The era of the electric vehicle (EV) has well and truly arrived. Long dominated by Tesla and its lineup of battery-powered sedans and SUVs, the EV market is heating up with the arrival of new models from legacy automakers. Two standouts? The Tesla Model 3 and Ford’s high-performance Mustang Mach-E crossover.
The Model 3 cemented Tesla’s credentials as a revolutionary automaker after its launch in 2017. The surprisingly affordable EV (by Tesla standards) became the world’s best-selling premium sedan within months. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E landed for 2021, marking the iconic Mustang muscle car’s first all-electric adaptation.
So how do these landmark EVs compare? As demand for electric vehicles continues to soar, consumers have some big decisions to make. Let’s take an in-depth look at how the compact Tesla Model 3 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E crossover stack up across all major categories.
An Iconic Sedan vs an Electric Mustang: Context
First, some history. The Tesla Model 3 debuted in 2017 as a more compact and affordable offering from Elon Musk’s EV brand, compared to the luxury Model S sedan and Model X SUV. Costing just $35,000 for early base models, the Model 3’s brisk performance, sleek styling and surprise accessibility made it a smash hit. It rapidly became not just America’s best-selling EV, but the world’s best-selling premium sedan. More than 1 million have been sold globally.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E, arriving for 2021, marks the iconic Mustang muscle car’s first all-electric adaptation. The midsize crossover SUV retains classic Mustang design cues but on a taller, roomier body style suited to family transportation. As Ford’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle built on a bespoke EV platform, the Mach-E aims to solidify the automaker’s commitment to an electrified future.
Specs and Dimensions: Inside the Tale of the Tape
Let’s dig into the nitty gritty. How do these EVs’ hardware specifications and dimensions compare? Here are the key stats for the RWD Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus and RWD Ford Mustang Mach-E Select base models:
| Model | Model 3 Standard Range Plus | Mustang Mach-E Select RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Battery (kWh) | 60 | 68 |
| Range | 272 miles | 247 miles |
| Drive type | RWD | RWD |
| Horsepower / Torque | 283 hp / 302 lb-ft | 266 hp / 428 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph time | 5.8 sec | 5.2 sec |
| Top speed | 140 mph | 112 mph |
| Cargo capacity | 15 cu ft | 29.7 cu ft |
| Passenger capacity | 5 adults | 5 adults |
| Fastest charging | 170+ miles in 15 minutes (250 kW Supercharger) | 61 miles in 10 minutes (150 kW) |
| Charging port | Tesla proprietary | SAE J1772 and CCS |
| Length / Width | 184.8 in / 72.8 in | 186 in / 74 in |
| Battery warranty | 8 years / 100k – 120k miles | 8 years / 100k miles |
| Base MSRP | $46,490 | $43,895 |
Studying the tale of the tape makes it clear these are two very different vehicles. Let’s analyze the key differences:
Range and Charging: The Longer-Range Model 3 Provides More Miles Per Charge
The Model 3 comes out ahead for overall range thanks to Tesla’s battery efficiency and technology. 272 miles beats out the Mach-E’s 247 mile estimate. Tesla’s vast proprietary Supercharger network also gives them an edge for ultra-fast charging on long road trips.
Performance: Model 3 Quicker Off the Line, Mach-E Handles Better
The lighter, nimbler Model 3 hits 60 mph nearly a half-second quicker than the Mach-E. But its low center of gravity and available 20” performance tires help the Ford excel in handling and high-speed cornering.
Cargo and Passenger Room: Mach-E More Practical Inside
No surprise given its taller SUV body, but the Mach-E offers greater cargo capacity and overall interior room. The Model 3 seats the same 5 passengers but in a tighter cockpit.
Styling: Tesla is Slick While Mach-E Channels Iconic Mustang Cues
More subjective, but important categories: design originality and aesthetic appeal. The smoothly contoured Model 3 represents Tesla’s pared-down styling ethos, while Ford borrows classic Mustang muscle car visual cues – especially in the front fascia – for the Mach-E.
