I was going to post this in the Cayenne section but i figure Rover owners don't look in there.

I am cross shopping these two but haven't actually gotten around to driving either (looking for an august purchase so no hurry). I assume some others in here have cross shopped these. What swayed you one way or the other?

I like the looks and the more ruggedness of the Rover but the quickness and modability of the Cayenne. Plus the Cayenne i believe has a back window that goes down which is nice.

Thoughts?
-Steve

 

Cayenne Turbo for sure!! once you drive it, you won't look back!! trust me !!

 

I was always a rover fan...classiest and best off-road truck IMO...However, for its price (especially now with the lux. interior) the performance SUX (they should have put a BMW 4.6 in there not the 4.4 for the price IMO). at 80K+ for a new Range you can get a new Cayenne TT at discount for a bit more or a used one easily.
Also, since Range is now back under ford/jag, I think it is in for a facelift and engine change real soon...

 

BMW is releasing a 4.8is version of the X5, it might be worth checking out

 

Well, I always tend to love real trucks. Not those wussie SUVs that can't handle other than gravel road.
In my book, both the Rangie and Cayenne are bad for one simple reason ... their weight. 2.5t? serisouly. And independent suspension never made a really succesfull off-roader.

One thing is sure though, the Cayenne has no flex (especially in high position)... which means it's not as capable as it could be (lucky it has that traction control crap to help...). Range III is betteer in that aspect (flex), but definitely not an improvement over the previous models.

It depends what you look for in an SUV.

If you want a true rugged truck that will bring you to hell and back, get a Lexus or Toyota (GX470 or 4Runner or LX470/450 ...). But they are bland indeed (although I have no experience with the Whipple supercharger on the 4.7 V8). Land Rover Discovery or RangieII are very good too, because they aren't disguised soccer-mom grocerie getters. H1 ... well ... yeah, if it can fit, it's a capable pig. Has the abilities to pull itself out of the crap it is because of its extra size ad weight. Otherwise, Jeep, trail rated . Get a TJ Rubicon, ditch those swaybars, and you're good to go. Mitsubishi Montero (called Pajero in Europe) is an old school SUV too that can do wonders. Or Benzie G-Wagen ... get the one from Brabus V12 powered!!! G V-12, triple lockers .... need I say more? no kidding, I'd jump on that in a heartbeat, although a short G55 would do the trick just as fine...I know in Dubai they get the SCed engine 475hp out of the dealer ... mouhahahaha

I guess that pretty much sums the off-roaders ...


If you want performance and on-road abilities ... don't get an SUV .
Can't beat the Cayenne ... except if Volks came out with a W12 Touareg . There again, G55 is up there for performance ... definitely not for handling though! lmao. X5 4.6 rocks too ... but it's not a SUV, it's a high estate. Has no off-road abilities whatsoever.

I give a LOT of attention to off-road abilities, then comes style/image, then performance and comfort. In my book, the G55 is right there. The short convertible version, not the long one. Rangie II would be 2nd and Cayenne 3rd.

If you don't need off-roading, Cayenne TT can't be beat ... except for the upcoming V10 X5? maybe maybe ...

 

i have no real use for offroad capabilites. I used to build rock crawlers and compete in national competitions. I didn't see one competitor in a Gwagon or Cayenne When i want to go back offroad i'll build another Bronco.

However, I do the feeling of driving a truck which i know the Rover has. This purchase will indeed be a lot based on image because it will be our company vehicle. We are not in a service industry so we aren't meeting with clients constantly but there definitely will be times when i will be bringing around clients and associates.

Also, I am young and dealing with lots of money in our business. My age works against me constantly. The nicer the car, the easier it is to get past this hurdle. The extra money for a Porsche over a Toyota will pay for itself in one business meeting.

I want an SUV rather than a car because i need hauling capabilites and will also be towing a trailer eventually. I have always thought the Gwagon is ugly and am generally a benz hater (my family has had all of them). I suppose it would be worthwhile to take one for a spin when i get to that point though.

-Steve

 

Heres a clip from Autospies.com

Even more power and assurance: the new G 55 AMG with V8 supercharged engine
First unveiled 25 years ago, since when 182,000 units have been sold, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has made a name for itself all over the world. At the Geneva Motor Show the Stuttgart-based auto maker will present the most powerful version of this robust cross-country vehicle yet: the G 55 AMG. The new arrival's supercharged V8 engine brews up 350 kW/476 hp of power and puts maximum torque of 700 Newton metres on tap as low down as 2650 rpm. The G 55 AMG thus outstrips the output of the predecessor model, with its naturally aspirated V8 power unit, by 34 percent and boasts an increase in torque of 32 percent. With its ample reserves of power, the G 55 AMG treats its passengers to unrivalled authority, exclusiveness and perform-ance both on and off the road.

