[unseen orko]

I am surprised this hasn't come up yet. People have compared f80 vs Macan and most people ended up dinging f80 for it's shitty ride and poor interior quality. Things Macan did really well and it wasn't even a contest.

I genuinely think the G80 M3 has a chance here. Well appointed, supposedly rides more composed. If anyone has experience with Macan S or GTS and has driven the new G80, please comment. These are my top 2 contenders. I'll check out the g80 tomorrow.

Cheers.

[Jcali86]

I'm sorry, but are you seriously trying to suggest a slightly improved Audi Q3 with a porsche badge is a car someone would look at if they were considering an M3?

[M3AWD]

Originally Posted by Jcali86

I'm sorry, but are you seriously trying to suggest a slightly improved Audi Q3 with a porsche badge is a car someone would look at if they were considering an M3?

Yes it's not direct competition but many people compare cars using different criteria that may not make sense to others

The M3/M4 vs. 911 comparisons don't make any sense to me but I understand someone who has $100k to spend on a car may cross shop the two. The same person may have considered a GT500 vs. Hellcat vs. C8.

Back on topic I wouldn't be too surprised if the Macan gets compared to the M3 touring, although the X3M/X4M would be a closer comparison.

[Transfer]

Anyone who has driven a Macan would not make this comparison. They handle well for an SUV and the PDK is great, but they are comparatively slow even in Turbo trim. Not to mention the massive price penalty compared to the competition. If someone wants that Porsche badge then whatever but I'd take an X3 M40i over a Macan GTS and certainly take my X3MC over any Macan.

[BluM4]

Not sure why to compare a G8x with a Macan. My wife drives a Macan S and even she knows the F82 is a much better car. She is waiting for the next-gen GTS for her day-to-day grocery and hauling kids around. Since I work from home nowadays, she drives my F82 80% of the time. Btw, she is pushing me to get a G82.. since she wants it.

[CanuckM]

Originally Posted by Jcali86

I'm sorry, but are you seriously trying to suggest a slightly improved Audi Q3 with a porsche badge is a car someone would look at if they were considering an M3?

The Macan has nothing to do with the Q3. It is a heavily revised Q5 MLB chassis with it's own suspension, interior and tuning.

While it is not very common, people cross shop between vehicle classes. I have neighbors who've asked me RS5 v Macan GTS, friends asked me Range Rover Sport v C63 AMGs. Sometimes the only criteria is a powerful engine, a decent trunk and four seats.

[DecemberStorm]

So funny enough, the Macan GTS (along with Cayman GTS 4.0) were on my shopping list, basically it was "what does 90-100k cad get you in porsche land" and it was that...

I can see the argument. Macan GTS looks very sharp, and if you wanna flex to non-car people, that's a much better option than any BMW, which let's face it for many shoppers in this price bracket is at least a subconscious consideration. It's also a much better SQ5 that Audi wouldn't build for very obvious reasons, with better dynamics and PDK despite riding on the older MLB chassis. Unfortunately the dealer's demo Macan GTS sold already before I had a chance to drive it.

But hard for me to justify it. The way I wanted it it would've been about 93k cad, which is well over SQ5 price and all you really get is a detuned RS5 engine and a (vastly) superior transmission, which I do like but not special enough to justify the otherwise outdated interior and tech and the price premium.

[Jcali86]

Originally Posted by CanuckM

The Macan has nothing to do with the Q3. It is a heavily revised Q5 MLB chassis with it's own suspension, interior and tuning.

While it is not very common, people cross shop between vehicle classes. I have neighbors who've asked me RS5 v Macan GTS, friends asked me Range Rover Sport v C63 AMGs. Sometimes the only criteria is a powerful engine, a decent trunk and four seats.

