2023 GAC Empow vs MG GT Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

By now, many of you have seen how Chinese car brands have penetrated the local market. This is especially true with their affordably priced crossover models, which are now a common sight on local roads.

GAC Empow & GS8 2023 Philippine Debut Under New Distributor | Philkotse Quick Look

But then again, these brands are likewise dipping their toes in the sporty sedan segment. Think along the lines of the Honda Civic.

Examples of these include the GAC Empow and the MG GT. Both were released a year ago, and both are athletic-looking compact sedans looking to take on the title of the segment’s “king of the hill.”

MG GT 2023 now in the Philippines - Philkotse Quick Look

But which of these two is better on paper? To find out, we’ll be comparing the GAC Empow GE with the MG GT Sport. Both are top-spec variants, and as such are the best representations of what each model can offer to buyers.

Both the Empow GE and the GT Sport, as mentioned, are attractively styled sedans. But where size is concerned, they do come with clear differences. This is important to note because car dimensions might give a hint as to how spacious they are.

The GAC Empow GE has a length of 4,700mm, a width of 1,850mm, and a height of 1,432mm. It then has a wheelbase spanning 2,736mm long.

The GAC Empow

Compare that to the MG GT Sport, which is 4,676mm long, 1,842mm wide, and 1,480mm in height. It then has a wheelbase length of 2,680mm.

As you can see from the figures above, the GAC model is both longer and wider than the MG. It likewise features a longer wheelbase. The MG GT in turn, is a bit taller.

Both sedans also get a fair bit of exterior features for added driver convenience and visibility. Both get automatic on/off LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, power-folding side mirrors, and LED taillights.

The MG GT

For wheels though, the Empow GE gets a slightly larger 18-inch set. In comparison, the MG GT Sport gets a 17-inch wheelset.

Both the Empow and GT sedans both feature a well-arranged interior that’s filled with features. Up to five can fit inside these cars, and both also get leather-clad seats, automatic air-conditioning, plenty of cup holders, as well as a power sunroof. Foldable elbow rests are likewise available for both models’ rear seats.

The GAC Empow's cockpit

Present on the front cabin of both models are electronically adjustable seats, a push-to-start button, and a tilt-adjustable multi-function steering wheel.

On both the GAC Empow GE and the MG GT Sport, the driver is likewise provided with a seven-inch instrument cluster. The one on the MG GT though gets a “Virtual Cluster” surrounding its seven-inch display.

Inside the MG GT

On top of that, the GAC model also gets an ambient lighting system, which isn’t present in the MG model.

Handling entertainment on the GAC Empow GE is a 10.25-inch head unit with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. It is then linked to a total of nine speakers.

The MG GT Sport meanwhile gets a similarly sized 10-inch head unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. It is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.

The head unit on the GT Sport gets more in the way of smartphone connectivity than the unit on the Empow GE. Then again, the latter gets more speakers, and that might equate to better audio quality.

Just like the Honda Civic that they competing against, both the GAC Empow GE and the MG GT Sport use a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Both are also front-wheel-drive, and both use a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT). The transmission on the GAC though is a wet-type DCT.

The GAC Empow's 1.5-liter turbo inline-4 gasoline engine

The engine can produce up to 168 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque on the GAC model. The MG GT Sport’s engine, meanwhile, can generate up to 158 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque.

So while they have similar powertrain specs, the GAC sedan has a fair bit more horsepower and torque compared to the MG model. This might mean better straight-line acceleration coming from the GAC Empow GE.

The GT's 1.5-liter turbo inline-4 gasoline engine

For suspensions, both utilize a MacPherson strut for the front. The Empow GE then comes with a multi-link suspension for the rear, while the GT Sport uses a torsion beam suspension for its rear. Both are also kitted out with disc brakes for all four wheels, and an electronic parking brake.

The GAC Empow GE and the MG GT are both kitted out with comprehensive safety kits. Present on both cars is anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags.

The Empow from the rear

Likewise present on these two cars is a tire pressure monitor, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, and a rear-view camera, among others.

The GAC Empow GE does come with front parking sensors, which are absent in the MG model. In turn, the MG GT Sport gets a 360-degree view camera, which is unavailable on the GAC model.

Likewise, both are fitted with plenty of driver-assistive safety features. These include lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and high beam control.

The MG GT's rear

The GAC Empow GE does get adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking. All of these are not present on the MG GT Sport.

If you’re looking for a sedan that’s kitted out for the utmost safety, then the GAC Empow GE will fit your needs. This is due to its more comprehensive suite of driver-assistive tech. The same goes if what you’re after is a sporty ride. That’s because the Empow makes a fair bit more horsepower than the MG GT Sport.

Then again, the MG GT Sport is still no slouch when it comes to making horsepower and providing comfort. It is also notable for being more affordable than the Empow GE so there’s that.

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