GAC M8 vs Mazda MX-5
Verdict
At RM328,800, the GAC M8 costs RM34,646 more than the RM294,154 Mazda MX-5, but these two spend their money in opposite directions. The M8 is a seven-seat executive MPV with a 25.6 kWh plug-in hybrid battery, 106 km EV range, 300 Nm and 280 litres of boot space. The MX-5 is a two-seat convertible with a 1,998 cc petrol engine, manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive and a 220 km/h top speed. One is transport for people; the other is transport for the driver.
Pick the GAC M8 if you need seven seats, plug-in hybrid running and a larger 280-litre boot.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want a manual, rear-wheel-drive convertible and can live with two seats and 130 litres of boot space.
Key differences
- Price: GAC M8 RM328,800; Mazda MX-5 RM294,154
- Seats: GAC M8 7; Mazda MX-5 2
- Power and torque: GAC M8 187 hp/300 Nm; Mazda MX-5 181 hp/205 Nm
- Drivetrain: GAC M8 front-wheel drive eCVT automatic; Mazda MX-5 rear-wheel drive manual
- Size: GAC M8 5,212 mm long/3,070 mm wheelbase; Mazda MX-5 3,915 mm long/2,310 mm wheelbase
- Boot space and airbags: GAC M8 280 L/7 airbags; Mazda MX-5 130 L/4 airbags
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 328,800 | RM 294,154✓ |
| Body type | MPV | Convertible |
| Segment | Executive | Sports Car |
| Seats | 7 | 2 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Engine | — | 1,998 cc |
| Power | 187 hp✓ | 181 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm✓ | 205 Nm |
| Transmission | eCVT Automatic | Manual |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.8 s | — |
| Top speed | — | 220 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | 25.6 kWh | — |
| EV range | 106 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,212 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 1,893 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,823 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,070 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Boot space | 280 L✓ | 130 L |
| Fuel tank | 56 L | 45 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7✓ | 4 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | — | RM 379 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
M8
- Seven seats in an executive MPV body
- 25.6 kWh battery with 106 km EV range
- More torque than the Mazda at 300 Nm
- RM34,646 more expensive
- Much larger at 5,212 mm long
- No manual or rear-wheel-drive layout
MX-5
- Manual gearbox with rear-wheel drive
- RM294,154 price is lower
- 220 km/h top speed
- Only two seats
- Small 130-litre boot
- Four airbags versus seven in the GAC
M8 vs MX-5 FAQ
Is the GAC M8 or Mazda MX-5 better?
The GAC M8 is better for carrying people, with seven seats, 280 litres of boot space and 106 km EV range. The Mazda MX-5 is better for driving enjoyment on paper, with rear-wheel drive, a manual gearbox and a convertible body.
What is the price difference?
The GAC M8 costs RM328,800, while the Mazda MX-5 costs RM294,154. That makes the GAC RM34,646 more expensive.
Which car has more space?
The GAC M8 has far more space: seven seats, a 3,070 mm wheelbase and 280 litres of boot space. The Mazda MX-5 has two seats, a 2,310 mm wheelbase and 130 litres of boot space.