Let me preface by saying I think the Macan is beautiful, and I think it's a great addition to the Porsche line-up. But when I compare it to my GTS, I don't know why I would buy one over a Cayenne, other than cost.

Size: Cayenne aren't large SUVs. They're mid-size. So going to an even smaller SUV doesn't seem to be advantageous. Also, the Cayenne can tow 2500 lbs more weight, which matters to me since I use mine to tow.

Performance: Considering a loaded Macan TT weighs 4600 lbs (just like my GTS), I can't see the Macan outperforming my GTS in any way.

Price: I loaded out a Macan TT and it was 'only' $10k less than my GTS was, with similar options.

If price is the primary concern, I get it. It's a world-class SUV at a better price than its big-brother. But if price isn't the main reason, the Cayenne gives you a little more room, better performance, more options, and (if it matters to you) higher towing capacity.

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, just trying to learn other perspectives.

Thoughts?

 

it will be faster forsure. once the refresh cayenne S comes out with the V6tt, im sure it'll be faster than our n/a V8 versions. the way turbo motors make their power, im almost 100% sure it will beat the n/a v8 in a race. the macan turbo, with pdk and v6tt, will out perform the gts in every aspect. I think they made the macan so its easier to drive in congested cities, parking etc. the cayenne is a mid size suv but its pretty large as is. I personally would not trade my cayenne for a macan.

 

While the Cayenne is a mid-size SUV in North America, it's a big SUV in Europe. Even the Macan's dimensions aren't that convenient in most of our cities.
My SQ5 is 4cm (1.7 inches) narrower than the Macan, but in the city it's often too wide to open the doors enough for leaving the car gracefully
Cars are getting bigger and bigger, but parkings are getting smaller and smaller (more cars means more $$$)

Most of our parkings are made for European cars from the 1970's anyways...

Suzy991 (iOS app)

 

Everything is relative. Cayenne is not a large SUV compared to a Suburban or an Escalade, but to me it's big. A suburban is a like a school bus; it's really obscene IMO. Also, I don't tow anything, so that's completely irrelevant to me. I love the Cayenne, but for me, the Macan's size is more pleasing and I'm guessing it's got even sportier handling.

 

Good answers, guys. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

 

my personal reasons as an australian:

1) Macan is significantly cheaper here (over AU$20k cheaper)
2) Macan fits in my garage, Cayenne does not
3) I think the Macan is much, much better looking than the Cayenne

 

Pdk going to make a big difference in driving dynamics. The auto in the cayenne takes a long time to change gears using shift paddles.

 

I'm currently in a 958. I'm thinking about the Macan for the following reasons: getting into something a little smaller, while maintaining the practicality with 4 doors and space; looking at the Turbo, so more power and increased performance; something different while sticking to the brand- my 958 is my first Porsche and I love it, won't be switching to another make and the other P options don't work for me at this time.

I still love my 958, so not sure I'm going to make the switch, but it's really the only other car that has my interest.

 

If you don't need the back seats daily, then the Macan is the perfect car. A small and nimble suv is a proven formula by the BMW X3 35d or Audi SQ5 that can surprise a lot of sport cars. As fast as the most powerful suv's in the market with better fuel economy, better track ability and for a faction of the cost. The perfect DD car or small size family all around car.

 

I fully second this.

I'm seriously contemplating the Macan because Kuwaiti roads are crap [unpainted speed breakers, uneven surfaces, potholes aplenty] so the added ground clearance is a blessing. I ride in my 958 a good 90 percent of the time; sometimes my aunt/great-uncle/parents hop in with me so having a functional backseat is a plus and the availability of a full trunk has its perks. I haven't used the trunk in my car in a few months and ultimately, the Cayenne is too big for single person's use. The added fuel economy, tighter packaging and available versatility of the Macan make solid cases for themselves as well as the lovely PDK and scintillating performance of this little bugger.

Just as slw23 said though, I love my 958 and I can't see myself owning anything other than a Porsche.

khabah

 

Crappy roads in Kuwait? What do you do with all that oil money then?

 

even though my GTS is a stick, it is the PDK that would move me to a Macan over a new Cayenne.

but no go there until they get PDCC, sport exhaust and a few other options before i even consider a deal

 

Haha, sometimes even I wonder. It all goes into people's pockets, invested abroad or to put more Porsches on the already-overcrowded streets.

khabah

 

I read somewhere that PDCC will be added as an option at some point. Don't know if accurate.

 

I heard the same rumors... Let's hope so. That is a really big advantage compared to other SUVs.

Suzy991 (iOS app)