Hello,

I'm here from the jag side of the world, f type r FTW!
Considering the amg gt for my next car. I dislike getting the base model in any car, but the gts is a bit out of my price range. Can I get your expertise on the differences between the gt and gts?

From the mb website specs, I see the following:
-gt has lower HP and torque, at slightly lower rpm
-gt has thinner tires and smaller rear wheels by standard options
-gt doesn't get leather seats by standard options
-gt gets manual adaptive suspension, while gts gets interactive adaptive suspension

The last one seems important, but since every manufacturer makes up their own language, I'd appreciate some clarification. Can you gentlemen (and women) explain this to me? Does this affect handling or comfort?

Also, please let me know if I missed something, or if I'm underestimating they impact of something like smaller wheels!
Thanks!

You can option a GT to be identical to a GTS, save for following:

- Race mode
- Crested armrest
- ... and the performance mapping

In relation to suspension, the standard passive GT suspension is dual valved (or something), while the AMG Performance Suspension is electronic/switchable.

The later is very effective, Comfort is pretty that, while the sportier settings firm up progressively.

Thanks for the response guys!
No race mode? Does that mean I don't have an option to tighten the suspension? Is it just a single setting?

And no colored calipers unless you're getting ceramic brakes.

More than that actually. Going through the different builds possible on Mercedes' AMG site will reveal them. One of the ones I think is important is the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. Of the suite of 4 features included, in my opinion one is especially important. It is Dynamic Engine and Transmissions Mounts. This is from the description on the web site: "A suite of features further elevates performance with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package. Chief among them are computer-controlled dynamic engine and transmission mounts. Filled with magnetorheological fluid that can be stiffened progressively via electrical current. By individually optimizing their support, they can maximize handling precision in extreme driving, yet deliver smooth refinement in normal driving."

One of the other features in the Dynamic Plus Package gives "more negative front-wheel camber for crisper, more direct response in the most athletic of driving situations."

Of course whether any of these features (or the others) included in the Dynamic Plus Package are useful or desirable to you is another question...but there are some significant differences between the two models.

Good point John, DPP is GTS only.

On the German configurator it's available for GT and GTS.

Dynamic Plus matters, especially if the handling advantage the amg has over the f type is due to those technologies.
From the build page I see the gt has a Dynamic package that allows for multiple modes, but not "race" mode.

I believe the rationale was discussed in many other posts, but the bottom line is that from an actual performance difference, it's negligable. It's hard for me to not get "the nicest one" but after much research, and time spent in both - I ended up going with a GT that I spec'd out above and beyond a stock GTS, reason being was I felt that for the money - it was a lot more car per dollar. I wanted the carbon ceramic brakes, and on the 17' it was an option. On the 18', I hear you can't get the GT with them. As far as the interior, it's the exact same, save for the center armrest cover has an embossed Affelterbach logo (but, I ordered one ..and it was only $500 ).. One thing that wasn't discussed was the fact that the GTS has an electronic controlled rear differential, whereas the GT has a standard mechanical locking diff. Those who have driven both will say the mechanical feels like it has more of a "bite" if that makes sense, that for hard driving, it's a bit better. There is a video floating around that explains it.. I will see if I can find it. Basically, Its harder to get in trouble with the GTS, as the fantastic electronic diff works well... maybe too well, for somebody who is trying to get wild with it. The mechanical diff, (if I'm not mistsken - is the same one that was in the SLS.) the Dynamic package is for sure a much harsher ride.. I have driven both, and for a pure track car? Great. Daily driver? Not so much. The power band increase is basically intended for track use, and if you ever intended on tuning the car - it would be wiped anyway. As far as race mode? You can't use it for daily driving. It's for track use.. just holds the rev's to redline in auto mode!

Good comments above.

I picked the GTS over the GT. When I roll up the number, the GTS was a better deal.

I wanted exclusive leather and a nice interior. I did not want ceramic brakes and I wanted to stay with stock 19" rims vs spening $10k on aftermarket. I wantd launch mode. To get all that the cost difference is small, except for when you go to sell it an no one wants a GT and people will only pay top dollar for a GTS.

The GT does have launch control.

Think it would be close in terms of resale on a lighly optioned GTS, versus a very pretty GT.

Perhaps JB C63S meant RACE as an option on the program selector. That is missing in the GT.

I've got $10k in options above a standard GTS and it was still $5 k less. I think over time the price will narrow not hold on GTS vs GT. It's the same car....

It's the same car with enough differences, including the name, horse power, calipers, etc, and the fact it's not the lowest model. The GT will always be the lowest model, nothing will change that.

Every minute.....

This is really good post.
With the advent of the GTC there is quite a bit of variety vying for a purchasers' attention.
First up - I love the car!
I love the concept and I love the technology.
My only previous MBs were a C43 and E55 over 10 years ago.
(I really miss the C43).
I drove GTS demonstrator and was wowed! Seriously overawed!
I currently, only have older cars - 1971 Alfa 1750 GTV, 2003 6 speed Murcie, 1985 Testa, manual 2005 DB9 - this is my first ever paddle car.

I am not a race driver, sporting car driver etc etc.
I appreciate the cars as artwork and ambience.
I love to look and admire...yes, the aural magnificence in sport/race mode is superb...
Driving is secondary but important.

I bought a GT with a lot of options - Solarbeam; sport seats; cover; bigger wheels etc...I think, that unless you are a high end driver, with space and roads to appreciate, you will not notice the difference between GT/S/C.

Just my 2 c worth...

For sure resale, people WILL go for the badge difference...
Best Regards to all
Phil
Australia

And then you get guys like FourT6and2 that order a GTR with the de-badge option.

Different strokes for different folks

Haha my GTS is de-badged as was my GT3, I like the clean look. YMMV.

You looking to buy exclusively new? Could go certified and get a GTS for the price of or cheaper than a GT...

If 469 HP on the street is sufficient for you, then the GT will do. It also has a slightly more compliant (comfortable) ride.

It is unlikely you will ever get to 7/10ths of its acceleration or handling capabilities unless you track it.

That was my thinking too...

I understand that the GTS has "Race Mode". Does anyone know about that? Is it something you would really want to use?

Can you tell me why it is better and what it does?