4ocious

I'm moving over from MB where I owned at least 7 AMG's (including an 08 CLK63 AMG Black Series) over the past few years. I recently purchased a pristine Black/Black 07 997.1TT with Tiptronic and now I want an 09/10 Cayenne GTS or Turbo to match my 997. I don't know a lot about the Cayenne so in order purchase one I'm going to sell/trade my modified highly optioned pristine 09 ML550. My questions are as follows-

1. Which Cayenne has the better 4.8L engine, or are they the same in 09 and 10?
2. Which Cayenne handles/performs better? I've driven the GTS Sport but was not very impressed. It seemed slower than my ML550.
3. Other than the PCM and options is there any major difference between an 08/09/10 turbo?
4. My ML550 has been rock solid with very few repairs. Can I expect the same from a late model Cayenne?
5. I drive my cars sanely but aggressively (tracked my BS) so given the option of a GTS or turbo which would you go for. The Cayenne will also be my DD so that is a consideration too. I live in northern VA and we do have 4-seasons.

Thanks for you help in advance.

mudman2

TT

Bill Lucas

Personally, I'd get an 11. I really like the changes to the interior.

Frank 993 C4S

1. they are the same
2. TT has more power
3. iPod adapter and Phone bluetooth
4. Don't get a Cayenne (mine has been reliable )
5. Suspension is the same

4ocious

Thank you Frank 993 C4s, that's the feedback I'm looking for.

XR4Tim

Turbo brakes were changed from '08 to '09 ('09's are a little bit bigger). I personally prefer the power of the turbo, but the GTS is still a fine vehicle.

Frank 993 C4S

BTW - the GTS sounds better.

s4treg

FWIW, I sold an '10 ML550, to go back to the Cayenne. While I might agree the ML550 was faster off the line, straight line, the Cayenne GTS is plenty quick, and handles WAY better than the ML.

4ocious

Handling is one of my biggest complaints with the ML550. It's too top heavy and there is too much body roll. Can the Cayenne's ECU be reflashed to achieve better performance?

s4treg

Well, you were asking about GTS/Turbo...if you get a Turbo, it'll blow the ML550 away off the line and in general (rolling pulls, 50-80mph).

GTS against a ML550, the ML in a straight-line (factory on factory) is faster by a few tenth's of a second. While there are flashes available, we're talking normally aspirated engines here, so you will only see maybe 10 additional HP. In my experiences with NA cars and going for additional HP, you need to do a whole bunch of things (Cold Air intake, down-pipes, exhaust, flash) to "feel" some improvement, and worst case you need just need to turbo charge or super-charge. In this scenario, since a turbo charge version of the car already exists, why go through all the trouble of "doing it yourself", and just get the turbo to begin with. Also, food for thought, but if you start with a Turbo, you can do the same mod's listed above, and then you are talking insane power.

But all this talk is about speed, straight-line, and while I thought the brakes on the ML were not-bad, the braking and corning of the Cayenne in comparison is phenomenal. I would guess if you tracked both cars, the Cayenne (GTS) would win, and probably by more than you'd expect.

FWIW (again) - I went to get a Turbo, but had just purchased my wife's GTS, so staring down buying 2 Cayenne's in two months, the $5-7k price difference started to matter. Oh, and I owned a 955TT before both of these 957 GTS's.

Hopefully this all helps.

4ocious

I test drove another GTS yesterday and agree I should now focus on an 09/10turbo. My ML550 is tuned and very well optioned with 20" tires and ML63 rims so it compares favorable with the GTS. I think the GTS interior is nicer than the ML's and agree the ride and handling are better too, but my ML with a reflashed ECU is faster. So, it seems (as you correctly point-out) if I want the best of both worlds I should look for a well optioned turbo. BTW, I've driven the ML63 and was not impressed, I hope I will be by the Cayenne turbo!

digitaljok

Make sure you get PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control). It's a hydraulic active anti-roll system that replaces the normal anti-roll bars. Makes the Cayenne corner much flatter. It's awesome except in some ways it just helps to disguise how hard the tires are working right up until they lose grip (seemingly more) abruptly. Also the hydraulics can be a source of problems and a big $$$ pit. I've had my '09 in to the dealer twice now for a pesky PDCC leak, and I've still gotten the warning light pop up twice in the last few months only to have it disappear again. Thankfully everything was taken care of CPO, which might be something else to hold out for when shopping. Good luck! '09 turbos should be coming off lease soon...

allegretto

Pop for an '11 CTT

you will not regret it

better in most, if not all ways.