Is Porsche Macan RWD Base a good option?

Awaz · Oct 16, 2024

Interesting review here about Macan RWD.

I think not many have chosen this RWD Macan version here. Everyone has their own preferences, but I was interested in this from the beginning but went for Macan 4 as RWD version wasn't available then. As soon as two new versions were announced, I cancelled the 4 and went for RWD, mainly for the reasons mentioned in the video.

A 4-wheel drive not really necessary where I mostly drive as not much snow here. Although winter tyres are generally better than 4-wheel drive (4WD) for driving in snow and ice, however I know both can be useful depending on the situation.

I like the rear-wheel drive of the i4 eDrive 40 that I have now. Most reviews of this were better than the M50 version, a four-wheel drive. Macan RWD has the same maximum power as i4 and 0-60 also is the same in 5.4 seconds. Which I find fast enough in our speed limited roads, at least for my needs, as I don't need break-neck jerk of a turbo (personal preference)

The torque is actually 100lb-ft more than in the i4 which would be nice when needed, and I never found torque and acceleration lacking in the i4. Most of the time where I drive, legal speed limits barely go up from 20-30mph, and max 70mph on motorways.

I think rear-wheel drive cars are more fun in general. The best sports cars are rear-wheel drive. Also, the base Macan will have the best turn as there is no electric motor assembly upfront, the front axle will weigh less and reduce some inherent friction from the steering. As Kris felt in the video, the steering was better @3:19 to 4:54

bbmertz · Oct 16, 2024

Beyond the additional horsepower and all wheel drive, the 4 also adds active suspension management. (Correction: The base model does have air suspension in the U.S.) For these reasons, the Atlanta PEC strongly recommended upgrading to the 4.

Nevertheless, if you’re trying to save money and maximize range, I think the base Macan EV is still a great option.

PanameraFrank · Oct 16, 2024

People always claim these base EVs drive better but, to be honest, I think it's a placebo effect. The higher trims are all extremely rear wheel biased 90%+ of the time.

This isn't a small, light sportscar. It's a very big, heavy vehicle and you're going to get more prowess with the additional systems than you will with minor weight loss.

The base cars are great if you live somewhere sunny and want to maximize range & minimize costs. Great option for that. But they are not, in any other way, better than higher trims.

krissrock · Oct 16, 2024

Awaz said:
I think rear-wheel drive cars are more fun in general. The best sports cars are rear-wheel drive.

mm i would argue the more performant cars are AWD though...

i'm sure the RWD will be more fun though.

macanchan · Oct 16, 2024

Get a base Macan and save the extra $$ for a fun car. the macan is not a sports car. please dont plow a 6000lb suv into something/someone trying to have fun.

casper · Oct 16, 2024

I also got the base model as it will have the best range and added air suspensions as well.

Awaz · Oct 16, 2024

casper said:
I also got the base model as it will have the best range and added air suspensions as well.

Another interesting video from AutoTrader Canada
Keywords: feels, agile nimble and lighter (by the way, its 2295kg = 5059 pounds)

tmrqs · Oct 16, 2024

macanchan said:
Get a base Macan and save the extra $$ for a fun car. the macan is not a sports car. please dont plow a 6000lb suv into something/someone trying to have fun.

Honestly don’t think 500lbs will make a difference if it’s going over someone/something.

The point should be “don’t drive recklessly, regardless of whether it’s a 5-6k lbs EV or a sports car”.

A base Macan, to me, would be boring. Does not mean I wouldn’t ALSO take a 718 GTS 4.0 to have “more fun”.

Awaz · 2024-12-30T03:38:45-0800

My trip data from a 226-mile round trip yesterday in my base Macan RWD. The outside temperature was 5° C, climate temperature was kept at 23 throughout.
Is that good, considering I've only done about 525 miles so far?

Electric Macan EV Is Porsche Macan RWD Base a good option? tri

W1NGE · 2024-12-30T04:30:33-0800

Awaz said:
Interesting review here about Macan RWD.