Performance, Handling and Ride Quality
Performance metrics and interior dimensions only reveal part of the story. Recreating the visceral experience of test driving these electric vehicles is nearly impossible…but let’s try anyway! Here’s a more descriptive analysis of how these rival EVs drive:
Acceleration and Power Delivery: Potent Punch, Just Delivered Differently
Mash the throttle and the rear-drive Model 3 Standard Range Plus explodes forward, its potent torque kicking in instantly for head-snapping acceleration. The Mach-E delivers similarly vigorous thrust off the line, but more progressively as revs climb. Power receptiveness nods to its Mustang heritage. Both deliver serious straight-line performance.
Steering, Handling and Control: Mach-E Dominates Here
Through quicker twisties and longer sweeping turns, the Mach-E clearly outperforms the Model 3. Weighing over 800 lbs more, the Ford’s heft combines with its low center of gravity for sports car-like composure. The Mach-E puts power down exceptionally well exiting corners, feeling almost AWD. By contrast, the flightier Model 3 loses traction more frequently, struggling to control its rear wheels.
Ride Comfort and Noise: Model 3 Smooths Out Bad Pavement
For ride quality, advantage Tesla. The Model 3 glides over cracked concrete and potholes, providing a noticeably smoother ride than the somewhat more jarring Mach-E. Tesla’s cabin is also a hushed and peaceful sanctuary from wind and road noise; Ford’s EV lets in more exterior racket, especially from the tires and suspension.
Braking: Mach-E Has Superior Pedal Feel
The Mach-E brings its 4,800+ pound curb weight to a halt with less nosedive and better modulation through the brake pedal. The Model 3’s brakes inspire slightly less confidence, with more awkward transitions between regenerative and friction braking forces.
Driver Focus: BlueCruise Beats Autopilot…For Now
Finally, let’s compare advanced driver assistance capabilities. While Tesla’s Autopilot has long dominated this space, Ford’s new BlueCruise hands-free highway driving feature may actually surpass what Telsa offers currently in terms of smoothness and accuracy. However, Tesla updates capability via over-the-air software upgrades; Expect Autopilot to continue improving over time.
Charging Compared: Tesla Superchargers vs Other Networks
For EVs, charging logistics factor heavily into ownership. Comparing the Mach-E and Model 3 illustrates the impact of utilizing proprietary charging networks versus open-standard public stations.
Tesla Supercharger Network: Seamless and Rapid Charging for Model 3
The Mach-E may technically replenish range quicker based on max charging capability. However, only Tesla drivers enjoy exclusive access to the widespread, ultra-fast Supercharger network found across the country. Offering up to 250 kW charging speeds, a Supercharger can add 170+ miles of range in just 15 minutes to a Model 3. Tesla’s integrated charging infrastructure and trip planning give them a decisive advantage for convenient long-distance EV travel.
Mustang Mach-E Reliant On Third-Party Stations
Ford Mustang Mach-E owners must seek out one of the growing number of third-party DC fast charging stations offering either SAE Combo or CHAdeMO plugs. While networks like Electrify America are expanding, coverage cannot yet match Tesla’s vast proprietary network. Until then, Mach-E drivers must carefully plot multi-stop trip routes accounting for real-world charging options.
Technology and Connectivity: Two High-Tech Cabins
As you’d expect given their billing as tech leader and legacy automaker turned EV trendsetter respectively, both the Model 3 and Mach-E deliver digital-first driving experiences. Here’s how the in-car technology stacks up:
Clean vs Classic Touchscreens
The Model 3 centers on its 15-inch horizontal touchscreen display, presenting an Apple-inspired interface for controlling all driving, navigation, entertainment and climate functions. Ford outfits the Mach-E with both a sizable 15.5” vertically-oriented touchscreen plus an impressive fully digital 12-inch instrument cluster.
