I genuinely enjoy the additional Porsche models that are decidedly “less sporty” – if only because they’re so darn successful (the Cayenne is Porsche’s best-selling model in the US) that they basically bankroll R&D efforts toward more exciting things, like the 918 Spyder, and the 991 Turbo S.
Given the Cayenne’s success, many were very anxious when Porsche announced it would be selling a smaller SUV, too. Initial reviews of the Macan have been quite favorable. Currently in the midst of this intriguing era of its reception where, like the Cayenne before it, people really didn’t know what to make of the Macan. You’d think the racy auto-journalists would leave it to Consumer Reports to review but the first week press cars were released, someone thought it’d be reasonable to compare the Macan against a BMW M3. What? That’s not right.
I mean, it’s an SUV. So, compare it with other SUVs. How does it stack up against a Ford Explorer?
Well, it’s a compact SUV.
OK. How about a Mazda CX-5?
Well, it’s a luxury SUV, so that’s not appropriate.
Perhaps contrasting against one of the BMW X1s then?
Well, you see it’s a Porsche, so perhaps the best thing we could compare it against is actually another Porsche. How about the Cayman GTS?
You mean the new mid-engined sport coupe that sits atop the Cayman lineup? Why yes, that’d be “perfect,” but I only say that because everything I say in quotes is actually a terrible lie.
Somehow, this was given a green light to produce
Why, guys? Why?! This does nothing to help potential buyers understand either car – and since they aren’t Top Gear, I feel that’s a valid sticking point. Was this made for exciting footage? Why not compare the Macan S and the Macan Turbo on the track?
Was anyone genuinely surprised that the Cayman destroyed the Macan? YES, destroyed. Five seconds between lap times is an eternity. How many laps are covered in a real race? Dozens. Hundreds even. Stack up those all those five seconds, and you have a very dull race. What’s even more frustrating is at the end of the video they totally gloss over what could have been a far more interesting comparison between the Macan and the 550 HP Cayenne Turbo S, which was two seconds faster than the Macan. Large SUV/Small SUV comparisons aren’t really fair either, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Here Are Some Other Wacky Comparisons For You
Finally! A Porsche Comparison That Makes Sense.
Honda’s 133 Mph Lawnmower vs. Porsche 911
Chris Harris Races a Porsche GT2 RS against a Ducati 1199 Panigale
Which is Faster? a Porsche GT3 or Jet Plane?
What Does It Cost To Defy Physics? The Price Of A Porsche Macan.
[This is the first in a two piece story on how the internet seems to have run out of ideas when it comes to doing head to head comparisons. Wacky isn’t always better.]