[toneil44]

Looking at the competition for closest match to M8 Comp Coupe/GC. My priorities are 60% luxury/40% performance. I live in the northeast. DD year round (put on winter/all-season tires in the cold months) w/ occasionaliy tracking it (maybe 10 days or so per year).

I'm setting up a test drive w/ an AMG GT 2 door/4 door. What are the differences I should look for between the AMG GT 2 door/4 door and the M8 Comp Coupe/GC?

What options should I be looking at to match the M8 Comp Coupe/GC for standard equipment and recommendations for other options?

Something that catches my eye, from the MB website, the AMG GT 4 door registers quicker 0 - 60 (63 S - 3.1 sec) times than the 2 door (GT R - 3.5 sec)??? What do I get for the additional $20K base price difference compared to the M8 Comp Coupe/GC? I haven't gotten into any differences in standard vs optional equipment between the AMG and M8 cars.

Any other car brands I need to look at to match the M8 Comp Coupe/GC w/ my priorities?

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

[WoodlandsM8]

Originally Posted by toneil44

Looking at the competition for closest match to M8 Comp Coupe/GC. My priorities are 60% luxury/40% performance. I live in the northeast. DD year round (put on winter/all-season tires in the cold months) w/ occasionaliy tracking it (maybe 10 days or so per year).

I'm setting up a test drive w/ an AMG GT 2 door/4 door. What are the differences I should look for between the AMG GT 2 door/4 door and the M8 Comp Coupe/GC?

What options should I be looking at to match the M8 Comp Coupe/GC for standard equipment and recommendations for other options?

Something that catches my eye, from the MB website, the AMG GT 4 door registers quicker 0 - 60 (63 S - 3.1 sec) times than the 2 door (GT R - 3.5 sec)??? What do I get for the additional $20K base price difference compared to the M8 Comp Coupe/GC? I haven't gotten into any differences in standard vs optional equipment between the AMG and M8 cars.

Any other car brands I need to look at to match the M8 Comp Coupe/GC w/ my priorities?

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

I'm not expert but I looked at both of these cars when I bought mine and ultimately went with the BMW. I loved the brute sound of the AMG GT (2 door coupe) and could definitely see it as a daily driver, but BMW incentivized me more to go with them haha. Don't think you can go wrong either way, both handsome vehicles.

[Wolfman64]

First question would be ask if you planning to buy or lease.
BMW's are dramatically cheaper than AMG's when leasing as they use unrealistic residual values and extremely low money factors (interest).

Once that is out of the way, the GT63s is quite comparable to a M8Comp GC. AMG costs more but the pick is ultimately one of personal taste and likes of the exterior/interior design. I wasn't a fan of the 4 door GT and it has grown on me. With a drop and spacers it's a cool looking car. Only the MY21 have MBUX instead of the outdated Comand (which is vastly inferior to iDrive7). MBUX on the other hand is considered better than iDrive.

The AMG GTR on the other hand is a sports car that is designed to compete with the 911 (which is not the case with the M8 coupe. This is a heavy GT cruiser).

The GTR is an easy 1000 lbs lighter and has rear wheel drive & rear wheel steering. Hence the higher 0-60 time. More bare bone throughout with focus on driving experience, that car is wicked fast on the track. It is more fun to drive and delivers better feedback.

As the same time maybe not a daily driver for many as it is tight and less practical.

We have a GTC roadster and love our M8C coupe but the AMG is hands down more fun to drive. The car is more agile and balanced than the M8 and the exhaust is killer on the AMG's.

[LSM]

Originally Posted by Wolfman64

First question would be ask if you planning to buy or lease.
BMW's are dramatically cheaper than AMG's when leasing as they use unrealistic residual values and extremely low money factors (interest).

Once that is out of the way, the GT63s is quite comparable to a M8Comp GC. AMG costs more but the pick is ultimately one of personal taste and likes of the exterior/interior design. I wasn't a fan of the 4 door GT and it has grown on me. With a drop and spacers it's a cool looking car. Only the MY21 have MBUX instead of the outdated Comand (which is vastly inferior to iDrive7). MBUX on the other hand is considered better than iDrive.

The AMG GTR on the other hand is a sports car that is designed to compete with the 911 (which is not the case with the M8 coupe. This is a heavy GT cruiser).

