Isbark.com

Special-edition models of vehicles can represent a handy payday for car manufacturers, as they simply need to make a fixed-number production version of whatever model is the flavor of the month, add a few extra numbers to the price and wait for the money to roll in. Many buyers charge for them as they’ll likely rise in price in future due to being so exclusive, especially if the model in question is on its way out.

This is the route Toyota took with the 2025 Supra Limited Edition, which celebrates the upcoming end of the fifth-generation Supra. The near-$70,000 model is around $10,000 more than the standard version, which puts it in the price range of some potent used deals. This twin-turbo V8 coupe is one of the most tempting.

The Mercedes-AMG GT S Is A More Focused Version Of The Brand’s GT Coupe

The Mercedes-AMG GT was released in 2015 as somewhat of a replacement for the revered SLS AMG, a V8-powered sports coupe that came with eye-catching gullwing doors in the style of the 1950s 300 SL Gullwing that inspired it. They weren’t to everyone’s taste, though, and they were ditched in favor of conventional side-opening components when its AMG GT successor was developed. It still retained a V8, though the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter unit was replaced by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter powerplant, which came with significantly less grunt.

The AMG GT was designed to be more mass-market and accessible than the SLS, which was more of a supercar. Its 462-hp output was a shade over 100 hp short of the SLS but it could still hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. For those who wanted a model with performance closer to that of the mighty SLS, there was also a more powerful version called the AMG GT S.

Discussion

Mercedes now sells over 30 AMG-badged models in America – which one is the most pointless?

It’s tempting to go for one of the smaller four-cylinder AMG models like the GLA 35, but I’ve never understood the presence of an AMG-badged S-Class like the S 63 E Performance. The S-Class epitomizes luxury, tranquility, and sophistication, and a sporty AMG model clashes with that idea in every sense. That’s probably why BMW doesn’t have an M7 and Audi didn’t bother with an RS8. Do I still want an S63? Yes. But is it still pointless? Yes.

The GT S Offered A Range Of Useful Enhancements

The twin-turbo V8 was retained, though AMG’s engineers managed to boost it to produce 510 hp. It was also treated to AMG’s Ride Control system, which can adjust the suspension to better suit the road you’re attacking. It was also graced with a more aggressive exterior aesthetic, which includes a pair of rear 20-inch wheels to go with the 19-inch front components and red-painted brake calipers.

The Value Of the Early AMG GT S Has Tumbled

As a result of the performance-enhancing extras fitted to the AMG GT S, its $131,000 MSRP placed it $20,000 up the road from the standard AMG GT. As is usually the case with high-priced mass-produced models, values of the AMG GT S have dropped significantly over the past decade since it landed. Classic.com, a site that collates auction listings from around the world, reports that the average used price of the model is currently $80,784. This is over $10,000 higher than the Supra Final Edition’s MSRP, though earlier examples of the Merc with higher mileage can be had for a hell of a lot less.

A good example is this white 2016 specimen, which is being offered through Bring a Trailer for just $46,500. The GT S has covered 74,000 miles during its life, but is presented in excellent condition inside and out, and comes with a clean Carfax title to boot. Aside from the mechanical stuff, you’ll get a panoramic glass sunroof, a premium Burmester sound system, and even heated AMG performance seats.

The Supra: A Good List Of Kit But Not As Premium As The Merc

In terms of kit, the Supra holds its own well. Like the AMG, it gets dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment screen with satellite navigation, and heated seats, as well as a premium 12-speaker JBL sound system. That said, you’ll need to pay extra for parking sensors that you’ll be able to often find on a used AMG GT S, and you won’t be able to have a panoramic roof. The cabin won’t feel as special as its more premium German rival either, which isn’t ideal considering you’ll need to hand over significantly more cash if you’re not worried about mileage.

Related

​​Mercedes-AMG’s Final NA V8 Car Was A 500-HP Monster

The AMG C63 Edition 507 gave the M156 engine the best possible send-off, as the age of downsizing rapidly approached.

That said, for the same kind of money you’ll need to splash out on a Supra Final Edition, you can expect to pick up a cherished used GT S with well under 30,000 miles on the clock.

Performance: Mercedes-AMG GT S Is In Another League

Let’s face it though, the main reason you’ll buy either of these cars is to take advantage of the performance they offer. In this regard, the AMG GT S reigns supreme. In terms of pure power, its well-used 510-hp V8 blows the doors off the Supra’s 382-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, while its Ride Control system means the GT S can be set up to work in a greater variety of situations than the Supra. The seven-speed automatic transmission also comes with an added Race mode, which quickens up shifting, while an active differential can bounce power around the rear wheels to enhance traction and grip.

That said, the Supra’s lightweight 3,181-lb frame means it tips the scales at 500 lbs lighter than the AMG GT S. Not only does this help make it feel more agile, but it reaches 60 mph just a 10th-of-a-second slower than the Merc, despite lacking a significant chunk of power. It’s also a hoot in the bends thanks to being equipped with a 12-way adjustable suspension setup borrowed from the GT4 race version of the Supra.

Related

This AMG-Powered Supercar Boasted Something No Other Car Has Ever Had

Few cars share technology with a submarine; this one does.

The AMG GT S Is A Better All-Rounder

Due to the Supra’s lighter weight, it’ll feel more alive when being pushed to its limits, even if it lacks a little in terms of outright pace when compared to the AMG GT S. The AMG comes with a plusher cabin and extra kit though, as well as extra technology such as the handy AMG Ride Control system. This means it’ll be smoother on standard roads than the Supra with its race-focused suspension layout, which – when combined with the nicer cabin – means it’ll work better as a long-distance cruiser.

Related

What Does AMG Stand For? The Fascinating History Of Merc’s High-Performance Division

Learn more about the full history and story behind the in-house tuning division of Mercedes-Benz.

Considering most racetracks will be a fair distance away from you, having a car that is comfortable on the road will prove useful. The AMG GT S can also be had for considerably less than what a Supra Final Edition will demand from your wallet, as many higher-mileage cars have been well-looked after and provide excellent value compared to similarly aged examples that have covered less ground. It’s likely to attract more attention than the Supra, too, and will win you more games of Top Trumps.

And every good gearhead knows that’s the most important part, right?

Sources: Mercedes-AMG, Toyota.