There is certainly no doubting the performance credentials of the G 55 AMG: with acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h it can leave some sports cars standing in its tyre tracks.

The new G 55 AMG is available as a five-door station wagon with a long wheelbase and will be arriving at Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships in June 2004.

 

My vote is for the Cayenne TT given the on-road driving dynamics and added horsepower -- not to mentiont he ability gain more power easily.

There are quite Porsche folks with Land Rover products (myself included) and for the most part we are all very satisfied, it comes down to what you want out of the vehicle. I need the ability to actually go off-road, so for now, the Cayenne TT is out.

Drive them both then decide.

P.S. I too am young and make it a point to tote clients around in my beater 86 Mr2. You are not your car, and your car is not you.

 

The cayenne really underperforms. Really bad construction quality ride quality is fair. I would never spend 100k for a cayenne. it really has no purpose. Who cares about handing for an offrode?. i would go for a range

 

Based on image solely, I feel the Rangie is your best option. When the Porsche could be seen by some as a trendy Porsche, the Range makes more of a wise, powerful and understated statement, kinda says "I'm on top, and there's no messing around" ... pretty hard to explain the image of a truck... The Rangie is now too "old" to be trendy... I'm convinced you'd look older driving a Range Rover than a Cayenne. BTW, the interior of the Rangie is the best I've seen ever. Even better than RR and Bentley. Looks better than my house!! LMAO
BTW, no offense on the G-wagen, 99% of the people I talk to hate it! One more reason for me to love it!!! yeehaw!

 

I love my Land Rover Discovery. The only reason that I didn't buy the Range is because it is somewhat large and not rugged-enough looking for a vehicle that I sometimes take off-road. I have nothing but good things to say about Land Rover, though. The range is VERY nice. You can't go wrong with the new BMW Range Rover (4.4L BMW engine - same as in the 540i). Unfortunately, Ford's model will shine through in the next few years, so the European look will fall by the wayside (much like how Chris Bangle has made all BWMs look like Pontiacs). I can't really speak on the Cayenne's behalf.

 

Yes, and will be coming in M colors, 355HP, 360 Torque, much better resale value than cayennes and hotter IMO.

 

I love my 4.6! I dont do any offroading at all, so that was never a factor. Love the looks, power and handling of the truck! Cant wait to see what the 4.8 can do!

 

I own a TT Cab and have owned many a P car in the past.

I had been watching development of the Cayenne for a number of years and was first on my dealer's list for a TT. After many drives I passed and got the 04 Range Rover Westminister. I am also getting an 04 X5 4.8is (in production as we speak).

Yes, the Cayenne was quick, handled well and braked well; however, it never "grabbed" me.

Moreover, for an SUV, the Cayenne is not particularly utilitarian. By that I mean, there is not much more room than in a sedan.

Also, the styling of the Cayenne - to me - was terrible. No matter how I tried to rationalize it (i.e., I am not looking at it, I am driving it, etc.) it was still uninspiring. I know, she has a great personaility - but looks DO REALLY COUNT, particularly in a car. It is marketing, passion, and emotion after all. Also, the interior was a bit less than what I expected in a $100k auto.

The Rover is beautiful - inside and out. It swallows all my family's stuff for a long weekend without packing on top of the vehicle whereas the Cayenne could not. Engineering-wise, remember, it was developed by BMW. Sure, handling is softer than the Cayenne - but it is not bad. The 4.4 engine actually is not that bad "at speed." Torque is fine and the engine is smooth. The Nav does suck, but the sound system is great. Very luxurious.

I also ordered a X5 4.8is as "my" car - as opposed to the one I drive with my family or my wife. It is good looking and will be within .1 or .2 seconds of the Cayenne TT to 60. If it handles anywhere near the 4.6is, that should prove great. The new 4WD system is a huge improvement over the older system. And it is $70k not $100k (not that price is a determining factor in my case, but it seems silly to blow $30k on an uninspired design when you get a better package (IMHO) from BMW).

Hope that helps

 

Based on your needs, Range Rover is the way to go. Got one that I use for the same purposes. More comfortable and more interior space than the Cayenne.

P.S. Zorro: Interesting to hear that the Lexus GX and LX (own both of those also) are better than the others offroad. As much as I love the GX (same engine as the LX, 1,000 lb lighter, and almost as much interior room thanks to the height), people have told me it is not great for offroad as it does not have fully independent suspension.