rm4enjoyit

We are considering a newer base Macan but are concerned about the smaller engine relative to the V6. Pushing the in-line 4 cylinder too hard seems like a longevity issue; no replacement for displacement.

Any regrets, reliability or longevity issues with a newer base Macan?

Blu311

I just picked up a 2015 S because ultimately the V6 won. However, I have test driven a few base models and as long as you are ok with not needing a ton of extra hp, the 4cy in the base is a good engine. Paired with the PDK it does a good job to make the car feel sporty and it doesn't feel like you're stressing the engine. But if you need (want) a lot of power, get the V6.

MrMarco

My biggest disappointment with the Macan ('17S) is the brakes. Once a month I get on them hard and forget how heavy this beast is. Perhaps it's because I owned a 911 and expect to feel my heart hit the front of my chest cavity at the red. I haven't driven the base, but I'll bet it was faster than my SC

jbx2

As the owner of a 2018 Base Macan and 2016 GTI both of which use the EA888 I have no doubts regarding the longevity or reliability. This engine is used extensively throughout the VAG world. The latest engine in the 2.0 Macan is rated at 261 HP which is fine for normal city / suburban daily driving. There is significant discussion regarding the S vs Base on the various Macan forums.

Clovis Bee 0004

New member here, 2 year lurker. I purchased a new base in 2020 and so far I've had no problems with the car. I'm 59 yrs old and it is perfect for me around town. I have taken it to the central coast and I can pass several cars, trucks etc. on the freeway at once with no problems with power. It has a little delayed/sluggish response from a stop, so if I need to dart out into thick traffic I sometimes put it in sport mode and get a quicker response.

Turbodan

I'd be more worried about the bore scoring that is showing up on the 6 cylinder engines. very expensive if out of warranty

BIG smoke

Its a Porsche. Lots of things to worry about. Bore scoring, transfer cases, pdk manufactured at a Faberge egg factory.
Putting around in the city 4 or 6 will do the job. At speed, both are the same. Getting to speed the 6 has the torque I want. But the 4 gets you there just fine.
Brakes are great on either. Does it brake like a Carrera 1,420kg? No. It brakes like the 1,920-2,035 kg they are.
Buy or lease.
lease? Not your problem.

subwoofer

Get the S at a minimum especially the new one with the 2.9 V6. The base is really slow. My dealer loans out base Macans when my 911 is in for service and they are quite dull to drive IMO.

dak911

AnandN Hey NO FAIR comparing a base 4 cylinder Macan to a 911............

drcollie

You will enjoy the S much more than the base 4 cly, and it has better resale as well. Be sure to check the Air Ride box, that makes a significant difference in ride quality.

Blu311

Agree Air Suspension is wonderful, sporty and smooth!

huntflyer

I have an 18 S and regularly get the 4 cyl as service loaners. I can tell you with no hesitation I, personally, would not buy the 4 cyl version. It's ... slightly... better in sport mode, but still not good enough. I've put 20k on my 18 S since I bought it CPO and it's fantastic.

Carlo_Carrera

This review sort of thinks the Base is the one to get.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...-drive-review/


There is also this well regarded company that makes pig back ECUs that install in ten minutes that ups the HP and torque significantly.

https://www.racechip.us/shop/porsche...-273lb-ft.html

luv2sleep

The VAG 2.0L engine is a bullet proof engine. I would not be at all concerned about the longevity issue. You can push it all day-everyday and it will put out and last long time. A GTI enthusiast modded the same engine to pump out 1,000HP. Now that may be a questionable act but we all know that you have to pay to play. If you don't want/need the extra power, the base Macan is perfectly fine. If you want more hp/torque down the road, you can simply buy a piggyback or get the ECU flashed (preferred, at least by me). I always opt for the biggest power just because I'm a power junky but that's just me and by default, the GTS is my cup of tea.To each his own.

wls1425

I bought a 2018 base in April and enjoyed it so much I decided I needed to upgrade to get a newer Macan with the features I wanted. I bought a new 2021 base. While the ‘18 seemed to be a little quicker I think the ‘21 will get there in time.

Great vehicle. I call it my “age appropriate” sports car….I’m 73.