Macan GTS v Macan Turbo
It was with more than a passing interest that I read the Split Decisions article by Matt Master on page 39 of the current issue of Porsche Post. My original plan when deciding to give up ownership of my supremely capable 718 Cayman GTS 2.5t PDK, was to migrate to a new individual spec Gen 2 Macan GTS as a dual purpose daily driver and touring car. It was only due to a considerably later delivery date for a Macan GTS, that I was persuaded by means of an enhanced trade-in offer, to order a Macan Turbo instead.
In his article, Matt Master makes the point that the £10,000 difference in the headline prices between the two models struggles to justify the meagre power (59 bhp) and torque (30Nm) advantages of the Turbo model over its identical engined, albeit detuned GTS sibling. If you factor in the Turbo's inclusive options of 18-way Sports Seats (£1263), Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (£2105), and Bose sound system (£834), the headline price difference between the two models drops to £5,768. The Turbo also has model specific front headlights, sidelights, bumper valance, and a dual plane rear spoiler, to differentiate it from the GTS.
I would agree with Matt's statement that daily driving on public roads, particularly main trunk routes, dual carriageways, and motorways, most drivers would struggle to discern any significant engine performance differences between the two models. While this is true for most road situations where part-throttle progress is the predominant norm, this changes when fuller throttle openings are required, such as when ascending long steep hills and exiting hairpin bends on mountain passes for example. On the race track, where full-throttle is frequently deployed, the Turbo model would have a distinct superiority over the GTS. I accept this last point is mainly an academic one, as few Macan owners take to the track, but I make it as an illustration of true performance. To consolidate my point, the extra power advantage of the Turbo is much more than stopwatch figures of fractions of a second would suggest. A detuned version of any Porsche engine, particularly one as sophisticated as the Gen 2 2.9 hot-V twin turbo, always lacks that special something for the keen, technically aware driver. When the Porsche engineers were developing this new 2.9 V6 Macan engine, it was painstakingly optimised to comply with current exhaust emissions and fuel economy directives. To compromise these optimisations by detuning the engine by almost 60bhp, is not ideal for my keen drivers' outlook as it reduces the efficiency potential of the engine. To illustrate this point, compare the fuel economy figures of the two models and you will see that both are much the same across the urban, touring, and combined mpg ratings. Only fractions of mpg between the Turbo and GTS.
Having said all of that, I would agree that the Gen 2 Macan GTS is probably the sweet spot of the Macan model range. It has ample performance for most driver's needs, and comes with an attractive styling statement and GTS badging. Regarding Matt Master's assertion that the choice between the two models is mainly a lifestyle one, I would tend to disagree. In my particular case I have no misgivings about the Turbo badge and decals displayed on my car. As a former motorsport competitor I am no stranger to decals, a fact underlined by the running Michelin Bibendum sticker I have attached to the rear hatch on my Turbo. Old racers never die.
Brian
PS. I noted that the Macan Turbo model featured in the PP article had the optional PCCB full ceramic brakes. A very wise choice.........
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