Porsche 944 Turbo Meets Macan GTS in Unlikely Video Showdown
A new video from the Porsche Club of America puts the classic 944 Turbo against the modern Macan GTS, highlighting how Porsche’s approach to performance has evolved across decades and segments.
A recent video produced for the Porsche Club of America takes a novel approach to the brand’s performance heritage, staging a face-off between the classic 944 Turbo and the contemporary Macan GTS. The film, edited and directed by Will Keown, sets out to explore how two very different Porsches, one a 1980s icon, the other a current high-performance SUV, compare when judged by the standards of their respective eras.
The 944 Turbo: 1980s Performance Benchmark
Launched in 1985, the Porsche 944 Turbo (also known as the 951) quickly established itself as one of the most capable sports cars of its time. Powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the 944 Turbo produced 220bhp in its original form, with later models rising to 250bhp. Rear-wheel drive and a near-perfect weight distribution made it a favourite among driving enthusiasts and club racers. Its relatively low curb weight and sharp handling set a template for accessible, everyday performance in a classic coupe format.
Macan GTS: Modern Family Performance
In contrast, the Macan GTS represents Porsche’s current approach to performance for the family market. The latest Macan GTS uses a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, sending 380bhp to all four wheels through a dual-clutch PDK gearbox. Despite weighing nearly twice as much as the 944 Turbo, the Macan GTS can accelerate from 0-62mph in under 4.7 seconds, thanks to its all-wheel drive traction and advanced electronics. It brings everyday usability, high ground clearance, and the latest infotainment and safety technology, showing how Porsche has adapted its sporting DNA for the SUV era.
Driving Feel and Everyday Usability
The video, created for PCA and Panorama Magazine, focuses on more than just straight-line speed. Footage and commentary highlight the different sensations behind the wheel: the 944 Turbo’s lightness and feedback against the Macan’s effortless pace and comfort. While the 944 Turbo demands driver involvement and rewards precision, the Macan GTS delivers its performance with refinement and security, even in poor conditions. The film underscores how Porsche’s engineering priorities have shifted, but the core appeal, responsive handling and accessible speed, remains.
Why This Comparison Matters to Enthusiasts
For Porsche owners and fans, the video offers a rare chance to see two very different generations of performance philosophy side by side. The 944 Turbo stands for an era when Porsche’s focus was on lightweight coupes, while the Macan GTS shows how the badge now meets demand for high-speed practicality. For buyers considering a used 944 Turbo or a new Macan GTS, the film provides context on what each delivers, classic engagement or modern versatility. It also demonstrates Porsche’s ability to adapt its core values to changing customer needs and market segments.
For more on the latest Macan GTS developments, including spy footage and technical details, seeour report on the Macan GTS prototype at the Nürburgring.
