I like the MB AMG GT, but I can't put it in the same league as the R8. It's a nice high-end sports car, but it's not an exotic, hand-built, mid-engine supercar. It's significantly lower price (comparing new MSRP) is a reflection of that fact.

I'd probably consider the AMG GT as an alternative for a 911, where I see the R8 as an alternative to a 430/458/Gallardo (Gen-1) and 488/Huracan (Gen-2).

Likewise, while I like the looks of the AMG GT, it's not an R8. It's not a design that leaves me drooling - rather, just saying, "that's a nice looking sports car." I was actually a bit disappointed when the AMG GT came out, as I felt it was a step down from the SLS. So, if I was going for a MB at this point, it would be the SLS. Like the Gen-1 R8, I feel the SLS will be very sought after down the road... it's already starting to show signs of it. If going MB, it's gullwings or bust.

But while I feel the SLS is a safe investment, perhaps even better than the R8 (there were only ~2.8k SLS's brought to the US), I don't think it's as good of a car. I'd still, as I did, choose the R8 over the SLS... but SLS over AMG GT.

 

The choice for me was easy. Only one of the two cars come with a 6 speed manual option (gen 1 R8).

 

I recently was debating the same but went with the R8 V10. I test drove both, loved the sound and the performance of AMG.

Miss the sound of AMG, colorful and more updated head unit, a trunk that can fit golf bags.

Other than that R8 wins for me

 

OP is referring to me as he and I have exchanged private messages
its very funny but on the MBWorld forum this topic has come up and as expected the R8 is put down versus the GT/GTS/GTR
as stated they are both excellent cars although I would certainly skip the GT and go for the GTS or GTR
synopsis of my 2016 GTS Edition 1 versus Gen 1 V10:
sound: GTS stock sounds way better then R8 and with 4 distinct driving modes it truly alters its personality
electronics: and overall interior quality is superior in GTS (yes, its newer) although seat backs are tight
looks: subjective I think the R8 is more exotic and the GTS more classy and gullwing(ish) both get lots of attention but with 10 year old v8 R8's available in the $60's the special/exotic factor is diminshing
performance: GTS stock was very similar to my R8 pre-supercharger, recently tuned my GTS bringing it too 639/610 which is a huge improvement and although faster then my stock R8 clearly slower then post SC having said that tune cost was 1/15 of the SC cost
Mods: I like personalizing my rides but the bonus with the GTS unlike my R8 is I didn't feel the need to: add forced induction, install rear spoiler/splitter/diffuser, replace steering wheel, change wheels, change to pss tires, black out trim (Edition 1 has "night" package), swap exhaust, floor mats, seatbelts (I swapped my R8's to red to match trim while the AMG already has that)...
Fit/finish: both excellent
Trans: I gave up my 6 speed which was awesome as I have other manual cars to choose from, having said that, I never owned a sports car that was a DCT and I really like it- predicated on the mode you select it shifts hard,fast, at red line, rev matches, nice paddles...I'm sure much like a Gen2 R8
in the end its personal preference and I truly have only positive things to say about both cars

WINGMAN- get out there and buy something, while your patience is admirable get in the game!

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement 2011r852!
My biggest problem is when I get behind the wheel of my 911, I still enjoy it.
Sometimes the search is as fun as the purchase....

 

If you're considering things in that price range I recommend you go test drive a Gen 2...

 

I could think trading my 2012 R8 V10 for an AMG GTR but not for a GTS.

 

I purchased the GTS versus the GTR because I found an Edition 1 GTS with 1400 miles- if not for that car I would have gone with a GTR
the good news is for a $2000 Eurocharged tune my performance now far exceeds that of the GTR

 

I drove my brother's GTS, which has the Weistec turbo, putting it at over 800hp. Thing is crazy fast from 40mph and above...def has some turbo lag at low speeds.

Overall, it felt heavy and not as exciting to drive as my R8. In terms of interior styling and tech, the GTS def has the gen1 R8 beat.

I recommend you drive both and you'll know what you like better.

 

A car not on the list is the 2017 NSX - we have one of those at the shop and it's probably the underdog car of the 3.

AMG GT is a cool car, great exhaust note but at the end of the day, not as special as the R8's.

This is what most of our clients tell us and they all have some pretty neat rides in their garage.

2nd gen R8 is paddle only but if you are comparing to a 1st gen, the gated shifter is the unicorn

 

Never got into the looks of the GT.
R8 is 1000x more special looking
I would think the R8 is more of an event
GT would be more comfortable as it sits higher

My V8 with a Kline exhaust sounds pretty **** awesome. I'd bet it would rival the GT.

 

from style and usability, I prefer the R8. the GTS blends in too much and no one looks twice unless you're a car nut. I'm 6 foot 4 and comfortably fit in my R8, but not in a GTS. just depends on what you want at the end of the day