Thanks, I was way off then! Appreciate it.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Anyone who has driven a Macan would not make this comparison. They handle well for an SUV and the PDK is great, but they are comparatively slow even in Turbo trim. Not to mention the massive price penalty compared to the competition. If someone wants that Porsche badge then whatever but I'd take an X3 M40i over a Macan GTS and certainly take my X3MC over any Macan.

To some people, that magic Porsche badge seems to be more important than any rational arguments, stats and comparisons.

[TargaM2]

Why would you consider an M3 if your looking at an SUV ? Surely an X3/5 is the logical comparison. Some people have no idea.

[Ashahin]

Originally Posted by Jcali86

I'm sorry, but are you seriously trying to suggest a slightly improved Audi Q3 with a porsche badge is a car someone would look at if they were considering an M3?

If you drove the Macan GTS you would understand why he'a comparing it. You are seriously comparing an audi Q3 to a Macan 🤦🏽
I dk if anyone here tracked the Macan GTS or not, but do not compare it to your Macan S or Macan base. That thing will take the sharpest turns without flipping 😬. I still bought the G80 M3 Comp xDrive but that's because I have G05 X5 that covers the SUV part for me.
But anyways, I'd take the G80 because of the rear seat and trunk space, I couldn't fit in the back seat of the Macan (6'2)

[Germanauto]

The Macan is a legitimately great car to drive with very high handling limits. It is in no ways a reskinned Q3 or even Q5. It is heavily revised from other MLB platform counterparts. I drive a family member's Macan S regularly and it's evident it has a lot of the driving attributes of a proper Porsche sports car. However there is still no getting over the high seating position and 4300 lb curb weight. The long gearing is annoying too, and while I love how hefty and feedback-rich the steering is, it does feel a little slow to respond to inputs until you get above say 40mph.

If you want a proper dedicated sports car but need the 4 doors, I'd imagine the G80 will fit the bill better. You can't replace the feeling of sitting low in a lighter car.

[Puuhapete]

I don't get this comparison. I have driven a Base Macan and Macan Turbo and they were both really meh. In compared to a Taycan they don't handle anywhere near as sharp or sporty even if they have a weight advantage.

For me a Macan is a overpriced SUV. Yes it has some Porsche attributes like excellent built quality but if you want something to enjoy driving fast on curvy roads, there are other cars such as the G80. I would never crosshop G80 with Macan. Much so with a 911 if you don't need the backspace and have money to spend.

[HeelToeShift]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

The Macan is a legitimately great car to drive with very high handling limits. It is in no ways a reskinned Q3 or even Q5. It is heavily revised from other MLB platform counterparts. I drive a family member's Macan S regularly and it's evident it has a lot of the driving attributes of a proper Porsche sports car. However there is still no getting over the high seating position and 4300 lb curb weight. The long gearing is annoying too, and while I love how hefty and feedback-rich the steering is, it does feel a little slow to respond to inputs until you get above say 40mph.

If you want a proper dedicated sports car but need the 4 doors, I'd imagine the G80 will fit the bill better. You can't replace the feeling of sitting low in a lighter car.

So true. Porsche changed 85% of the Q5 to make the Macan. The GTS is seriously a raised sports car or as close as you'll get to one.

[bioman]

The new Macan GTS is seriously good. Not as fast, but everything else is up there (if not better) than the G80x.

Do you need the extra space and you like being higher up? Macan is the way to go.

[TheHegeman]

I had a Macan Turbo with a COBB Accessport tune for awhile.

Drove like a sports car but with all the utility of a small SUV. Wicked fast...especially after the tune.

It was a great vehicle, no complaints.

[JCZ5]

This is an interesting thread as initially I wouldn’t think to compare the two of them. But a family member just took delivery of a ‘21 Macan GTS and I was lucky enough to drive it for a few weeks. Now I understand it is actually a perfect comparison. I have also driven a M3C and it’s a tough call. In fact, currently in this predicament and leaning towards the ‘22 Macan GTS.

