Choice of two 4x4's; which to go for...

[Caudovittatus]

Hi all,

I'm new here (short time lurker and regular visitor to the main site for news).

I'm looking to buy a new 4x4 and have narrowed it down to a choice of two but I'm having trouble making my mind up; I'd be interested in your thoughts on this.

My main car is a Cayman S (2008) and I love it; we need a 4x4 (something with plenty of space for mutts and general hauling); since getting the Cayman I really wanted the next 4x4 to handle well and give reasonable performance (though I do understand that I'm not going to get a 4x4 Cayman)

The choice is between (these are within budget - I can't stretch any higher):

Porsche Cayenne Diesel (2011 Model for June/July delivery - I actually booked a build slot but I'm considering cancelling before 'final' spec)
BMW X5 xDrive 40d (again 2011 model for July delivery)

They both come out at about the same price with the options I want (well the Porsche is a little more expensive if I were to add everything I wanted).

Since neither car is released it's a little difficult to judge, but I want to make a decision now so that I can take delivery shortly after release.

I've driven the current models (Cayenne diesel and X5 30d) and liked the drive of both; though the interior of the Cayenne was very uninspiring for a car at that price (I like what I've seen of the new one - it looks like the Panamera and I do like the interiors of the Panamera's I've seen).

Is anyone else considering these and/or made a decision on which to go for? Has anyone lived with either of the current models (or ideally spent a reasonable amount of time with both)? What are your thoughts on

- Overall quality
- Running costs
- Performance/Dynamics

I suppose one of the bigger things that is pushing me away from the Cayenne is: is it just a Toureg with more expensive options (OK I know the drive of the Toureg is different but I'm not sure that's compelling enough to make the Cayenne worth more - I think the choice is more clearcut when you look at the V8's but they're way out of range unfortunately (and probably too thirsty in reality too)). The X5 obviously has better 0-60 times, but does it drive well enough to make the most of that (35d drivers probably have an idea on that side of things). To illustrate what I mean about the drive: When I was buying the Cayman, the choice was Audi TTS or Cayman and to be honest (for me) the drive of the Cayman was so much better that I would have taken the non-S Cayman over the TTS. Not sure it's quite the same story in 4x4 land (except that I tried an Audi Q5 3.0TDI in the early stages and didn't think it was anywhere near either X5 or Cayenne in terms of driving pleasure).

I'm rambling a bit - so I'll turn over to your for your thoughts...

[sherman]

Secondhand range rover or range rover sport. Both will go places that the other two could only dream of.

[frosted]

sherman said:

Secondhand range rover or range rover sport. Both will go places that the other two could only dream of.

suppose your talking about a recovery truck ?

Personally I would for the Porsche , however the x5 will be easier to sell on

[ewenm]

Is the "performance/dynamics" bit of the criteria solely road or involving some offroading too?

[Caudovittatus]

Thanks for the replies so far!

The performance/dynamics is primarily on-road (90%). The off-road element will only involve fields which I'd guess they can both handle; I'm not going in for heavy duty off-road (yet, at least). The existing 4x4 is a first gen 2003 Freelander (TD4) which has managed everything I've done without any difficulty - I guess the Freelander is probably more off-road focussed, but I haven't pushed it either.

[Robert060379]

School runner or off roader? I'd go Range Rover either way unless you want to look like a sales rep or drug dealer.

[Caudovittatus]

frosted said:

sherman said:

Secondhand range rover or range rover sport. Both will go places that the other two could only dream of.

suppose your talking about a recovery truck ?

Personally I would for the Porsche , however the x5 will be easier to sell on

Hi Frosted,

May I ask what aspects of the Porsche make it your choice. I love to know other people's reasoning as it's good to get other perspectives (and find things I've overlooked )

[sday12]

Neither, get yourself an orange tan, a pair Gucci Sunglasses and a Mock Tudor Mansion, it'll do the same job.

