2006 vs 2013: Ride Quality
03-27-2014, 08:18 PM
#1
2006 vs 2013: Ride Quality
I'm considering purchase of a 2013 Cayenne S, and have a question for current owners...
A family member owns a 2006 Cayenne S, and I've driven it a fair amount. The road quality of most streets where we live is marginal to poor. On these types of roads, the ride of the 2006 feels a bit harsh at times. Also, the car feels a bit heavy and flat, if that makes sense.
I haven't had the opportunity to get much time behind the wheel of a 2013, but I do know that there have been suspension changes made since 2006.
Can any current owners of a 2013 (or similar) share with me your impressions of ride quality versus a 2006 (or similar) Cayenne S? I've found a nice 2013 that I'm thinking about buying, but traveling the next few days and won't have time to go test drive one.
Any thoughts would be welcome and greatly appreciated, thanks!
A family member owns a 2006 Cayenne S, and I've driven it a fair amount. The road quality of most streets where we live is marginal to poor. On these types of roads, the ride of the 2006 feels a bit harsh at times. Also, the car feels a bit heavy and flat, if that makes sense.
I haven't had the opportunity to get much time behind the wheel of a 2013, but I do know that there have been suspension changes made since 2006.
Can any current owners of a 2013 (or similar) share with me your impressions of ride quality versus a 2006 (or similar) Cayenne S? I've found a nice 2013 that I'm thinking about buying, but traveling the next few days and won't have time to go test drive one.
Any thoughts would be welcome and greatly appreciated, thanks!
03-27-2014, 08:24 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
It's a Porsche, it will always ride stiffer than any other SUV. I had owned a x5 with sports package and found my cayenne a S to be quite a bit stiffer. It rewards with great handling. The most capable SUV by far.
03-27-2014, 08:45 PM
#4
I have air suspension and 18" wheels on my 958S. The ride quality is excellent compared to the prior generation Cayennes. Forget if 2006 included it, but mine, I adjust the ride quality to my likings. To me, the 958 is well worth pursing. Try driving a couple. I suspect the 20" wheels will have a firmer ride.
03-27-2014, 10:26 PM
#7
I haven't spent much time in the older P!gs, but I'm happy with my 2013 with steel suspension and 18s. It's certainly firmer than other SUVs, but I don't find it harsh at all.
Having the Air system would give you a lot more control over the harshness.
Having the Air system would give you a lot more control over the harshness.
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03-28-2014, 01:26 AM
#8
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I haven't driven a 2006 Cayenne, but I've driven several each of both the 2008 Cayenne and 2010+ Cayenne over extended periods as loaners and demos. I'd say ride quality is a bit improved in terms of overall smoothness, but that may stem from further refinement and the overall improvements made for the current generation.
This Cayenne is a much nicer place to be, and handles itself remarkable well. After a brief driving event here with an instructor in the Cayenne, I was surprised to learn how capable it is. You never feel like you're in a light car, but you don't really feel weighed down, either. I didn't quite get that from the last gen.
This Cayenne is a much nicer place to be, and handles itself remarkable well. After a brief driving event here with an instructor in the Cayenne, I was surprised to learn how capable it is. You never feel like you're in a light car, but you don't really feel weighed down, either. I didn't quite get that from the last gen.
03-28-2014, 11:55 AM
#12
Rennlist Member
Have a 2014 CS with steel springs and 18" wheels and the ride is very good. No experience with anything prior to 958. Had a 2004 X5 which was very nice, but Cayenne feels better on the road, and I love the V8.
03-28-2014, 12:44 PM
#14
1920s engineering at its best
There is a lot of engineering that goes into modern tires beyond the height of the sidewall. A well constructed "low profile" tire can ride better than a "tall sidewall" "truck" tire with stiff sidewalls for load carrying.
My air suspended turbo rides fine on 22s. The older S Cayennes with steel springs can be a bit harsh at times.
I'm sure that the 2013 is a refinement over the 2006 when comparing steel spring to steel spring vehicles. Not sure how a 2013 steel spring ride would compare to a 955/957 air suspension though.
Buy a Turbo and it will feel MUCH lighter ;-)
03-28-2014, 02:09 PM
#15
That is because of your air suspension and not some amazing rubber you have on the wheels.
RFTs aside a low profile tire is always going to ride harsher than a higher profile and smaller wheel for the same application. There is simply less material and space between you and the road to absorb the imperfections.
Having low profiles made of a compound soft enough to give you a comparable ride would result in you either eating through them at an insane rate or rolling over onto your rims every time you turned a corner.
RFTs aside a low profile tire is always going to ride harsher than a higher profile and smaller wheel for the same application. There is simply less material and space between you and the road to absorb the imperfections.
Having low profiles made of a compound soft enough to give you a comparable ride would result in you either eating through them at an insane rate or rolling over onto your rims every time you turned a corner.