[TDR]

With the recent introduction of the Porsche Cayenne Diesel to the United States market, 9 Magazine decided to compare the specifications of the diesel and the Cayenne Hybrid to determine which is more economical for consumers. This comparison is based solely on price (MSRP) vs. Miles per gallon (MPG) from an economical point of view.

From any other point of view, it’s easy to see that the SUV from Porsche is almost absolutely the same in all other regards. The size, finish, options, etc. would be near identical in this comparison.

It’s easy to see first-off the price difference between the two models. The Porsche Cayenne Diesel has an MSRP of $55,750.00 vs. the Cayenne Hybrid which rolls in at $69,850.00. That equals a $14,100 difference in manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Score one for the Diesel. A savings of $14,100 for the entry level Diesel will have consumers able to save cash, and sales tax on that cash. (Which can range anywhere from $500 – $100 depending on what part of the country you reside.)

In terms of fuel efficiency, the specs for the Cayenne Diesel state 20mpg / City and 29mpg / Highway. The Cayenne Hybrid posts 20mpg / City and 24mpg / Highway. For city driving, both Cayenne’s come in at 20mpg. For long-range highway driving, the Cayenne Diesel produces better efficiency. Although 5mpg is not a heck of a lot of miles, it’s still better than what the Hybrid produces. Score two for the Diesel.

At the time of this writing, and according to AAA, the national average cost for a gallon of gasoline in the United States is $3.80 per gallon and the cost for a gallon of diesel fuel is $4.10. Using those figures, the cost per mile in fuel for the Cayenne Hybrid is equal to 0.19 cents per city mile and 0.15 cents per highway mile. The cost per mile for the Cayenne Diesel is equal to 0.20 cents per mile city and 0.14 cents per mile highway. This just about equals a draw. The Hybrid is a penny less in city and the Diesel is a penny less per mile on the highway. And even though the cost for a gallon of diesel fuel is higher, the numbers work out to be almost the same.

When you compare the actual difference in cost of the MSRP of the vehicles, and use the same cost per mile, the Cayenne Diesel is the better value and more economical than the Hybrid.

Here are the actual specs of the SUV’s directly from Porsche’s website which might persuade you either way when making a decision to purchase your new Cayenne.

The Cayenne Hybrid
Engine layout Front Engine / All Wheel Drive
Cylinders 6
Displacement 3.0 liter
Horsepower 333 hp Electric: 47 hp Parallel full hybrid: 380 hp
@ rpm Combustion engine: 5500 – 6500 rpm Electric machine: > 1150 rpm Total system: 5500 rpm
Torque 369 lb.-ft. Electric: 221 lb.-ft. Parallel full hybrid: 428 lb.-ft.
Compression ratio 10.5 : 1

Performance:
Top Track Speed 150 mph
0-60 mph 6.1 sec.

MSRP = $ 69,850.00

The Cayenne Diesel
Engine layout Front
Cylinder layout / number of cylinders 6
Displacement 3.0 Liters
Horsepower 240 hp
@ rpm 3,500 – 4,000
Torque 406 lb.- ft.
Compression ratio 16.8 : 1

Performance:
Top Track Speed 135 mph
0 – 60 mph 7.2 sec.

MSRP = $ 55,750.00

Photos: Porsche

Which Is More Economical? The Cayenne Diesel or the Cayenne Hybrid? | 9magazine

 

[grohgreg]

Perhaps you don't realize, the hybrid requires premium gasoline. So by using the average price for regular, the comparison tilts even more toward the diesel. That said, the base hybrid is better equipped than the base diesel. Once fitted with identical features, I'm curious how much closer the diesel sticker price will have crept toward the hybrid base price.

//greg//

 

[PorschePower]

Perhaps you don't realize, the hybrid requires premium gasoline. So by using the average price for regular, the comparison tilts even more toward the diesel. That said, the base hybrid is better equipped than the base diesel. Once fitted with identical features, I'm curious how much closer the diesel sticker price will have crept toward the hybrid base price.

//greg//

That has me thinking now......both pro's and con's to diesel and hybrid. I will try to post pricing on both here, all trims from base to the highests. Unless you would like to so we can better compare.

 

[Gymkata]

The diesel will be more economical hands down for almost any buyer.

 

[ndabunka]

Hybrids are typically a good bit heavier as well due to having to carry those power cells all the time. This weight can cause them to handle differently. Batteries also may have to be replaced as soon as every 10 years and that could easily costs $6K more if you still have it at the time. We own a Toyota Highlander Hybrid and did all the analysis on that one when the government numbers were...well, WRONG! LOL

In the end we have had no trouble with out HiHy and it really does GET UP AND GO with the two extra electric motors assisting with the acceleration. Works pretty good in snow as well but I have heard that Hybrids in the snow can be a pain (no locking differential) and some have bought them without realizing that they didn't have a TRUE 4x4.

 

[Transpower]

But Diesel engines are heavier than gasoline engines. In comparing the Diesel with the Hybrid, I would choose the Diesel. But in comparing the Diesel with a PHEV I would choose the PHEV.

 

[grohgreg]

No PHEV Cayenne yet, so that's a moot point. Might be one later in 2014. Don't know yet if it will be a MY2014 or MY2015.
Simple stats tell the current story:
Diesel base price $57k, weighs 4795 pounds, gets 20/29 mpg on diesel fuel
Hybrid base price $71k, weighs 4938 pounds, gets 20/24 mpg on premium gasoline.