FOR THE LOVE OF SPORT
How does a crossover SUV like the Porsche Macan fare against the Porsche 718 Cayman sports car? BAZAAR explores how similar it is to each other in more ways than one.
NIMBLE MOVES … I was behind the wheel of the Porsche Macan as we made our way up to Genting Highlands, taking the corners at 90km/h, uphill. On paper, the Macan’s higher centre of mass should indicate it’s less stable than the 718 Cayman, but never did I once feel like the Macan was at risk of tilting over or losing its grip. FOUR-CYLINDER MAGIC … There were obvious naysayers when Porsche first announced that it would remove two cylinders from the 718 engine bay, making the total number four instead of six. Would the car still be as muscular in performance as its predecessor, people asked? With a turbocharger fitted, there really are no complaints from this girl. In a mere eight seconds on a straight, almost-empty road in Putrajaya, I easily hit 180 on the speedometer. READY TO RUMBLE … Are both cars perfect for everyday driving? Yes, but there is a caveat. If ferrying backseat passengers is not a priority, the 718 Cayman’s interior cockpit and lush leather seats make the driving experience all the more desirable. The Macan, on the other hand, serves the driver with its high performance and sound design, all while prizing the comfort of the passenger through the use of its Alcantara fabric. www.porsche.com/pap/_malaysia_