The GTR is an easy 1000 lbs lighter and has rear wheel drive & rear wheel steering. Hence the higher 0-60 time. More bare bone throughout with focus on driving experience, that car is wicked fast on the track. It is more fun to drive and delivers better feedback.

As the same time maybe not a daily driver for many as it is tight and less practical.

We have a GTC roadster and love our M8C coupe but the AMG is hands down more fun to drive. The car is more agile and balanced than the M8 and the exhaust is killer on the AMG's.

Well said....


I would echo the M8 and AMG GT S Sedan are competitors in 4 door configuration.

The MB feels more special to me. When I first saw it I thought it was ok but then saw it with the stock 21's and the interior looks amazing. I think the M8 GC except for a couple on this board looks like a Lexus LS and is ugly .


AMG GT 2 door is a 911 competitor the M8 coupe is a gt cruiser very diff cars if you're looking at the 2 door and want a sports car with more road feel and better handling get the AMG. If you're looking for a gt cruiser get the M8. Very diff cars in two door configuration the AMG GT and M8. The M8 coupe has an unusable rear seat and amg GT doesn't have a rear seat.

If you're leaning toward luxury over sport then AMG GT Sedan sportier option or M8 in either coupe or GC

Sport I'd look at a 911 which I have and daily drive or amg GT 2 door. I also have a RR sport though.

But from your post looks like you're looking for luxury mostly. If looking for a coupe that's more luxury then sporty your left with M8 or perhaps the LC500 or S class coupe

This would be more sporty than the M8 but I also suggest looking at 2021 LCI Panamera that was just announced if going 4 door

[HMN]

It eventually goes down to personal preference. The GT4dr has definitely a more posh-feeling, plus the brute sound. The M8 is more subtle, simple but a better all round perfomer. You could also look at the RS7 but since you're more on luxury than performance I'd say it won't suit you.
Maybe the new Panamera turbo facelift?
If it was down to me i'd go for the M8, but that's just me.

[toneil44]

Thanks for the posters replies.

I visited the Germans - brands that I am interested in.

Mercedes - Test driving GT 63 (not S) today. On waiting list for GT R.

Audi - Nothing in luxury GT car.

Porsche - Test driving 911 S and one of the Panamera models. Which would you choose as closest to M8 GC?

Then I'm ready to make a decision.

[Neptune7]

Originally Posted by toneil44

Thanks for the posters replies.

I visited the Germans - brands that I am interested in.

Mercedes - Test driving GT 63 (not S) today. On waiting list for GT R.

Audi - Nothing in luxury GT car.

Porsche - Test driving 911 S and one of the Panamera models. Which would you choose as closest to M8 GC?

Then I'm ready to make a decision.

Audi has the RS7 or S7.

Panamera Turbo S or Turbo S E-Hybrid would be the a good comparison.

[LSM]

2021 Panamera Turbo S will be the best to compare to but it's not out yet. They updated the Panamera line for 2021

[bforbrian]

I'm not sure if anyone watches carwow drag races on YouTube, but the AMG GT63S 4Door has shown to launch unreliably (4Matic becomes unavailable), while the M8 launches very consistently. If that matters to you, then factor that into the equation.

[Wolfman64]

Originally Posted by bforbrian

I'm not sure if anyone watches carwow drag races on YouTube, but the AMG GT63S 4Door has shown to launch unreliably (4Matic becomes unavailable), while the M8 launches very consistently. If that matters to you, then factor that into the equation.

Wasn’t that just one time with the YouTuber that owns the GT63s (RBR)?
M8 launches reliably but carwow had many more issues launching M5’s than the AMG.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by toneil44

I'm setting up a test drive w/ an AMG GT 2 door/4 door. What are the differences I should look for between the AMG GT 2 door/4 door and the M8 Comp Coupe/GC?

The M8 Coupe and Gran Coupe share a platform and the GC is essentially the larger four door version, the AMG GT and GT4D aren't actually related besides name, so they are two different beasts, I'll explain more below.

Originally Posted by toneil44

What options should I be looking at to match the M8 Comp Coupe/GC for standard equipment and recommendations for other options?