I think not many have chosen this RWD Macan version here. Everyone has their own preferences, but I was interested in this from the beginning but went for Macan 4 as RWD version wasn't available then. As soon as two new versions were announced, I cancelled the 4 and went for RWD, mainly for the reasons mentioned in the video.

A 4-wheel drive not really necessary where I mostly drive as not much snow here. Although winter tyres are generally better than 4-wheel drive (4WD) for driving in snow and ice, however I know both can be useful depending on the situation.

I like the rear-wheel drive of the i4 eDrive 40 that I have now. Most reviews of this were better than the M50 version, a four-wheel drive. Macan RWD has the same maximum power as i4 and 0-60 also is the same in 5.4 seconds. Which I find fast enough in our speed limited roads, at least for my needs, as I don't need break-neck jerk of a turbo (personal preference)
The torque is actually 100lb-ft more than in the i4 which would be nice when needed, and I never found torque and acceleration lacking in the i4. Most of the time where I drive, legal speed limits barely go up from 20-30mph, and max 70mph on motorways.

I think rear-wheel drive cars are more fun in general. The best sports cars are rear-wheel drive. Also, the base Macan will have the best turn as there is no electric motor assembly upfront, the front axle will weigh less and reduce some inherent friction from the steering. As Kris felt in the video, the steering was better @3:19 to 4:54

Macan (all Cayenne, 911, Taycan, Panamera (apart from the base model) and forth coming Cayman / Boxster EV have / will have AWD) All Wheel Drive (not actually 4 wheel drive (4-WD)) enhances grip in all conditions and is to be preferred over front or rear wheel drive only. Useful in gaining traction in snowy / slippery conditions (PTV helps here too were fitted) but once you've lost traction you've lost traction no matter what type of drive you have.

Many of the best sports cars have AWD - the best 911s are all AWD (ignoring the race track focussed 911 GT3 / GT2 RS where weight saving is more of a consideration), Lamborghini, McLaren etc.

No point in having an SUV if it ain't AWD (or 4-WD if going for a proper off-roader).

My personal point of view on this is that Porsche were desperate to grab the best range headlines and so a single motor will achieve that but the number of buyers will be few and far between. On the 2nd hand market this will be the bottom of the list given the relative depreciation across all models will mean a higher spec model (all of which will have AWD) will be first choice.

Throb · 2024-12-30T07:56:13-0800

W1NGE said:
No point in having an SUV if it ain't AWD (or 4-WD if going for a proper off-roader).

I don't agree at all. People buy SUVs for reasons which have nothing to do with traction, such as ease of ingress and egress, the commanding view of the road, and looks. I don't see why an SUV should have AWD any more than a regular saloon or hatchback.

@Awaz The RWD is a great choice for those that simply don't require the AWD functionality. I'm considering a Macan RWD for my wife when her current car needs replacing.

ColdCase · 2024-12-30T09:00:53-0800

We all know that in performance, low traction, and off road applications, you want the most power delivered to the road. Now days, the extra rubber or four tires contacting the road surface with power is well worth the extra AWD/4WD weight and friction losses.... especially for launch. We also know that we don't want brakes turning horsepower to heat while trying to stop wheels from spinning, but thats another story.

However, for transportation appliance applications where the streets are well taken care of, or there is no ice/snow, the extra complexity, parts, friction loss, cost, and weight of AWD becomes a big disadvantage.

Personal preference, but for year round use I'd always buy AWD or automatic 4WD for my spouse regardless as it is easier to drive safely and with less drama, i.e. harder to get into trouble (the fun factor is not a consideration).

It is one of those "if you've never driven a well equiped max traction vehicle, you won't get it" type things.

The RWD Macan will be a nice vehicle for many use cases. I happen to have the parking space for a relatively cheap, front wheel drive Mini EV that is a whole lot of fun to drive.

Is Porsche Macan RWD Base a good option?

Awaz

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bbmertz

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PanameraFrank

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krissrock

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macanchan

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casper

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Awaz

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tmrqs

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Awaz

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W1NGE

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Throb

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ColdCase

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