Porsche Macan vs. BMW X3 -- Which Should You Buy??

[@stevennevins6643]

I’m looking at a used, 2024 Porsche certified base Macan with 5,000 miles. It has the premium plus package Original sticker was about $71,000. Dealer wants $58,900. Seems like a decent deal.

[@robertgedzelman380]

I drove the Macan base, S and GTS as well as the X-3 4.0 and M, X-4 4.0 and X-4M. I found the BMW X-3s are roomier and a "better value". The X-4 was sportier than the X-3 and comparable in many ways to the Macan S and the X-4M was an absolute MONSTER. I found the X-3 4.0 "top-heavy" around turns (not as nimble as the Macan or the X-4) and the X-3 seemed reluctant to come to a quick stop. The transmissions on the BMWs seem to be on par with the Macan's PDK. The BMW maintenance program is also better. The Macan S and GTS were more than sufficiently powerful and comparable to the X-3 4.0, however, the BMWs (especially the X-4M) are stiffer, they never seem to relax when a slightly softer ride might be welcomed from time to time. The X-4M is like a pit bull always pulling at the leash, so to speak; it's relentless and oh gosh that thing takes off, but it's not monstrously faster than the Macan GTS...but it is noticeably quicker. The Macan's air suspension is SUPERIOR...by lots. What I felt was this: The X-4M is practically a track vehicle...comfy but firm seats, and something of a hard ride. In NYC and elsewhere where roads can be a bit rough, the Macan S (or GTS) with air suspension can be technical, nimble, very precise AND it eats bumps and transitions like they're not even there where as the X-4M and the X-3M definitely jiggles you about. The Macan S is clearly superior to the X-3 4.0 in terms of handling and just plain fun when pushing it...the Macan seems ready and willing to do almost anything and the adjustable air suspension is a winner! The BMWs are a better value...and they have a few things like better ambient lighting and far more variable display options (The Macan's display is more classical Porsche...centered and larger analog tachometer and a tiny speedometer with a tiny adjustable third round window on the dash. The Piano Black glossy console annoys some (not me) and in-cabin storage is at a premium. One thing about the Macan I don't like: the wireless charging location is in the center armrest and the phone gets so hot it shuts off---and for Android folks there's no wired nor wireless connection. The Porsche is stunning, fun, precise, and it can be very sporty but when needed, it can relax a bit, and not be jumpy or stiff and it stops on a dime and corners like it is on rails. I got the Macan S and loaded it up with options (oh boy, can the price start to climb fast). It's a blast!

[@elroz1675]

was handling and steering and overall ride quality going to get a rating?

[@CarDietrich]

I think I touched on those points in the Value section. The Porsche has better steering/handling and the X3 probably rides a bit smoother, so its a toss up anyway.

[@elroz1675]

@@CarDietrich thanks

[@IDv8I]

Keep up with the dual review comparisons. We get a lot of "reviews" but an everyday "which one should you buy" is few and far between. I hope your channel gets the respect it deserves, time will tell, so good luck on the grind.

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you very much! I will do my best!

[@musiccash673]

@@CarDietrichyour presentation is the most unbiased and honest I have heard in a very long time.

[@michaelbevans701]

I've had two Macans, albeit diesels. As Porsche don't make them any more I have a difficult decision. Stay with Macan but change for a petrol one, sacrificing fuel economy, or go BMW 3.0 diesel. Cheaper to buy and cheaper to fuel. But the Porsche is so good. I just can't decide.

[@brumalerie]

Great video. Very fairly judged to a point. It all comes down to your “value” statement, which I do agree with you. I am not a rich person by any means but saving up and making small financial sacrifices and cutbacks these last years has given me the ability to purchase the Macan. And yes the styling and exclusivity is a big big plus of the Macan compared to the boxy or bulgy BMW. But what I ask, which might not seem like a real world dilemna… if you judge these two cars on just the car. Meaning drive and size and comfort and exclusively and looks and fun (and not value) which of those two would you or most people take? I think 9 out 10 would take the Macan. But again, that is my personal opinion. Have a great day and look forward to more content from you. Cheers!

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you very much!

[@pssita]

Really good review. I’ve been looking at many versions of the X3. Since looking around I’ve noticed X3s EVERYWHERE! I like exclusivity but you’re right. 10k is a bit too much.

[@IPv6people]

"Is money really is no object, buy the Porsche." To me that seems the real conclusion of the comparison.

[@here2NjoyLife]

For resale and depreciation purposes, I'd rather be in the Porsche. Just after 3 years of ownership of any Porsche vehicle- and you'll see a depreciation of around 13%-20%, Compared to the BMW depreciation almost twice as much at well over 40%

[@zaidgerardovelazcoflores5957]

Porsche’s depreciation is also around 40-45%, not sure from where did you get your numbers

[@Dragon228833]

Its not a 911. Used prices are comparable despite these cars having a way higher msrp and sometimes being optioned to the moon and back. At the end of the day its not a real porsche. Its an audi reworked by porsche

[@sydneyNemesis101]

i was tossing up between an x4 and a macan, and went with the x4 as it’s more exclusive and in the same class as it has a sloped roof in my opinion

[@kyrilloswilliam7626]

Great video

[@sliceserve234]

fair enough

[@leok7193]

I'd probably disagree with the conclusion. If money is no object, they're probably not buying base Macan 4 cyl, although it puts a whole new price tag on Macan S or higher, but of course X3 M40i is a more appealing vehicle for the price even then. By the way, I live in OC now as well, and don't see as many Macans, but when I lived in Sherman Oaks/Encino there seemed to be more of them than even X3s... but of course in that world a Land Rover is the mom's version of a minivan anywhere else in the country.

[@PhilipDucloux]

left out cost to own

[@Commonsense4Life]

BMW is king. And getting better every year! 😉

[@JD-kf2ki]

BMW for me.

[@altisamuels8694]

There is a reason why he didn’t compared the 6 cylinder models because the BMW may have came out ahead

[@CarDietrich]

Uhhhh didn't I pick the BMW at the end of this one too?

[@musiccash673]

@@CarDietrichyou did and you are the best

[@ToOpen6seven]

@@CarDietrich lol

[@JoseDominguez-cz3ht]

Porsche