Just a few days ago Mercedes-AMG unveiled the all-new GT. This is the second-generation of the GT nameplate. From day one AMG has made no bones about the fact that it is targeting Porsche’s 911 with its own coupe. This makes an ideal time for a Mercedes-AMG GT vs Porsche 911 GTS match-up.

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Two For Now

Mercedes-AMG has released the GT in two guises, the GT55 and GT63. The ‘entry-level’ GT55 is a close match for the 911 Carrera 4 GTS. That’s not an accident, which makes this Mercedes-AMG GT vs Porsche 911 GTS comparison quite pertinent.

You can read our original Mercedes-AMG GT article at this link.

Closely Matched

A 4,0-litre V8 powers the GT55, an engine that we are quite familiar with from many other AMG products. In typical 911 fashion the Carrera 4 GTS has a flat-six motor, which displaces 3,0-litres. Both cars feature twin-turbocharging. 

The GT55 has 350 kW of power and 700 N.m of torque. The GTS delivers 353 kW of power with a maximum torque figure of 570 N.m. Both cars feature all-wheel-drive, this is a new feature for the GT55. The GTS, meanwhile, can be optioned in all- or rear-wheel guise. The Merc uses a nine-speed automatic transmission while an eight-speed PDK is the corresponding option on the 911. However, the GTS can also be kitted with a manual gearbox for those who prefer.

Straight-line Performance

The GT55 is said to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3,9 seconds. The Porsche beats that by 0,6 at 3,3 seconds, provided you tick the ‘Sport Chrono Package’ box on your order form. The 911’s top speed also outdoes the AMG 309 vs 295 km/h. 

We walked away from the GTS national ride-and-drive event with a very favourable impression. We haven’t driven the new AMG GT, well, no one outside the company has. However, there is one major factor at play here. 

The Carrera 4 GTS tips the scales at 1 670 kg. According to Mercedes’ press material, the GT55 comes in at a rather portly 1 970 kg. The AMG has active suspension and rear-wheel steer, but 300 kg is going to be a real burden to overcome in the twisty stuff if you are chasing a 911 GTS. Time will tell how it behaves on the road.

We know the 911 Carrera 4 GTS costs R3 058 000 and we expect that the AMG GT55 won’t be too far off from that figure. 

Which of these two German sports coupes would you choose? Let us know on our Facebook page.