills of Cayennes off road, much more severe than pre-staged product demonstrations.

<a href="http://www.imagebam.com/image/578c7598579044" target="_blank"><img src="http://thumbnails32.imagebam.com/9858/578c7598579044.jpg" alt="imagebam.com"></a> <a href="http://www.imagebam.com/image/22ed5a98579049" target="_blank"><img src="http://thumbnails25.imagebam.com/9858/22ed5a98579049.jpg" alt="imagebam.com"></a> <a href="http://www.imagebam.com/image/c0e6fd98579057" target="_blank"><img src="http://thumbnails14.imagebam.com/9858/c0e6fd98579057.jpg" alt="imagebam.com"></a> <a href="http://www.imagebam.com/image/01aff198579055" target="_blank"><img src="http://thumbnails32.imagebam.com/9858/01aff198579055.jpg" alt="imagebam.com"></a>

Straight out-of-the-box the Cayenne is a decent offroader even with factory tires. However, the Raptor, also straight out-of-the-box is far better an off road vehicle. It would be more logical to compare the Cayenne to a regular F-150 4x4.

 

A Cayenne is better off road than you imagine something with a Porsche badge to be but if you want a true off roader w/ a full sized body then a Range Rover, LR3/4 or Toyota Land Cruiser are the ones to get...a Cayenne can't get close to any of these when the going gets rough...just beware the euros are very complex and repairs are expensive

 

Agreed.

It really depends on what you REALLY plan to do with it and what you are after. Off-road, the Raptor has the Cayenne beat in every category except the Raptor's width / size handicap. Raptor will also be cheaper to maintain. The Cayenne will be more fun to drive on road, handling and acceleration wise, and get better fuel economy (but since these are the two vehicles you are looking at, I am guessing that is a minor factor).

 

They are both pretty capable off road vehicles but if you get the Cayenne 1. Your car will be named after a spice instead of a dinosaur. Which would be the deal breaker for me. 2. You think the Cayenne looks good? I mean if your looking for off road capabilities why not a Land Rover Disco or Range Rover.

 

If all you're doing is getting to the slopes the Cayenne turbo will be the better vehicle. That is not serious offroading.
Having driven the CT on the racetrack I can tell you that it is one seriously fast SUV.
500 HP
0 to 60 - 4.4 Seconds....
The air suspension which is standard on the turbo is great. It allows you to raise the SUV if you want to go offroading but if you are going seriously fast it lowers the vehicle to improve it handleing..very nice.

 

1st Gen Cayenne was Fugly. I think the Brit stuff may be sort of fragile & I'd rather be in the Porsche Club than the RR club

 

Want to go offroad...?

YouTube - Roadfly.com - Porsche Cayenne S 2008 Trans Siberian Rally