VS
At a Glance
Power
274 kW
125 kW
Torque
630 Nm
390 Nm
Fuel
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 co
8.5 l/100km
Towing
—
2800 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
—
Engine
1991 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the GAC M8 and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GAC M8 delivers 274 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 125 kW. On fuel, the M8 returns 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km while the Transporter uses 8.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 499 900 for the M8 and R1 147 800 for the Transporter. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
274 kW
125 kW
Torque
630 Nm
390 Nm
0-100 kph
8.8 s
—
Top Speed
—
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 co
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 litre + 25.6 kWh l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
202 combined g/km
223 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5212 mm
5450 mm
Width
1893-1940 mm
2032 mm
Height
1823 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3070 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance
143 mm
164 mm
Kerb Weight
2420 Kg
2051 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
7
8
Load Volume
—
6800 with rear seats removed l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
1174 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
2
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle + hybrid battery + high v
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
100000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M8
Fuel Economy
M8
Value
Transporter
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
GAC M8
More powerful engine (274 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Transporter
Lower starting price (R1 147 800)
Higher fuel consumption (8.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 274 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M8 or Transporter?
The M8 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km and the Transporter uses 8.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The M8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the M8 or Transporter?
The M8 produces 274 kW and 630 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque. The M8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M8 and Transporter?
The M8 starts from R1 499 900 and the Transporter from R1 147 800. The Transporter is cheaper by R352 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M8 or Transporter?
The M8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Transporter can tow 2800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M8 or the Transporter?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.