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SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight?

Joey Deriquito · May 13, 2023 06:35 PM

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 01

More sporty sedans are making their way into the Philippines, set to challenge established players in the market, such as the Honda Civic.

The newest sedans are the MG GT (Specs | News) and the GAC Empow, both seeking to take a piece out of the market segment. They come with a wide array of features and turbocharged engines to bring performance to the segment.

We will compare the mid-level GAC Empow GB versus the base model MG GT Alpha to see which will come out on top.

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Also Read: FULL REVIEW: 2023 GAC Empow GB DCT -- A true Honda Civic rival!

Exterior

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 01

Sporty is the name of the game. Both sedans come with sleek LED headlights and large grilles. GAC and MG have taken on the fastback design and applied it to the Empow and GT. Just like the front, both vehicles also have a set of LED taillights. 

Also Read: FULL REVIEW: 2023 MG GT Alpha -- What a revelation!

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 02

Regarding size, the GAC Empow is the larger of the two sedans as it measures 4,700 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,432 mm in height. The MG GT, on the other hand, measures 4,675 mm in length, 1,842 mm in width, and 1,473 mm in height.

While the Empow is longer and broader, it is shorter in height. However, I would like to point out that the GAC sedan has a longer wheelbase, which means it has more room between axles for a more spacious cabin. For this category, the GAC Empow has the advantage. 

Interior

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 03

The interiors of both vehicles take two distinctive design approaches. The GAC Empow has a minimalistic cabin with a sloping dashboard dominated by two large screens and horizontal vents. The Empow also has a large center console with plenty of storage space.

Meanwhile, the MG GT has a more traditional dashboard layout with a cowl on the angular digital instrument cluster for a sporty look.

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 04

Unlike its GAC counterpart, the GT has no floating center console. The GAC sedan has an advantage in terms of storage space inside the cabin.

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 05

The GAC Empow has an open space underneath the center console for your phone or device to sit on while charging. PHOTO BY JOEY DERIQUITO

The seating material for both sedans is leather, but the seats of the GAC are more comfortable for both the front and the rear. 

Tech

Regarding technology, both vehicles have 10.25-inch infotainment systems. However, the GAC only has access to Apple Carplay, not Android Auto. The MG GT Alpha, on the other hand, has access to both phone connectivity features. 

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 06

The MG GT Alpha has both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay pre-installed. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID

It is important to remember that both vehicles come with digital gauge clusters, the displays of which can be changed depending on the drive mode that they are in. 

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 07

The GAC Empow's LCD screen instrument cluster is integrated with the infotainment touchscreen panel. PHOTO BY JOEY DERIQUITO

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 08

The information that can be displayed on the MG GT Alpha's instrument panel is customizable as well. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID

For this category, we will give the win to the MG GT as it comes with more functional features. Not having Android Auto can be a deal breaker for some, as many Filipinos use these devices. 

Power

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 09

No contest? The GAC Empow wins the engine stakes with its turbocharged mill. PHOTO BY JOEY DERIQUITO

Under the hood, both sedans have a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, but the GAC Empow has a standard turbocharger across its range for extra power.  The GAC sedan produces 168 PS and 270 Nm, while the MG GT makes 114 PS and 140 Nm of torque. The numbers don’t lie, and the Empow, whichever of the three variants it has in our market, is the more powerful of the two vehicles.

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 10

The naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter underneath the MG GT Alpha falls short versus the Empow. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID

However, if we were to compare the Empow to the top-spec MG GT Sport, both sedans would be on a more even playing field as both would have a turbocharger. 

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 11

The MG GT Sport is more of a direct competitor to the GAC Empow with its turbocharged lump. PHOTO BY PATRICK MALICSI

The Empow has a 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox for transmissions, while the MG GT Alpha has a CVT. The MG is geared towards fuel economy, while the Empow goes for a sportier drive thanks to its DCT.

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 12

It's a more engaging Dual Clutch Transmission for the GAC Empow. PHOTO BY JOEY DERIQUITO

Speaking of the DCT of the Empow, it delivers quick and smooth shifts and puts power down to the ground well. Its only downside would be in traffic, where the gearbox needs to be revved a bit for it to lock and get you moving. 

So, for this category, the GAC Empow has a clear win. 

Price and safety

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 13

There is a stark difference between the GAC Empow and the MG GT. The mid-spec GAC sedan in its GB trim is priced at ₱1,305,000. Meanwhile, the entry-level MG sedan is priced at ₱1,015,888.

The pricing indicates that the Empow is the more expensive of the two, with a ₱290,000 difference. However, you get more power and features for that extra amount you are paying for the GAC. Remember that the Empow has access to advanced driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, to name a few.

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 14

But the MG comes with a 360-degree camera and regular cruise control. Both sedans also get multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and reverse cameras. 

Verdict

For this comparison, the GAC Empow GB is the better of the two sedans despite being ₱290,000 more expensive. You get more power and more features. We understand that ₱290,000  is a lot of money, so if you want an MG, we recommend going for the Sport variant instead, as it brings more power to the table. 

SPEC SHOWDOWN: GAC Empow GB vs. MG GT Alpha - A fair fight? 15

The MG GT Sport offers more performance at ₱178,000 more than the MG GT Alpha, and it's cheaper than the GAC Empow GB by  ₱111,112 too. PHOTO BY PATRICK MALICSI


 

Joey Deriquito

Junior Writer

A car enthusiast at heart, nothing excites Joey more than an open road and a full tank of gas. Ready with the latest information about cars, he constantly studies and researches the latest happenings in the motoring world while caring for a car that's an extension of himself.

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