This edition of Auction Dilemma heads back to the first decade of this century to look at two groundbreaking SUVs that broke the mold for sister automakers. Let’s check out a 2008 Porsche Cayenne S on Doug DeMuro’s Cars & Bids and a 2004 Volkwagen Touareg on eBay.

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2008 Porsche Cayenne

Auction Dilemma: Porsche Cayenne S Vs. Volkswagen Touareg
carsandbids.com

Over the years, some Porsche aficionados have raised their collective eyebrows when the brand introduced cars outside the 911 realm. We’re talking about 914, 924, 944, and even the 928. But, some fans went ballistic upon hearing the news that Porsche was releasing an SUV. Yet, this savvy move helped the automaker survive and thrive.

With 175,000 miles on the clock, this black Cayenne has been well driven. So, the accompanying blemishes are par for the course. These imperfections also mean someone may pick up a Porsche for cheap, and driving it offroad (with the raised suspension) won’t be so nerve-racking.

Power comes from a 4.8-liter eight-cylinder engine which was factory rated for 380 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic controls the all-wheel-drive system. Interestingly, the Cayenne is the first Porsche to use a V-8 since the 928.

Auction Dilemma: Porsche Cayenne S Vs. Volkswagen Touareg
carsandbids.com

Inside this Cayenne, you’ll find a black leather-clad interior that matches the vehicle’s mileage. In other words, it’s not perfect, but it’s still a Porsche. Cabin equipment includes a sunroof, automatic climate control, power front seats, and carbon-fiber trim.

2004 Volkswagen Touareg

Auction Dilemma: Porsche Cayenne S Vs. Volkswagen Touareg
ebay.com

While the release of Touareg didn’t raise hackles among VW enthusiasts, the launch of a then $60,000 Volkswagen did cause some head-scratching. When fully optioned, the Touareg (and the ill-fated Phaeton sedan) became one of the most expensive VWs ever sold. No wonder, the Touareg (along with the Audi Q7) shared the Cayenne platform.

In contrast to the Auction Dilemma Porsche, this grey-green Touareg benefits from relatively low mileage (72,000 miles) and a near-pristine exterior. The seller calls the vehicle “collector grade,” but that’s probably overstating things.

Like the Porsche, this Touareg comes with a V-8, but it's a different powerplant. The 4.2-liter engine (originally rated for 306 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque) offers robust performance, but not at Porsche levels. Similarly, the all-wheel drive is managed by a six-speed automatic.

Auction Dilemma: Porsche Cayenne S Vs. Volkswagen Touareg
ebay.com

The grey leather upholstery appears clean, but the seller provides few details about cabin condition or interior equipment. Standard features for the V-8 equipped Touareg include heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and an audio system with a six-disc CD changer.

Bid On A Groundbreaking SUV

Auction Dilemma: Porsche Cayenne S Vs. Volkswagen Touareg
carsandbids.com/ebay.com

Even as recently as 2004, premium SUVs were far less common than today. Yet, these two examples help set the pace for Volkswagen Group’s mainstream and performance brands. There’s one day of bidding left on the Porsche Cayenne, which has a $6,100 best offer. The Volkswagen Touareg has an asking price of $16,000.

Sources: carsandbids.com, ebay.com, vehiclehistory.com