Ford’s new all-electric Mustang Mach-E GT falls into the crossovers of EV vehicles.
The Tesla Model X is no longer the only electric performance crossover in town. Here’s a look at how Ford’s 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT it stacks up against the 2020 Mustang GT Fastback. The Mustang Mach-E GT is scheduled to release late 2020, and its competitive price will beat out many electric crossovers. Ford has dominated the U.S. market in fleet vehicles for a long time now but some new players have stepped into the field to give competitors a run for their money. Much of that can be attributed to the falsehood of electric vehicles is more expensive and most of all not going the range of gas-powered vehicles. The big question I had when doing this comparison, can an electric vehicle beat the gas-powered Mustang GT? We had to compare it with gasoline-powered cars or electric crossovers. Now we meet performance with electric and elegance.
The other question I had, has Ford has developed this vehicle to enter the government and municipality market for emergency vehicles as they have in the past with Crown Victoria and most recently the Ford Explorer? No one will ever know until we see them on the road.
How Does Performance Compare Between 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT vs 2020 Mustang GT
From a numbers standpoint, we are comparing a 4 door crossover to a 2 door coupe. Ford has not disclosed its exact figures, but we did our research to find out the performance and definitely price. Ford explains the difference in style, Ford determined that performance-oriented buyers still favor a more traditional look, hence why the Mach-E GT has an actual grille up front versus a solid body-color piece seen on other Mach-E trims. Or rather, it looks like a traditional grille. In reality, the Mach-E GT’s grille is just as smooth because it has a clear cover so it can slice through the air as efficiently as possible.
Did I also mention that the Mach-E has a new all-wheel-drive system (eAWD) that will be available that can apply torque independently to the front and rear axles to deliver impressive acceleration and improved handling over the rear-wheel-drive Mustang GT.
The Mach-E GT also gets a slightly different lower fascia that has added vents and a prominent chin spoiler. Again, the name of the game here is increased efficiency, as the vents achieve some aerodynamic witchcraft that help offset extra drag from the Mach-E GT’s larger wheels and tires. The lower spoiler, however, is said to add downforce for more grip at the front. That’s at least one bit of traditional performance this electric GT gets.
I guess if you are purchasing for performance the Mach-E for performance you may want to consider the gas-powered Mustang GT, it is 2 seconds faster to reach 60 mph. The 0-60 mph time on the Mach GT is 2.5 seconds quicker than the time quoted for the Mustang Mach-E. We’re told stuffing the bulky battery pack under the passenger compartment improves handling by lowering the center of gravity, but we’ll wait until we get the chance to take the Mach E for a spin to make a final call.
PERFORMANCE – Mustang Mach-E GT vs 2020 Mustang GT Fastback
Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Acceleration, 0-60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | ||
Mustang Mach-E GT | 459 | 612 | 3.5 – 6.5 Depending on config | 112 | |
Mustang GT Fastback | 460 @ 7,000 RPM | 420 | 4.5 | 155 |
How Does Size Compare Between Mustang Mach-E GT vs 2020 Mustang GT Fastback
The Mustang GT and the Mach-E are very different in style but very similar in length. I would say the Mach-E has more of a look of the Jaguar I-Pace . With the Mustang GT coming in at 188 inches in length and the Mach-E at 186 inches, these two are natural competitors. It appears that the Mustang GT is slightly longer by its sleek design but it is actually shorter 2″ shorter than its competitor the Mach-E.
When comparing overall interior space the Mach-E obviously has more interior space but is almost 10 inches taller. It’s here that Mach-E wins and has the additional front trunk that many electric vehicles sport these days. It’s far more cavernous than the Mustang GT, more than doubling the total cargo capacity. Mustang Mach-E takes a huge victory when it comes to interior space.
DIMENSIONS – Mustang Mach-E GT vs 2020 Mustang GT
Length (in.) | Width (in.) | Height (in.) | Wheelbase (in.) | Front Truck (cu. ft.) | Rear cargo space (cu. ft.) | Front cargo space (cu. ft.) | ||
Mustang Mach-E | 186.0 | 74.0 | 63.0 | 117.0 | 4.8 | 29 | 59.6 | |
Mustang GT | 188.5 | 75.4 (81.9 w/ mirrors) | 54.3 | 107.1 | n/a | 13.5 | n/a |
Now For The Important Part, Range and Charging
This is really what most consumers are asking about when it comes to buying an EV vehicle. The range, how far on one charge and where can I charge it?
We are comparing gas against electric which I don’t normally do in comparisons, for highway miles the Mustang GT wins with the netting a 400-mile range with the Mach-E estimated at 300 miles. The 2021 Mustang Mach-E has an EPA-estimated range of between 210 and 300 miles, depending on the battery pack and type of electric motors. Every model also has fast-charging capability. Ford claims it will have the largest charging network in the United States—even larger than Tesla.
Now For The Price
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at a base price of $43,895 and the Mustang GT base price starts at $35,630. That’s before an unknown destination charge is tacked on, and it’s also before the $7,500 federal tax credit is taken advantage of.
Here’s where the Mach-E gets really enticing. Comparing it to luxury EVs isn’t exactly a fair fight, but there’s nothing else with similar performance. Many of the front-wheel-drive electrics have much less horsepower and are playing on the same field. The 2021 Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first all-electric crossover, and it was designed and named after the company’s iconic pony car. The overall price will knock out many competitors in this market of EV’s.
Now The Conclusion
On paper, the Mustang Mach-E and the Mustang GT are pretty similar in some ways. Yet the Mustang GT, it appears a fair bit more performance-oriented than the Mach-E which is no surprise especially if you move up to a Shelby. The Mustang Mach-E, on the other hand, keeps things a little more livable, with more cargo capacity, interior space, and range. It all comes down to space and style. Will your die-hard Mustang Pony fans choose the Mustang Mach-E over the classic Mustang GT, I would say “No.” If they want more tech and less performance they will choose the Mustang Mach-E.
I am most excited to see what comes into the 2021 EV market and especially 2022 because everyone is talking about EV trucks. In Nashville, we have many new automakers coming into the market to compete in EV’s. Will Tesla continue to be challenged and will they be able to hold their ground? The biggest question I have, are American automakers up for the challenge?