BMW M3

BMW M4

used-test-bmw-m3-vs-porsche-macan-verdict

Porsche

Macan

Saloon

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

<h2>Our verdict</h2>Fast, fun and refined, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan</a> is astonishing, but a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a> beater it is not. As much as the Macan hides its SUV height and weight on the road, take it out of isolation and pit it against an M3 and a spotlight is shone on its bulk. The M3 is a much sharper and livelier machine. It's also cheaper to buy and run, plus it's better equipped, so the M3 proves the better used buy, as well as the more rewarding driver's car.

Within their respective classes, these two cars are equally esteemed, we should add. As such, we wouldn't blame you if you bought either, depending on your needs, and they earn the same star rating from us. For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><hr /><h3>1st – BMW M3</h3>

For Blistering pace; masses of grip; engaging drive; more affordable Against Road noise; less comfortable; lower-quality interiorWhat Car? says 4 stars out of 5<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/used-review/n18202">BMW M3 review &gt;&gt;</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/used-review/n18202">Used 2014-2018 BMW M3 review &gt;&gt;</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/bmw?">Used BMW cars for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

<hr /><h3>2nd – Porsche Macan</h3>

For Quick and smooth; secure, agile handling; plusher; bigger boot Against Not as fun as the M3; short on standard kit from new; pricier What Car? says 4 stars out of 5<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan review</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/used-review/n908">Used 2014-2023 Porsche Macan review &gt;&gt;</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/porsche?">Used Porsche cars for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h3><hr /><h3>Specification: BMW M3 DCT</h3>Engine 3.0-litre, 6cyl, twin-turbo Power 425bhp Torque 406lb ft 0-60mph 4.0 sec Top speed 155mph Fuel economy 27.6mpg CO2 emissions 194g/km<hr /><h3>Specification: Porsche Macan Turbo</h3>Engine 3.6-litre, V6, twin-turbo Power 394bhp Torque 406lb ft 0-60mph 4.3sec Top speed 165mph Fuel economy 23.4mpg CO2 emissions 208g/km<hr /><h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/used-test-bmw-m3-vs-porsche-macan-costs/n25784">&lt;&lt; Previous</a> | <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-cars/n24412">Read more: Best sports cars &gt;&gt;</a> </h2>Page 4 of 4

<h2>Our verdict</h2>Fast, fun and refined, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan</a> is astonishing, but a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/review/n135">BMW M3</a> beater it is not. As much as the Macan hides its SUV height and weight on the road, take it out of isolation and pit it against an M3 and a spotlight is shone on its bulk. The M3 is a much sharper and livelier machine.

It's also cheaper to buy and run, plus it's better equipped, so the M3 proves the better used buy, as well as the more rewarding driver's car.Within their respective classes, these two cars are equally esteemed, we should add. As such, we wouldn't blame you if you bought either, depending on your needs, and they earn the same star rating from us. For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><hr /><h3>1st – BMW M3</h3>

For Blistering pace; masses of grip; engaging drive; more affordable Against Road noise; less comfortable; lower-quality interiorWhat Car? says 4 stars out of 5<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/used-review/n18202">BMW M3 review &gt;&gt;</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m3/saloon/used-review/n18202">Used 2014-2018 BMW M3 review &gt;&gt;</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/bmw?">Used BMW cars for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h3><hr /><h3>2nd – Porsche Macan</h3>

For Quick and smooth; secure, agile handling; plusher; bigger boot Against Not as fun as the M3; short on standard kit from new; pricier

What Car? says 4 stars out of 5<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan review</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/used-review/n908">Used 2014-2023 Porsche Macan review &gt;&gt;</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/porsche?">Used Porsche cars for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h3><hr /><h3>Specification: BMW M3 DCT</h3>Engine 3.0-litre, 6cyl, twin-turbo Power 425bhp Torque 406lb ft 0-60mph 4.0 sec Top speed 155mph Fuel economy 27.6mpg CO2 emissions 194g/km<hr /><h3>Specification: Porsche Macan Turbo</h3>Engine 3.6-litre, V6, twin-turbo Power 394bhp Torque 406lb ft 0-60mph 4.3sec Top speed 165mph Fuel economy 23.4mpg CO2 emissions 208g/km<hr /><h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/used-test-bmw-m3-vs-porsche-macan-costs/n25784">&lt;&lt; Previous</a> | <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-cars/n24412">Read more: Best sports cars &gt;&gt;</a> </h2>Page 4 of 4

Used test: BMW M3 vs Porsche Macan verdict

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Entertainingly agile handling</li> <li>Eye-widening acceleration</li> <li>Fruity exhaust note</li> <li>Punchy and characterful engine</li> <li>Great driving position</li> <li>Everyday usability</li></ul>

The best performance cars combine sports car-rivalling acceleration with&nbsp;engaging handling. However, they also retain the&nbsp;impressive everyday usability of the conventional saloons and estates on which they're based.

