/ Featured Article
Vespa GTS Super 300 versus Yamaha XMAX - Head to head
Retro versus modern. Take your pick.
If you’re in the market for a 300cc scooter, then chances are you’ve seen what Kymco, Yamaha, and even SYM have to offer. However, if you’re one who savors the finer things in life, and are willing to trade in some performance for character and style, then chances are you’ve also considered the Vespa GTS 300 range of scooters. Yes, the Italian icon seems to be an outlier in the 300cc maxi-scooter segment, but hey, it does come with the amenities and aftermarket support to make it a capable long distance tourer.
If you’ve ever wondered how the Vespa GTS Super 300 would stack up against the Yamaha XMAX, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to compare and contrast these two bikes based on their spec sheets. On top of that, we’re going to take a look at what these two scooters have to offer in their respective playing fields, so we can help you determine whether or not the Vespa’s extra premium is worth it for your lifestyle.
Performance
It may come as a surprise to you that, from a performance perspective, these two bikes are extremely similar. Both bikes are powered by a 300cc-class single-cylinder motor, and send power to the rear wheel via a CVT. On top of that, they both churn out nearly identical power figures. For starters, A 278cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC gasoline engine with 24 horsepower and 22 Nm of torque powers the Vespa GTS Super 300. A Continuously Variable Transmission is then linked to this powerplant. The Yamaha XMAX, on the other hand, is equipped with a 292cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-valve engine that delivers 28 horsepower and 29 Nm of torque. It's combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for linear power delivery, just like the Vespa.
Features
From a features perspective, the Yamaha XMAX is clearly the more modern of the two. It comes with a slew of luxury amenities, including an LED headlamp, tail lamp, and indicator lights for better nighttime visibility. In addition, digital gauges add a modern touch to this scooter. The Yamaha XMAX has an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and traction control as standard safety and security measures. With its grill on the right-hand side, wide stance, black painted alloy rims, and red-backlit analog and digital instrumentation, the Vespa GTS Super 300 has a sporty throwback appearance. Anti-lock brakes (ABS), ASR traction control, and an immobilizer are all standard on the Vespa GTS Super 300. If you need to charge your gadgets, this Italian scooter has a USB charging plug in the front compartment for your convenience.
Styling
When it comes to styling, these two scooters sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. On the one hand, the Vespa features a thoroughly classic design, unmistakable of the iconic brand. Its rounded body panels and diminutive appearance give it a friendly and approachable aesthetic. However, sporty elements such as its wide body, side air vents, blacked out wheels, and slightly lower handlebars suggest that the scooter is concealing a sporty nature. On the other hand, the Yamaha XMAX’s full-on modern design makes it look like it’s a lot faster than it really is. Its aggressive lines and jagged edges are reminiscent of some of Yamaha’s more performance-oriented models.
Price
As expected, the Vespa’s retro charm and legendary branding come with a price. The GTS Super 300 is the most affordable scooter in Vespa’s 300cc model range at P345,000. For that sum, you can already purchase a more powerful expressway legal machine such as a Kawasaki Ninja 400. Nonetheless, one doesn’t buy a Vespa out of practicality or utility, but rather, because it stirs the soul and delivers an irreplaceable emotional experience.
Clearly, if you’re after value alone, then the Yamaha XMAX is the clear victor. Priced at just P249,000, it’s a lot more economical and makes more sense as a daily commuter. Plus, its modern styling makes it blend in a lot more easily with the crop of small-displacement maxi-scooters, meaning it’s a lot easier to park it anywhere without having to worry about it being the subject of unwanted attention.
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