Cole

Not sure its worth the price difference.

A simple flashed tune will get you Turbo S power.

Most of us kinda see the bigger brakes as a disadvantage since you can't run 18" wheels for snow tires. Which, let's be honest here. Most people bought an SUV for their bad weather duty vehicle.

loxxrider

I think the major upgrade is to go with the 4.8l engine. When buying my 957 CTTS, I also test drove a modified 955 CTTS. The stock 4.8l CTTS was MUCH faster than even the modified (chip, intercoolers, exhaust, etc.) 4.5l. I haven't seen overlaid plots, but I think the extra displacement, plus direct injection makes for more power under the curve. You can really feel it!

Cole

I'm calling B.S. On the "Much faster". It wasn't that much do faster stock vs. stock.

It may have felt faster, or the modified one had issues.

Dilberto

My 2005 S was made in 04/2004. It had the coils, horn, headlights, coolant pipes, Power Steering pump replaced.....now, it's as GOOD as a 2006.

PCA1983

+1 to that!

m5james

Newbie question here, but is the only power difference between a Turbo and Turbo S being the software tune?

Sniffer

If you`re referring to why an "S" has more power its not simply down to software - there are physical differences too (bigger intercooler being one of them that I`m aware of - there may be others)

There are other differences too I understand (slightly different wheel sizes/types, bigger brakes etc etc)

hahnmgh63

Yes, in addition to the software (Boost increase) a Turbo S also has larger intercoolers. Now if it isn't a hot day or if your not doing multiple of a sustained run you probably wouldn't need the extra intercooler size but Porsche wants a long life OEM reputation so they added a little safety.
Along with the power you get a different lowering module which lowers it a little more, stiffer suspension bushings, larger front & rear brakes (plenty of 19" snow or all season tires as far as I've found), larger standard tires (20" standard unless ordered with the snow tire package which were 19"). They also have a couple more standard features and tend to be more optioned out by the dealers that ordered them so it ends up being more than just a more powerful CTT and that is why it was approximately a $15~$20K premium over the CTT.
Now if you can find a really nice CTT with the E81 performance package your 7/8's of the way to having a CTTS, and probably for quite a bit less. Many second hand owners don't even realize what the E81 performance package means and therefore won't be asking a premium for their CTT with it.

Cole

Couple of things. The Turbo S really is the same thing as the e81 option for earlier (04-05) cars. It was $20k extra. So, in many cases options were left off to have the power option. There were zero additional standard options. They had to be added specifically. Also, unless it went through a used car auction EVERYONE knows they have a E81 kit....it was frickin $20k!!

The Turbo S/E81 was software for the engine and lowering module, intercoolers, brakes, tie rod ends, bushings. Which ALL can be added aftermarket for less money than the price delta.

Many things like tie rod ends and control arm bushings are the same price for a Turbo S vs a Turbo/S/base. So as those part wear its cheap to upgrade.


There may be some good 19" winter tire options, but there are far more, and far cheaper 18" tires and wheels available. Which is important to consider when people are paying as low as the teens for these cars now. They may not want to spend an extra $1,000 for 19" vs 18" winter set up.

Or....an extra $1,000 to do the brakes on a Turbo S/E81 vs a standard Turbo!!!

m5james

I saw the thread where it allowed us to enter a VIN and get a breakdown of options, but naturally the link is broken. I'm just curious because I'm looking at a basically stock CTT or one that has intake, exhaust (I've only seen the mufflers, I'm not sure about the rest) and I'm still trying to determine if it has software.

gtmaster303

2010 facelift has been great to me so far. Love driving it
And to me, it looks the best. Doesn't have the eggy shaped headlights of the first generation. Still a very defined, strong, and tough shape. Looks much much better than new "homogenized" body styles too.

kalyan

Love our 2008 CS. I prefer the updated 2008+ looks over previous gen.

WHEELDYNAMICSROB

just make sure you get a PPI before you purchase any

m5james

I planned on it just because I know there's little things particular to these things just like the things I've become familiar with owning BMW's.

Dennis C

My 2004 S was also made in 04/2004. It must have been one of the last 2004 Cayennes made before the switch to 2005s.