I am usually not someone that is blown away by these vehicles, but the Macan truly was eye opening. For context, I own a M2C and GT4. The Macan reminds me very similar feel on the street as these two, to a certain extent

Lastly, just the other day I was listening to the smoking tire podcast. Matt Farrah and Zach both stated they would take the GTS over the M3C. Which I thought was interesting. However, if you’re looking for that one car that does it all, I can see the allure of owning a M, like the M3C.

[unseen orko]

Originally Posted by JCZ5

This is an interesting thread as initially I wouldn't think to compare the two of them. But a family member just took delivery of a '21 Macan GTS and I was lucky enough to drive it for a few weeks. Now I understand it is actually a perfect comparison. I have also driven a M3C and it's a tough call. In fact, currently in this predicament and leaning towards the '22 Macan GTS.

I am usually not someone that is blown away by these vehicles, but the Macan truly was eye opening. For context, I own a M2C and GT4. The Macan reminds me very similar feel on the street as these two, to a certain extent

Lastly, just the other day I was listening to the smoking tire podcast. Matt Farrah and Zach both stated they would take the GTS over the M3C. Which I thought was interesting. However, if you're looking for that one car that does it all, I can see the allure of owning a M, like the M3C.

Great comparison. Thanks for sharing. Much appreciated. I ended up with a m3cx

[nearwater4me]

Now y'all got me curious how the GTS drives.
I rode in a base Macan before and it was just a rebadged Audi.

[LimeRock]

Originally Posted by nearwater4me

Now y'all got me curious how the GTS drives.
I rode in a base Macan before and it was just a rebadged Audi.

I'll get roasted for this, but the GTS is spectacular to drive. Was honestly stunned.

Specced out how I would order it, MSRP was well over $100k. That held me back, along with a general lack of enthusiast group like I have here with you fine people.

[NA64LIFE]

Originally Posted by JCZ5

For context, I own a M2C and GT4. The Macan reminds me very similar feel on the street as these two, to a certain extent

Could you elaborate a bit more on this? In what way does the Macan GTS feel similar to the M2C and GT4? I've been considering the Macan GTS, M4C, and Cayman GTS. Also, for context I own a 2022 Tesla Model S and 128i M-Sport.

[JCZ5]

Originally Posted by NA64LIFE

Could you elaborate a bit more on this? In what way does the Macan GTS feel similar to the M2C and GT4? I've been considering the Macan GTS, M4C, and Cayman GTS. Also, for context I own a 2022 Tesla Model S and 128i M-Sport.

The steering precision / feel of the Macan GTS reminds me of the GT4. More so than the M2C, but we all know how modern BMWs steering feel is lacking. Although, I did drive a '21 M3C the other day and I have to say, it feels better than the M2C. Also the ride quality of my GT4 is actually better than a stock M2C in some regards. Hard to believe, but it is true...leaf springs, ask others who have experienced both

You will also be surprised at the agility of the Macan in the twisties. When people say this SUV drives like a sports car, you really understand why. Manages weight incredibly well and feels like my M2C on the same roads, not going too crazy but still pushing it.

Unfortunately, in today's market it is hard to find a M3 or Macan GTS to test drive back to back. So here are my thoughts...both vehicles are incredible.

However, if you want to own that one car, the M3 does have the M appeal that everyone should experience or you will be left wanting at a later point. This can be said with Porsches and their GT cars. However, after you have experienced M, and have other more performance oriented cars. You go back to wanting something a little more refined, while retaining great driving dynamics. I for one want a better riding car to balance my GT4. Therefore, I went with the Macan GTS. Also, if you care about outright shove, like in your Tesla, the M3 will give you that in spades compared to a GTS.

Car choices are so personal and it depends on what you will have left in the garage / what will be replaced. It is tailored to your specific situation. I can say one thing and I guarantee you someone else will say I am out of my mind, how could I possibly compare a M3 vs. a Macan GTS. And we would both be correct depending on where we're coming from, how we will use the car and what other cars do we have in the garage