Porsche Macan GTS vs S | How Different Are They?

The Porsche Macan GTS and S are the top two offerings in the Macan lineup, but how different are they really? The Macan is one of Porsche's best selling cars but after they refreshed the model back in 2021, many people are wondering what are their differences since they both are now equipped with the same engine.

Gone is the Turbo and the GTS now reigns supreme. Its basically the same car as the Turbo with a few minor tweaks. The S comes second, but also has the same engine as the GTS. The GTS has a couple other minor aesthetic differences but otherwise, the two cars are mostly the same. The interior of these examples had a really nice upgraded leather package in red and overall the quality of the Macan interior is great.

So which would you choose, the Macan GTS or S?

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[DriveSteady]

Which Macan would you choose, GTS or S?

[garsimmulholland]

Wife has a macan gts….over 8 months it is getting better, love the little button on the steering wheel and the exhaust sound. It also does a drop on suspension at speed.
Cracking car.

[shellback]

I traded in my Hellcat Challenger for a Macan GTS today. The cat will not be missed.

[DG-wofx]

I was lucky and found a used 2017 Macan GTS in perfect condition and optioned exactly the way I wanted back in 2022. I actually prefer the appearance of the front end of the 2017 GTS to the latest version.

[dck]

My 24 Macan S gets here next month. Can't wait! Fully specced with chalk exterior with red interior. Came out to be close to GTS's starting price. Kinda bummed 23 Macan S was cheaper but its the same as 24 Macan S. Should've ordered last year.

[ukaszczarnota]

When U add same spec like air suspension, sport exhaust, better brakes, better wheels etc price is very similar. Additional gts has lower suspension and better residual value in the future . Thats why I chose GTS 😎

[MTEK]

Resale value is another thing to consider. You may be better off getting a GTS than a loaded S that only saves you a couple grand.

[OllyPlayz-]

Great review mate. Probably the best video i have seen comparing specs on the Macan since looking into getting one, thanks

[HiddenWen]

I'll take the S. The S's front facia looks much better.

[marikyr]

Have an S. Love it. Don't know where you can fully exploit the extra power of the GTS as the roads are so limited where i live.

[robertgedzelman]

Car and Driver, 0-60 mph: GTS: 3.5; S: 3.8 seconds. GTS: 434 hp/405 Ft-lbs torque: S: 375 hp/383 ft-lbs torque. Porsche statistics (both with sport chrono package): GTS 4.1 secs, S: 4.3 seconds. So, a difference of anywhere between 0.2 to 0.3 seconds. Do you think that the 59 hp (22 foot-pound torque) increase in the GTS only offers such a small difference in acceleration? Also: GTS 1/4 mile in 12.5 seconds vs S at 13 seconds. I don't think Porsche is correctly stating the horsepower in the S. 59 hp difference means the GTS is only 15.7% more powerful than the S. The GTS also only has 5.7% more torque than the S. That should offer a greater degree of difference than just 0.2 to 0.3 seconds. Such a small difference cannot be detected by any driver....try to clap your hands 5 times in one second (that's 0.2 seconds' difference between claps).

How could Porsche take the same engine and demand $14, 000 more for it UNLESS it appears the power difference is significant! IF, and I'm not sure...IF the S has perhaps 400 or 405 or 415 hp, than how could Porsche charge $14, 000 more for a 20, 25 or 30 hp difference (and 22 foot-pound difference)? So, I think Porsche is playing a numbers game AND deliberately down-rated the S model.

My sales rep said to me AFTER I took delivery: "you really did get the right model AND you equipped it really well". He suggested my S is the better deal vs. the GTS.

Suggestion: IF you can afford the air suspension AND the sport chromo package, get them...plus the 18-way seats (unless you weigh more than 270 pounds). The air suspension TOTALLY changes the car's handling characteristics. I did NOT order the torque vectoring...I don't plan on beating my car to death by jack rabbit starting it 'round corners, etc.

I also ordered the top-line beige interior (dash, door panels, etc all in leather - very nice)...and I love it! It's bright inside whereas, black on black on black is dark inside. Carbon fiber this/that? What does THAT get you except how to spend another $1200 on stuff. If you order the dark blue, then consider the light gray interior...(or the beige)...really nice also.

I've driven other SUVs and they stand NO CHANCE when compared to the Macan. There is NO SUV or crossover anywhere near the Macan. (Well, the BMW X-4M is a beast, BUT its ride is harsh and in the Macan, with air suspension, you can mellow out the ride and yet it's still very sporty and nimble.)

[AlwaysFirstPrincipleThinking]

Own a 2015 Macan Turbo, GIAC tune plus Flat Six Intakes, over 500hp, lowered, GMG exhaust, diamond black metallic full black leather interior, 21 Sport Classic wheels with Michelin 4S, love my daily driver Macan

[gincarzox]

You can leave the transmission in Manual mode by pressing the '-M+' button on the left side of the steering wheel

[cincyrovers]

I have a ‘23 S that I ordered with every performance and convenience option. So I have Sport Chrono, PASM air suspension and the PTV+ rear differential, Premium Pack +, 18-way seats and the heated windshield to name a few of the options I went for.

The air suspension is super compliant in all modes, launch control with Sport Chrono is insane, and the PTV+ makes a huge difference. I autocross mine, and I am able to put down similar times to 981 Caymans. Super impressive for a crossover.

When I ordered mine, I test drove the S and GTS back to back, and in terms of acceleration I couldn’t feel any difference (instrumented testing shows only a .1 second difference in 0-60 times). The handling was noticeably sharper, but not monumentally better, and it had heavier steering. The PSCBs were the biggest improvement on the GTS, IMO. Overall, I didn’t think it was worth an extra $17k for 10% better handling. I also don’t care for the satin black front bumper on the GTS.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with either one. They’re both incredibly good performance crossovers.

[greg]

It's a bit odd that you just use speed to differentiate them, but during the drive talk about a huge difference between the two when it comes to handling and steering feel. Seems like the question is, do you want a Macan that has some sportiness, but is a bit more docile or do you want a Macan that is sport-focused in all things.

[oxxxeee]

got custom 2023 S in February with full leather and 18 way seats and air suspension. best value build IMO. unless you live in a rural area with twisties like I do all this stuff does not matter much. if yer a city driver, get a Lexus 350 or Genesis GV70

[richardgray]

Mrs RG's 19 plate "S" has just been replaced with a well specced 2024 MACAN 23 GTS. What a car ir is, my daily is a 911 GTS and I find the new MACAN a real dilemma; in the past I always jumped in the 911 now the Macan is a real drive and one I love taking out. The old Macan was fabulous the new one is just superb, we opted for the non GTS air so it would default to comfort for my wife but can be lowered and hardened easily. I am not knocking the current S just feel the GTS offers "more" and looks "more", a great place to be!

[merlinkatz]

My 3rd Macan S…2016, 2021, 2024.
PROS: power, handling, looks, build quality, comfort, exhaust tone, tech options, Bose
CONS: PSCB brakes seem weak, must use paddles to manually shift (console lever will not), strongly preferred the one color interior of the 2016 (compared to the required black dash, carpet, headliner now)
Bottom line: I like it. A lot.

[bd]

@DriveSteady - I'm pretty sure you just misspoke on the HP differences. At the 7:40 mark, you say the GTS has 343 HP, when it has 434 HP. Great review, thanks. My wife has been hunting a 23' or newer white on pebble grey and just can't find any. Started searching for the same color combo in the GTS and have found quite a few. Of course they're way more expensive.

[billboyce]

Macan S is the better value, I think.