2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2021 Porsche Macan

01/26/2021

2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs 2021 Porsche Macan: It's ok to get emotional

Purchasing a premium SUV is not something to be taken lightly. For many, the transaction represents a considerable amount of money. Making the right choice can be difficult and an emotional one. Especially when considering an Alfa Romeo Stelvio and a Porsche Macan.

It's an exotic SUV

With 110 years of history and experience behind it, Alfa Romeo tasked its incredibly talented designers to create an SUV unlike all the others. The resulting Stelvio is a masterful combination of historically-significant design cues and modern proportions. No matter the trim, the Stelvio is unmistakingly an exotic vehicle. The Porsche Macan has its own visual highlights however its self-effacing lines allow it to disappear in the background.

From the most basic version, the new Sprint, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio's powerful curves and determined front fascia, with its signature Scudetto grille, has built-in voluntary simplicity which enhances the SUV's overall appeal. A base Porsche Macan barely looks the part while all versions of the Stelvio are nothing short of exotic.

It's about the driver, and the others…

If the Stelvio's seductive shape fails to convince, the doubts will end once on board. No other luxury SUV provides the driver with such a powerful sense of occasion and control as does the Stelvio. The driving position, for one, will make the driver feel immediately connected to the vehicle. Elements not offered as standard in the Macan, such as a flat-bottom Formula One-inspired steering wheel, indicate to the driver that what's about to happen will be special.

Comfort and available interior space are also key for all occupants. The Stelvio's larger trunk can hold up to 525 litres of gear, compared to the Macan's 488 litres. Not only is the Alfa Romeo's cabin better appointed but it's also more practical.

The power of emotions

Emotions can be directly linked to performance. This is why Alfa Romeo fits, as standard, the most powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engines available in the segment. With 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, the Stelvio, with its 8-speed automatic transmission, will complete the 0-97 km/h sprint in only 5.4 seconds.

The Porsche Macan's base engine is also a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder though it generates only 248 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Bragging rights belong to the Stelvio owner as the Macan needs 6.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

Finally, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio's DNA Drive Mode selector gives the driver much more control over the driving experience compared to the Macan's simple Sport drive mode button.

- Des Sources Alfa Romeo