You can not beat a top quality Martin, but I will put my Taylor 810 up against all but the very best Martin.And, for the difference in price I'll take the Taylor every time. And, it's not because I can't afford a Martin either, I've had every well known brand there is including a Gibson J-45 (1955) a Martin D-28, a Mossman and a Guild D-50. All fine instruments but I prefer the Taylor.
Now, for an investment, a good Martin has no equal, they will always be worth more than you paid for them.