Verdict
Just RM1,724 separates these Malaysian-assembled machines, but they serve radically different jobs. The GAC GS3 is a five-seat B-segment SUV with 177 hp, a seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic and a claimed 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time; its RM120 annual road tax is far easier on private ownership too. The Maxus V80 is a two-seat commercial vehicle, measuring 5,700 mm long and carrying a 2.5-litre diesel’s stronger 330 Nm, but it asks RM839 a year in road tax and a five-speed manual. For daily family use, the GS3 is the clear pick.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you need five seats, automatic driving and active safety systems including autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist.
Pick the Maxus V80 if a two-seat commercial layout, 330 Nm of diesel torque, rear air-con vents and a full-size spare matter more than passenger-car convenience.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Maxus V80 RM102,076.
- Power and torque: GAC GS3 177 hp and 270 Nm; Maxus V80 136 hp and 330 Nm.
- Transmission: GAC GS3 seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic; Maxus V80 five-speed manual.
- Seats and doors: GAC GS3 five seats and five doors; Maxus V80 two seats and six doors.
- Length and wheelbase: GAC GS3 4,410 mm and 2,650 mm; Maxus V80 5,700 mm and 3,850 mm.
- Annual road tax: GAC GS3 RM120; Maxus V80 RM839.
GS3
- 177 hp and 7.5-second 0-100 km/h claim.
- Seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.
- Autonomous braking, collision warning and lane-keeping assist.
- 270 Nm trails the V80's 330 Nm.
- 47-litre fuel tank is smaller than the V80's 80 litres.
- Three rear parking sensors versus the V80's four.
V80
- 330 Nm from its 2.5-litre turbodiesel.
- 80-litre fuel tank and full-size 16-inch steel spare.
- Rear air-con vents with blower control.
- Five-speed manual versus the GS3's seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.
- Only two seats, against the GS3's five.
- No listed stability control, autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping assist.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800 | RM102,076✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Commercial |
| Segment | B-Segment | Commercial |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM839 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve, common-rail direct fuel injection, turbodiesel |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 2,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ | 136 hp at 3,800 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm | 330 Nm at 1,800 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 92 mm × 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 17.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 5 Speed Manual |
| Gears | 7 | 5 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | —✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 9.1 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 5,700 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 2,383 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 2,552 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 3,850 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 80 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 6 |
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres | — |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/75R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 215/75R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 16" Steel |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 16" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 16" Steel |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | — |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | — |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | — |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | — |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Two Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual Key |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
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.
Used GS3 & V80 for sale
GS3 vs V80 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Maxus V80 better?
The GAC GS3 is better for private and family use: it has five seats, an automatic gearbox, lower RM120 annual road tax and active safety equipment. The Maxus V80 suits a two-seat commercial role needing 330 Nm and a larger 80-litre tank.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 costs RM103,800 and the Maxus V80 costs RM102,076, so the GS3 is RM1,724 more expensive.
Which has more torque, the GAC GS3 or Maxus V80?
The Maxus V80 has more torque at 330 Nm from 1,800 rpm, compared with the GAC GS3's 270 Nm from 1,400 rpm. The GS3 counters with 177 hp, versus 136 hp for the V80.
