Emergency services found a Mini had crashed head-on with a Volvo in Buxton Road, Hazel Grove, at about 16:00 BST on Sunday, police said.
Philip Clayton, 43, died at the scene. A 23-year-old man is in a serious condition in hospital.
Buxton Road was closed while investigations took place. Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them.
A man and a woman were also taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
A man has died in a head-on crash in Greater Manchester.