BMW X3 sDrive 30i vs. Porsche Macan S comparison!

[@robertgedzelman380]

The 2024 Porsche Macan S (6-cylinder twin turbo) very very well equipped can easily exceed $90K whereas the BMW X-3 with straight-six twin turbo very well equipped tops out around $70K is a HUGE difference. 0-60 acceleration is almost the same (If you get the Chrono package in the Porsche, the Macan S is a bit quicker). You get ONE 10K mile "check-up" (with oil change) in the Macan, whereas you get THREE YEARS "Maintenance" with the BMW (it's limited to the number of maintenance visits you get per year), so that point goes to the BMW. I briefly test drove both...and the dealers do restrict the time they give you test driving. I think the Porsche dealerships limit you to less than 9 miles which I found frustrating. One test drive was four miles...and about ten minutes' time, as Porsche don't keep demo/exec cars, you test drive in a brand new car that's about to be delivered to its new owner. Handling: the Porsche clearly wins here: it felt less top-heavy, with noticeably crisper stops and turns; the PDK is really quick (BMW gear changes were awfully quick...almost identical). The BMW offers ambient lighting (lacking in the Macan, but now available in the new Macan EV), however the Macan offers more interior fit and finish options that surpass the BMW...(e.g. ventilated seats ONLY in black leather in the BMW). The Macan IS tighter inside...if you're 6'6" you're NOT going to fit in the rear seat of the Macan...so if roominess is critical, then the BMW is very likely a better fit for you. It comes down to this: If the ride and performance is crucial, the Porsche is the winner. Large family? Teen-aged kids and a dog? X-3! And last but not least: the Porsche WILL cost you more to operate...gas mileage in the Macan is MAYBE 21-23 combined whereas in the BMW it's 24-25 combined. The differences add up if you drive more than 15K miles/year. In terms of fuel: Macan: you almost certainly MUST use 93 octane or occasional 91, but 89 is the base minimum in the X-3...it's not suggested, but 89 octane is okay. Oil changes: BMW: included for first three years; Macan: expect to pay anywhere north of $400 ($895 in NYC) per oil change and I've heard some folks have paid as much as $1,200 for their Macan...but that's not a reliable figure. If spending about $30K MORE ($20-$25K more purchase price, plus easily an additional $5K over 5 years for maintenance) the Macan will run you about $30-$35K more than the BMW. Porsche sales people tell you the resale value of the Macan exceeds that of the X-3, but when you weigh in the initial up-front costs, the Macan is clearly more costly to own. Insurance rates should be the same between the two vehicles. For that Porsche badge, you get a difference in ride and performance, and if you have the money...then it's perhaps a no-brainer. But if spending $90K+ is going to be painful whereas spending $70K is less painful AND money seriously matters, then the BMW X-3 is really not a loser's concession.

[@gregorytrane7828]

If you were comparing the Cayenne vs the BMW X5 40i base models then I would choose the BMW 40i all day long because it's engine is more responsive and more laden with std features that you pay for in the Cayenne. But if comparing the Macan over the X3 then for value and less depreciation, the Macan would be my pick even with the price difference because styling and handling are very important.

[@GaudinX]

Looks like you've got a solid game plan for choosing your next ride!

[@NjoyLife_yall]

For RESALE purposes: I’ll take the PORSCHE all day-everyday! All Porsches resale retention is top tier vs other comparable luxury brands. Let’s face it, EVERYONE will sell, trade in, or outgrow their car after a few years (5-10yrs)

[@GaudinX]

That's a great point! Porsches do hold their value well in the resale market.

[@OrthodoxTrooper]

This kid is just about gadgets and what is newer.. for me that does not define what is better. Porche is Porche and BMW is just BMW