My list of reccomended options.
1) Bright Leather. The interior of the M8's in all forms have no sunroof, and a small greenhouse, the coupe in particular can feel like a coffin in all black. Bright leather is needed to make it feel more airy and open. See Wolfman64 interior for a good example of this, he has the Ivory/Tarfuto spec.
2) Extended Merino. This gets rid of the cheap plastic on lower doors and center tunnel and replaces it with leather and stitching, should be standard but it isn't.
3) Driving Assistant Professional. BMW's latest traffic jam assist seems to be worth the money, I would recommend trying it out.
4) B&W. You're spending all this money why not get the best audio for $3k?

In the Benz:
1) Panoramic Roof in the 4DR, Convertible for 2DR. Like the M8, really opens up the cabin.
2) Colorful Leather. Black Leather is so boring, and the new Benz interior looks fantastic when optioned in red, beige, cognac, etc.
3) Burmeister Sound System. Excellent, love it in mine.
4) Driver Assist Package.

Originally Posted by toneil44

Something that catches my eye, from the MB website, the AMG GT 4 door registers quicker 0 - 60 (63 S - 3.1 sec) times than the 2 door (GT R - 3.5 sec)??? What do I get for the additional $20K base price difference compared to the M8 Comp Coupe/GC? I haven't gotten into any differences in standard vs optional equipment between the AMG and M8 cars.

The reason the 0-60 times are different is because they are really two completely different cars. Despite the name sharing, the coupe/roadster rides on a separate AMG specific chassis/platform. It is a front-mid engine car like the prior SLS and SLR hence the long hood, and RWD only resulting in the higher 0-60 time. It also has a Multi-Clutch Transmission that is actually a transaxle (transmission is in the rear).

The GT4D is actually more of an E63S in drag. Like how the M8 is based on the M5, the GT4D is based on the E/CLS platform, not the GT coupe's. As for the extra $20k, in the coupe you are paying for the platform, it is more of a sports car than the M8. It will ride stiffer, but also handle corners better and both Merc's have a much better exhaust than BMW and you also get an MCT in both MB's versus a torque converter in both Bimmers. Again, Wolfman64 is an excellent source of info as he owns both an M8 and AMG GT Roadster, and he had an E63S which is mechanically similar to the GT4D. In the 4-door the extra $20k is harder to justify, but I find that car more enjoyable than the M5 (haven't driven M8 yet) but honestly, I would just get an E63S if you need 4-doors.

Originally Posted by toneil44

Any other car brands I need to look at to match the M8 Comp Coupe/GC w/ my priorities?

Porsche 911, always got to try out the benchmark. Panamera is also receiving updates for 2021, however leftover turbo's can be had with huge discounts, especially the wagon.

I have to ask is this going to be your only car? The GT 2-Door is excellent, but more of a weekend car, although fantastic on track (especially the GT R). The 911 may be the best mix of daily drive-ability, while still being able to be a blast on track, just have to give up the V8 sound. Although, 911 also has a manual for even more fun. To be honest, if you are seriously thinking about tracking a car 10 times a year, I'd go with the GT 2DR or 911, the M8, Panny and GT4D while excellent dailies, may not be the most fun for track duty based off my experience in an M5 on track.

[RJC-1]

I'm not a fan of "4-door sports cars" but of the lot, the M8/850 is the best looking of them all.

[bforbrian]

Originally Posted by Wolfman64

Wasn’t that just one time with the YouTuber that owns the GT63s (RBR)?
M8 launches reliably but carwow had many more issues launching M5’s than the AMG.

Yeah they gave it 3 runs from a stop, and every time the GT63S' 4Matic system was unavailable. But you're right, the M5 also does not launch reliably. Hopefully the LCI rectifies that!

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by bforbrian

I'm not sure if anyone watches carwow drag races on YouTube, but the AMG GT63S 4Door has shown to launch unreliably (4Matic becomes unavailable), while the M8 launches very consistently. If that matters to you, then factor that into the equation.

All cars suffer from problems, just sucks to have it happen while filming. On carwow there's been plenty of drag race videos where they had a malfunction on the car ranging from BMW and MB all the way to Ferrari. They did a brake test where an M4 flashed brake malfunction and have had a Ferrari's TPMS go crazy on them, I wouldn't use one video as a blanket statement for all launches of a particular car. They also have a video testing the GT4D against an RS7 and E63S and it was working properly.