VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
274 kW
Torque
390 Nm
630 Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 co
Towing
2500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
8.8 s
Engine
1996 cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the Ford Tourneo Custom and the GAC M8 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Tourneo Custom delivers 125 kW while the GAC M8 produces 274 kW. On fuel, the Tourneo Custom returns 7.4 l/100km while the M8 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 278 500 for the Tourneo Custom and R1 499 900 for the M8. 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
125 kW
274 kW
Torque
390 Nm
630 Nm
0-100 kph
—
8.8 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 co
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
56 litre + 25.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
194 g/km
202 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
5050 mm
5212 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
1893-1940 mm
Height
1961 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
3100 mm
3070 mm
Ground Clearance
—
143 mm
Kerb Weight
2416 Kg
2420 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
Seats
8
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 vehicle + hybrid battery + high v
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
5
Service Plan Distance
90000
100000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M8
Fuel Economy
M8
Value
Tourneo Custom
Practicality
Tourneo Custom
Pros & Cons
Ford Tourneo Custom
Lower starting price (R1 278 500)
Higher fuel consumption (7.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 274 kW)
No factory service plan
GAC M8
More powerful engine (274 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tourneo Custom or M8?
The Tourneo Custom uses 7.4 l/100km and the M8 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined 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 Tourneo Custom or M8?
The Tourneo Custom produces 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque while the M8 delivers 274 kW and 630 Nm of torque. The M8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tourneo Custom and M8?
The Tourneo Custom starts from R1 278 500 and the M8 from R1 499 900. The Tourneo Custom is cheaper by R221 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tourneo Custom or M8?
The Tourneo Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the M8 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tourneo Custom or the M8?
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.