The SQ5 has a standard Audi Backguard System, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Audi Backguard System moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Macan doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.
Both the SQ5 and the Macan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all-wheel drive, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.
The SQ5’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Macan’s (12 vs. 10 years).
There are over 30 percent more Audi dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the SQ5’s warranty.
The SQ5’s 3.0 supercharged V6 produces 14 more horsepower (354 vs. 340) and 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (346 vs. 339) than the Macan S’ standard 3.0 turbo V6.
As tested in Motor Trend the Audi SQ5 is faster than the Macan S:
SQ5 |
Macan |
|
Zero to 60 MPH |
4.8 sec |
4.9 sec |
Speed in 1/4 Mile |
102.2 MPH |
102.1 MPH |
On the EPA test cycle the SQ5 gets better fuel mileage than the Macan (17 city/24 hwy vs. 17 city/23 hwy).
The SQ5 has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Macan S’ standard fuel tank (19.8 vs. 17.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
For better stopping power the SQ5’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Macan:
SQ5 |
Macan |
|
Front Rotors |
15 inches |
13.8 inches |
In an emergency stopping situation, many drivers don’t press the brakes with enough force to stop the vehicle in the shortest distance. The SQ5 has a standard brake assist system to detect emergency braking situations (by how hard and how quickly the brake pedal is pressed) and then automatically apply maximum braking immediately in order to help prevent a collision. The Macan doesn’t offer a brake assist feature.
The SQ5 stops much shorter than the Macan:
SQ5 |
Macan |
||
60 to 0 MPH |
104 feet |
119 feet |
Motor Trend |
For better traction, the SQ5 has larger tires than the Macan (255/45R20 vs. 235/55R19).
The SQ5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Macan’s standard 55 series front and 50 series rear tires.
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the SQ5 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the Macan.
For better maneuverability, the SQ5’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Macan S’ (38.1 feet vs. 38.7 feet). The SQ5’s turning circle is 1.1 feet tighter than the Macan Turbo’s (38.1 feet vs. 39.2 feet).
The design of the Audi SQ5 amounts to more than styling. The SQ5 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .36 Cd. That is lower than the Macan (.36 to .37). A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the SQ5 get better fuel mileage.
The SQ5 has 5.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Macan (101.5 vs. 96).
For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the SQ5’s rear seats recline. The Macan’s rear seats don’t recline.
The SQ5 has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat up than the Macan with its rear seat up (29.1 vs. 17.7 cubic feet). The SQ5 has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat folded than the Macan with its rear seat folded (57.3 vs. 53 cubic feet).
The SQ5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The Intellichoice estimates that the SQ5 will retain 52.82% of its original price after five years, while the Macan only retains 49.17% to 52.31%.
© 1991-2016 Advanta-STAR Automotive Research. All rights reserved.
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