[Caudovittatus]

sday12 said:

Neither, get yourself an orange tan, a pair Gucci Sunglasses and a Mock Tudor Mansion, it'll do the same job.

LOL - but what would I transport the mutts in then?

[sherman]

I seem to remember that BMW X5s are quite bad at getting flummoxed on wet grass.

[Zad]

Audi S4/RS4 Avant? S6 if you need cavernous space for the pooches?

[Caudovittatus]

sherman said:

Secondhand range rover or range rover sport. Both will go places that the other two could only dream of.

Hi Sherman,

I do like the Land Rovers, but would prefer to avoid secondhand (I've known a few people with endless probs buying secondhand - particularly RR for some reason). Also, while I've not tried them I suspect they've not got the performance/dynamics of the others on-road at a price I can afford new.

[Caudovittatus]

sherman said:

I seem to remember that BMW X5s are quite bad at getting flummoxed on wet grass.

I didn't realise it was that much of a 'soft' roader...

[300bhp/ton]

Thnk I'd go Disco 4, Touareg and Porsche is it were me.

[randlemarcus]

Any vehicle will have issues on wet grass on road tyres. Most of the 4*4's will perform better, simply because they have two tonnes giving you better traction

I lumped for a Cayenne which cruises beautifully on my up and down England trips, carries the hounds, kids and the OH in a nice, crunchproof environment. In terms of costs, have a think about a second hand GTS or Turbo (depreciation gone, and all you are left with is the fuel costs).

I went for the Porsche as I like the garage selling it, dislike the BMW styling, and have a healthy fear of buying anything RangeRover second hand

[anonymous-user]

Not keen on either! (not that I'm in a position to buy) What about the New Toureg, or maybe the R10, as you should get a discount! The Range Rover or Sport is a good shout! The RX-450h must be worth a look! Im guessing an XC-90 is not your cup'o'tea!

[sday12]

Caudovittatus said:

sday12 said:

Neither, get yourself an orange tan, a pair Gucci Sunglasses and a Mock Tudor Mansion, it'll do the same job.

LOL - but what would I transport the mutts in then?

Good question, A Bedford Rascal.

[pugwash4x4]

as a huge off road fan, are you SURE you want/need a big arse 4x4? using them in towns and cities just makes no sense to me, wouldn't you be better buying 2 cars that meet different needs, but which are more fun? lets be honest the on road dynamics of any 4x4 are hardly to light up the world! Why not get a big 5 series estate and a weekend car for fun?

if you are sure you want a 4x4, have you thought about the landcruiser v8? its not the prettiest of cars, but its rare, reliable, amazing off road, very comfy inside and does silly mpg considering its size. it will also drive you to africa and back if you need it to.

It doesn't have the cache of the porker, nor the class interior of the Rangie, but then people won't immediately want to kill you as you will find with the forumer, and you won't have 101 teething problems as you possibly will with the latter.

If you didn't go for a landcruiser V8 then Disco 4 would be my choice as someone mentioned above- although you might as well go the whole hog and get a proper G4 vehicle- then you'll get noticed

[OnTheOverrun]

Caudovittatus said:

sherman said:

Secondhand range rover or range rover sport. Both will go places that the other two could only dream of.

Hi Sherman,

I do like the Land Rovers, but would prefer to avoid secondhand (I've known a few people with endless probs buying secondhand - particularly RR for some reason). Also, while I've not tried them I suspect they've not got the performance/dynamics of the others on-road at a price I can afford new.

Then I suggest you go and try the new Discovery 4 with the 3.0 diesel that produces 442lb-ft of torque before you place an order. It may not end up being your cup of tea, but I would definitely try it before you commit yourself. You may find, as I did, that trying to exploit the performance and handling of a seven foot high two tonne off-roader is ultimately unsatisfying and becomes tiring. Better to relax and swap a little outright performance for more sybaritic qualities.

[AB]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/1453681.htm

That's gonna be a bit of fun for you! Pull some empty 747 carcasses too if needs be.