Advanced Voice Commands
Each EV prides itself on onboard voice assistants. Tesla vehicles speak to drivers through an AI system it dubs “Full Self Driving Computer.” Mach-E offers conversational voice recognition c/o the Sync 4A system with support for Alexa Built-in voice assistance.
Over-the-Air Updates
Both Tesla and Ford can upgrade vehicles already on the road via remote software updates, Tesla especially frequently enhancing capability. However the Blue Oval’s Power-Over-the-Air pledges to help Mach-E stay fresh too.
Mobile App Integration
Lastly, robust mobile apps add connectivity. The FordPass and Tesla smartphone apps enable key remote vehicle controls plus additional features like location-based climate preconditioning, charging status checks, and more.
Cost to Own: Which EV Saves Drivers More Money?
For many shoppers, the bottom line boils down to projected cost and affordability factors:
- MSRP Pricing: The Mustang Mach-E Undercuts the Model 3 By Nearly $3K
Despite its SUV proportions and Ford badge, the Mustang Mach-E oddly enough significantly undercuts the Model 3 on starting price. Expect to pay at least $43,895 for a base RWD Mach-E Standard Range versus $46,490 for the entry-level Tesla Model 3 RWD (formerly Standard Range Plus).
- Resale Value Forecasts: Tesla Projected to Retain Greater Long-Term Value
Mainly by virtue of its premium brand cachet, Tesla vehicles historically maintain exceptionally strong resale values long-term. The Model 3 is projected to retain around 60% residual value after 50,000 miles of driving. Expect the Mach-E to depreciate faster at around 45% by that same mileage mark according to recent analysis.
- Fuel and Maintenance Savings: Both Deliver Huge Savings Over Gas Cars
It’s tough to precisely quantify long-term operating costs given fluctuating electricity rates based on region. However between substantially lower per-mile energy costs compared to gas vehicles and reduced maintenance requirements, any EV promotes major lifetime savings. The Mach-E and Model 3 should deliver comparable economies here.
The Verdict: Which Electric Vehicle is Best Overall?
So when all’s said and done, how do the celebrated Tesla Model 3 and brand-new Ford Mustang Mach-E compare in this head-to-head EV showdown? Here’s our final analysis:
Tesla Model 3
- Pros
- Superlative range and ultra-fast charging via Superchargers
- Brutally quick acceleration and responsiveness
- Premium brand name and tech leader reputation
- Cons
- Lower cargo room and interior space
- Occasionally too much performance for its own good
- Reliant on large (and controversial) central touchscreen
Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Pros
- Excellent handling and high-speed stability
- More practical SUV proportions
- Attractive pricing undercuts Tesla
- Strong tech including BlueCruise driver assist
- Cons
- Lower EV range by 25+ miles
- Slower charging away from home
- Polarizing Mustang-inspired styling
The Tesla Model 3 earns the narrow win in this battle between landmark electric vehicles. While the Mustang Mach-E brings greater practicality and surprisingly competitive tech at a lower price point, the Model 3 offers superlative range, charging infrastructure, performance, and brand prestige. Given the breakneck pace of EV progress though, expect the Mach-E to only improve while more Model 3 alternatives inevitably arise.
Comparing the Tesla Model 3 and Mustang Mach-E: The Last Word
The Model 3 and Mustang Mach-E don’t just represent two compelling EV options. These history-making vehicles symbolize the profound industry-wide transformation now underway as automakers shift focus from gas guzzlers to emissions-free electric transportation. Both Tesla’s Model 3 and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E showcase the accelerating potential of electric vehicle technology, each in their own unique way.
For EV shoppers today, choices abound and only stand to expand further. Do you prioritize efficiency and performance like Tesla – or practicality and brand heritage like Ford? There’s no universal right answer. However by studying this in-depth Model 3 vs Mach-E analysis, drivers can better identify the electric vehicle that best aligns with their needs and passions.
