You may be wondering why Ford gave an electric vehicle the Mustang name. I mean, is an EV really deserving of such an honor? The Mustang is an industry icon, paving the way for other performance cars to emerge, so there’s no way a battery-electric vehicle can compete with a legend—right? Well, of course, these two vehicles offer different rides; however, you’d be surprised by how similar they actually are, and as you pass by your local Ford dealer, I advise you to pay attention to these two models.
How are they similar, you ask? Not only do they showcase similar looks inside and out, but they also prioritize one thing above all else—performance. When it comes to the Mustang vs Mustang Mach-E, the level of performance you’ll find in both of these Ford superstars is utterly show-stopping.
Rein in the Horses
The Mustang has long been heralded for its speed and tenacity, whether traveling on the highway or blasting down the track. Today, it continues to offer drivers an exhilarating ride, with a multitude of powertrains to choose from, allowing drivers to harness the level of ferocity they demand behind the wheel. Its most exciting model is the Dark Horse, which features a 5.0L Coyote V8 engine making 500 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission, allowing drivers to take charge of the ride and enjoy an experience that they can’t find elsewhere. The Dark Horse, when paired with its six-speed TREMEC manual transmission, allows drivers to shift through its gears without taking their foot off the gas pedal, making the journey more responsive and thrilling.
The Mustang Mach-E is not a sports car; it’s a compact SUV, but don’t let its body style fool you—it’s filled with its own level of tenacity. Like the gas-powered Mustang, the Mach-E showcases a fine selection of powertrains—all electric, of course—which allows drivers to find the right amount of power they need to revolutionize their ride. For maximum excitement, its 91 kWh battery dual motor option, available in the GT and Rally trims, delivers the thrills, shooting forward with 480 hp and up to 700 lb-ft of torque. Think that’s impressive? Just wait until you see the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Upgrade jump from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, which is much quicker than most of its sports car rivals, the Mustang included.
Choose a Drive Mode
Both the Mustang and Mustang Mach-E offer a selection of drive modes to cater to any journey and suit any mood. The Mustang offers a wide array of modes, including Normal for a balance of performance and efficiency, Sport to amplify excitement and provide you with a sportier feel, and Track for optimized performance in a racing environment. You’ll even find a personalized MyMode to tailor your driving experience to what you feel is important. The Mustang makes it easy for drivers to perfect their skills behind the wheel, focusing on handling and control, whether they’re on their way to work or attempting to improve their quarter-mile time.
The Mustang Mach-E’s drive modes are a bit different, instead of focusing on the overall feel and ambiance during the journey. Remember, there’s no engine roaring underneath its hood, so for drivers who want to hear a powerful engine purring as they travel, the Mach-E offers this by way of Unbridle mode, which amplifies vehicle sounds, sharpens steering feel, and sets the ambient lighting to a vibrant orange to intensify the feel of the drive. Those who are seeking to calm down after a particularly stressful day will want to choose Whisper mode, which quiets vehicle noise and envelopes them in tranquil ambient lighting. The Mach-E Rally adds a unique RallySport mode, which features more aggressive driving dynamics to heighten excitement on loose surfaces.
Ride Feel
With its sport-tuned suspension, athletic handling, and accurate steering, the Mustang makes any ride feel more invigorating. Its transmission options and large brakes provide drivers with a responsive and controlled ride, while a specialized damping system creates a smooth experience that can’t be found elsewhere. With the Gen-3 MagneRide Damping System, the Mustang analyzes the road 1,000 times per second, adjusting its damping to ensure the most comfortable ride possible. A standard independent rear suspension intensifies smoothness on the road, reducing body roll and adjusting to the bumps of the road with precision.
You can expect a confident ride in the Mustang Mach-E as well, which is available as either a rear-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive model. The ability to arm this performance-oriented vehicle with all-wheel drive capabilities sets it apart from the Mustang since the iconic sports car only offers rear-wheel drive. Being able to traverse tricky environments and confidently venture through bad weather is something that makes the Mach-E much more practical than anything wearing the Mustang name is typically assumed to be.
Efficiency Expectations
It’s difficult to compete with an EV when it comes to efficiency since these electrified offerings were born to be efficient. Still, the Mustang does a nice job of offering several powertrain options to help drivers find the engine that delivers the fuel economy ratings they need. For maximum fuel efficiency, the 2024 Mustang’s standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, which isn’t bad, considering it’s a sports car. However, the least efficient 2024 Mustang Mach-E model (the Rally) gets an estimated 90 MPGe in the city and 81 MPGe on the highway. The most efficient version returns an impressive 111 MPGe in the city and 100 MPGe on the highway.
Exciting Extras
The Mustang really sets itself apart from the Mustang Mach-E with all the racing-inspired extras that it can be armed with to elevate the experience behind the wheel. An available class-first Drift Brake provides drivers with an easy way to kick the rear end out, while standard electronic line-lock locks the front brakes for exceptional burnouts to really make a statement off the line. It even offers various degrees of driver-selectable steering feel. Choose from Comfort for daily journeys, Sport for a more athletic feel, or Normal for a nice blend of both.
Mustang-Quality Rides
Despite the fact that the Mustang and the Mustang Mach-E are two totally different machines, they still showcase their fair share of performance elements to work toward a common goal—intensifying the ride. They both offer impeccable power to blast off the line at lightning speed, drive modes to tailor the experience to suit your mood, and a ride quality that blows the competition out of the water. Rest assured that the Mustang Mach-E is a Mustang through-and-through, offering an exceptional ride from the moment the accelerator is pressed.
Of course, they differ in major ways as well. One is gas-powered, while the other is electrified. One offers all-wheel drive, and the other does not. One delivers classic V8 noises, while the other serenades you with an electric hum. Despite the differences, it’s clear that performance is prioritized in both models, making it easy for drivers to choose their level of exhilaration to make any journey a more impactful experience.
