Re: Porsche VR6 and VW's VR6? (gizmopop)
Little specs like manufacturer's rated HP are worthless. I highly doubt there is anything dramatic in the Porsche that is superior to the Touareg 3.2 VR6. On equal platforms, such as R32 vs. TT 3.2, who would you expect to see more power rated from? The Audi. Same goes for the Porsche vs. the Touareg, the Porsche will of course spout a higher number. The Cayenne is selling so horribly that they are needing to offer an almost affordable SUV since you pay nearly double the price of a Touareg which IMHO is much more elegant. I saw a base model Cayenne at the local mall for $66k with only HIDs, no NAV, no air-ride suspension, non-turbo etc....what a joke. I can get a LOADED VR6 3.2L at the VW dealer that I used to work at for $38k out the door. That includes NAV, HIDs, Air-Ride, and VR6 with plenty of room to install a turbo kit. The Cayenne is the best thing that happened to the Touareg since it's priced so different. You can pay up to $90k+ for the Cayenne loaded...that's just sad. The Bird Man from Ca$h Money Millionares has a nasty green Cayenne, so I don't want one.
But anyway...enough ranting, I think you see what I'm reffering to. The negligable difference in HP is due to, or could easily be made up by installing a custom high-flow catylitic converter and better flowing mufflers. You'd get better sound, spend far less, and get better power output with everthing else being equal.
Everyone used to, and I'm sure still, bickers that a Corrado VR6 makes more power than one in a GTI or GLX Mk3...something like a supposed 6hp that you would never feel anyway. If anything made that true it might be the catylitic converter. People seem to forget about vehicle weight and other items that add up to better performance.
~DVScott