swftiii

Listers,

I'm at the point where my daily driver Jeep Grand Cherokee has run its course and after 22 years of having a Jeep GC (4 of them) along side my Porsche 993, 964, and now 997 is coming to an end. I just can't see getting another one, so am debating a MacanS or Audi S4. My wife now has a tow vehicle if the itch ever comes back to trailer to the track. I'm also a used car guy, so will be picking up a 2-3 year old variant of whichever I decide, but wanted to see what like minded car-people think.

Looking forward to your thoughts...thanks!

-Skip

850tgul

I might be wrong but I believe they are both actually on the same platform (B8.5 S4 that is). If you don’t need the higher ride height or extra cargo room, I’d go S4. Will be a good bit cheaper and with a pulley and a tune would blow the doors off any Macan. You can also get the S4 in a stick. Again, this assumes you’re talking about a B8.5 S4. That 3.0T motor is also one of Audi’s best to date. Super stout and reliable.

swftiii

Actually looking at the B9 and want auto/PDK for daily duty.

keep thoughts coming.

3rdpedal

So my wife is driving a 2015 Macan S that came to us (family death) and prior to that had a 2011 335xi 6 speed that she loved that was totaled by a hailstorm right around the time we got the Macan. She lamented for the next year plus how she missed her 335 and that the Macan was not her car. So I told her I would sell it and get her a manual A4. If she would just shut up about it. We found a used one that was essentially an even swap and test drove it. She liked the car but then said, "what sane person gives up a Porsche to get an Audi?" and kept the Macan S. Now it was an A4 not an S4. But 2018 if you are interested is the last year Audi made the A4 and presumably the S4 in a manual transmission. Because if you aren't getting the 6 speed, the answer is hands down the Macan and it's PDK transmission.

Also if you test drive the Macan S, engage the Sport button. It is two different cars with that button on or off.

speedracerf4i

My wife drives an 2018 Macan S. The car is marvelous to drive but you'll have to keep in mind of 2 expensive defects; the infamous timing belt cover oil leak (requires engine out to fix at $$$$ and took 2 weeks), and the transfer case problem. Both costs major dinero to fix..

jedrs4

Reading replies and having a Cayenne over a macan. I’d recommend the S4. It’s Quattro as a daily plus the potential for a manual makes it the better choice.

kellen

I would go with macan. More space, more comfort. Love the look of a macan.

uwsherm

The refreshed B8 and the not-refreshed Macan are comparable-ish. I had one of each. Hated everything about the Audi except the concept of having a supercharger. I liked the Macan but ultimately the compromise between lifted wagon thingy and sports car didn’t really make enough sense to me to pay another Porsche Tax. I also personally hate that version of the Audi dual clutch contraption in all its forms. People will try to tell you the Macan transmission is something else. It’s not. It’s the DL501 with Stuttgart fairy dust sprinkled over it.

The B9 has a less-contraptiony ZF automatic and the interior/tech is newer (and better,
if you like Audis).

BLU997

I'm a conscious objector when it comes to sports car manufacturers sullying their purity by building these hideous SUV's, but it pays the bills i guess.
I've driven a new Macan S as a dealer loaner, and my friend has one of those immensely quick Jeep things, but I'm still wholly unconvinced SUV's could be considered anything else but pedestrian.


@swf996 your avatar is a glorious action shot, I love it!

bgoetz

Happy S4 owner here! It is a B8 and with a tune it is a beast, TBH maybe faster than my 911.

Ailerons

I’ve had a 2017 Macan Turbo for a few years now. It has been a wonderful experience. Luxurious if you want, and a hooligan if you go into sport or sport plus and engage the PSE. I suggest looking around the Macan forum. A lot of people have positive experiences with the S, GTS or Turbo. I’ve had a few base model loaners and they aren’t as exciting. I recommend CPO.

Hatzenbach

Let's add another brand to the mix: I just bought a 2018 Range Rover Velar and love it!

PowderJunkie

If you're thinking S4 I would advise the B8 or B8.5 and not the newest B9. The B8's are great cars, I still miss mine and will definitely be more fun then a Macan even a Macan S (+ as others have mentioned you can get them in stick if desired). The S4 is pretty big with decent size backseats and trunk so depending on your application should be fine. You can also probably find a better deal on a S4 over a Macan right now. I have driven my dad's base Macan around and it always left me wanting more. I found the acceleration to be sluggish and handeling was so so compared to my S4 or 911. Again really comes down to what you want to do with it. The B8's engines are considered bullet proof and really have no major flaws (not like the earlier B7 V8 variants). Audi builds great super charged motors.

Good luck.

Tcc1999

So, you have a 964, 993, and 997. What exactly do you think an S4 is going to add to your driving experience. Never owned an S4 but did own an S3 and hated it. For me, having had an Audi S, owning a 997 GTS, Golf R, Macan GTS, and A4, I’d go with a Macan over an S4. The S4 may be a great car, but you’ve already got three great cars. Why not try something a little different? I drive the 911, the R, the A4 and each has its merits - and for a great change of pace I’ll drive my wife’s Macan (just in Sport or Sport Plus mode). If we had an S4 instead of a Macan I doubt I’d ever drive it (the S4) - it would just not offer any pleasure compared to my other options.

Bxstr

I've driven a B9 S4 and Macan. Also had a B8 S4 for 7.5 years. Would recommend the Macan all day over the S4. Much prefer the economics and interior of the Macan. My concern would be the maintenance and reliability of the Macan, specifically the PDK. I had the DSG trans in my S4 go and it was not cheap (luckily covered under Fidelity warranty).