The SQ5 has a standard Audi Backguard System, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Audi Backguard System moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Cayenne doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.
Both the SQ5 and the Cayenne have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, all-wheel drive, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.
The SQ5’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Cayenne’s (12 vs. 10 years).
There are over 30 percent more Audi dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the SQ5’s warranty.
For better stopping power the SQ5’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Cayenne:
SQ5 |
Cayenne |
|
Front Rotors |
15 inches |
14.2 inches |
The SQ5 stops much shorter than the Cayenne:
SQ5 |
Cayenne |
||
80 to 0 MPH |
200 feet |
205 feet |
Road & Track |
60 to 0 MPH |
104 feet |
116 feet |
Motor Trend |
The SQ5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Cayenne’s standard 55 series tires.
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the SQ5 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Cayenne.
The SQ5 Prestige executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Cayenne Diesel (25.9 seconds @ .71 average G’s vs. 27.1 seconds @ .64 average G’s).
For better maneuverability, the SQ5’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the Cayenne’s (38.1 feet vs. 39 feet).
The SQ5 is 8.1 inches shorter than the Cayenne, making the SQ5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
The SQ5 has .4 inches more front legroom and 1.4 inches more rear legroom than the Cayenne.
The SQ5 has a much larger cargo area than the Cayenne with its rear seat up (29.1 vs. 23.7 cubic feet).
If the windows are left down on the SQ5 the driver can raise them all using the key in the outside lock cylinder; on a hot day the driver can lower the windows. The driver of the Cayenne can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.
When the SQ5 with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Cayenne’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.
The SQ5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The Intellichoice estimates that the SQ5 will retain 52.82% of its original price after five years, while the Cayenne only retains 45.18% to 51.49%.
Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Audi SQ5 will be $3648 to $51372 less than for the Porsche Cayenne.
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