Performance car

An unlikely pairing, but the Porsche Macan sports SUV has the driving chops to challenge the performance car status quo. So, is the BMW M3 or the Macan the better used buy?


Used test: BMW M3 vs Porsche Macan verdict        

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.

The DB12 is a very fast and very luxurious long distance cruiser, and the DBS is arguably one of the most glamorous cars around.

Proving it's not afraid to move with the times, Aston has also embraced&nbsp;the march of the SUV; its DBX707 is a stunning example of what's possible when building a fast, expensive and sporty SUV.

ASTON MARTIN

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.

The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and sonorous V8 engine.

Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur&nbsp;saloon&nbsp;and the Continental GT coupé and convertible.

BENTLEY

Alpina has produced high-performance versions of BMW's range since the 1960s, and is now considered to be a manufacturer in its own right.

Whilst it cars are typically fast, and are often considered alternatives to BMW's M models, they are typically more comfortable with engines that provide a more relaxed power delivery.

Its models have similar naming conventions to the equivalent BMW: the B3 is based on the BMW 3 Series and the B4 Gran Coupé started life as a 4 Series Gran Coupé, for example.

BMW ALPINA

BYD is one of the biggest names in electric cars globally, but only launched in the UK recently.

Even so, it has a fast-growing dealer network, and it's models - most notably the Tesla Model 3-rivalling Seal - are gaining attention for impressive tech and good driving ranges.

Other BYDs include the MG4-sized Dolphin and Nissan Qashqai-sized Atto 3.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

GENESIS

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

2 SERIES

3 SERIES

5 SERIES

7 SERIES

8 SERIES GRAN COUPE

Don’t worry: this M3 review isn't about a road from Surrey&nbsp;to Southampton. In fact, the&nbsp;BMW M3&nbsp;couldn’t be more different to&nbsp;the motorway it shares a name with.

Since the mid-Eighties, the M3 has been the fastest and most exciting version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> executive car, building up a cult following among performance car fans –&nbsp;and now there’s the BMW M3 Touring to broaden that appeal even further.&nbsp;

In fact, the versatility of the&nbsp;estate car version will be perfect for lots of people, because it allows&nbsp;you go&nbsp;for a couple of quick laps at Brands Hatch at the weekend, then fill its huge boot with furniture on the way home. That’s something you can't do with the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/giulia/saloon/review/n17264">Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio</a>.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KxD5kcsyVf0?si=m7gsWlyFgxbQ8kfn" width="560"></iframe>

This review covers both versions – the four-door M3 saloon and the M3 Touring estate car – but if you want a two-door&nbsp;coupé, you'll need our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m4/coupe/review/n17199">BMW M4 review</a>.

So, what&nbsp;are the BMW M3 and M3 Touring like to drive, and how do they stack up against the thrilling&nbsp;Giulia Quadrifoglio&nbsp;and the rapid but practical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs4/estate/review/n189">Audi RS4 Avant</a>? Read on to find out...

NEW REVIEWS:

Used test: BMW M3 vs Porsche Macan verdict

An unlikely pairing, but the Porsche Macan sports SUV has the driving chops to challenge the performance car status quo. So, is the BMW M3 or the Macan the better used buy?...

BMW M3

BMW M4

Our verdict

1st – BMW M3

BMW M3 review >>
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BMW M3 4.0 IV8 DCT Euro 5 2dr

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BMW M3 4.0 IV8 Euro 4 2dr

2nd – Porsche Macan

Porsche Macan review
Used 2014-2023 Porsche Macan review >>
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Specification: BMW M3 DCT

Specification: Porsche Macan Turbo

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Used test: BMW M3 vs Porsche Macan

Used test: BMW M3 vs Porsche Macan interiors

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Past Master: BMW M3 (E46)

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NEW REVIEWS:

Used test: BMW M3 vs Porsche Macan verdict

An unlikely pairing, but the Porsche Macan sports SUV has the driving chops to challenge the performance car status quo. So, is the BMW M3 or the Macan the better used buy?...

Our verdict

1st – BMW M3

BMW M3 review >>Used 2014-2018 BMW M3 review >>Used BMW cars for sale >>

BMW M3 4.0 IV8 DCT Euro 5 2dr

BMW M3 4.0 V8 DCT Euro 5 2dr

BMW M3 4.0 IV8 Euro 4 2dr

2nd – Porsche Macan

Porsche Macan reviewUsed 2014-2023 Porsche Macan review >>Used Porsche cars for sale >>

Specification: BMW M3 DCT

Specification: Porsche Macan Turbo

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Used test: BMW M3 vs Porsche Macan

Used test: BMW M3 vs Porsche Macan interiors

Used test: BMW M3 vs Porsche Macan costs

2023 BMW M3 Touring review

Past Master: BMW M3 (E46)

Used test: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio vs BMW M3 verdict

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BMW M3 review >>
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