Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model 3: which is better?
As far as electric cars go, the Tesla Model 3 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E are two heavy-hitters. Find out which comes out on top in our comparison
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The Tesla Model 3 and Ford Mustang Mach-E are significant cars in our journey to emission-free motoring.
Tesla has been topping sales charts since the Model 3 launched in the UK in 2019, while the Mustang Mach-E has proven to be an integral part of Ford’s plan to go electric.
Each has its benefits, which for Tesla owners is the extensive Supercharger network of high-speed rapid chargers.
For the Ford, it's the long sporting history of the ‘Mustang’ name, which carries itself over to the Mach-E.
If you’re struggling to pick which of these unique and very worthy electric cars should be parked on your driveway, we outline some key differences below.
Which is more stylish: Mustang Mach-E vs. Tesla Model 3?
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While they’re both very popular electric cars and play key roles in the move to cut carbon emissions, the Model 3 and the Mach-E are very different cars.
The Tesla Model 3 is a saloon, which means the rear windscreen does not open with the glass, which makes getting large items in and out slightly more challenging.
However, the boot space itself is larger than many other similarly-sized saloons.
By comparison, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has a more conventional hatchback-style boot opening.
It’s also an SUV, which means it’s higher and slightly more spacious.
Neither has a grille because there’s no engine to cool, but while Ford chose to blank off where you would usually expect to find a grille, Tesla removed it entirely, which makes it stand out from other cars on the road.
Is the Tesla Model 3 or Ford Mustang Mach-E better to drive?
There are various versions of each, including rear- and all-wheel-drive formats and a mixture of power outputs and battery sizes.
Even the slowest Model 3 is capable of 0-60mph (unlike most other manufacturers, Tesla doesn’t quote acceleration in 0-62mph) in 5.8 seconds, while the quickest can do it in a mind-blowing 3.1 seconds.
The Fords are slightly slower, taking as long as 7.0 seconds to reach 62mph. This is because they’re larger and less aerodynamic, and also have the additional weight of larger batteries.
The smallest Mach-E battery is around the same size as the Model 3’s largest battery, but because it’s an SUV, it’s less efficient. It’s best compared to the Model Y in Tesla’s range.
Regardless of their on-paper specifications, all versions of both cars feel sufficiently fast from behind the wheel thanks to the instant power response of their electric motors.
Both cars mount the batteries down low, between the wheels, which gives them a low centre of gravity. That means even the tall Mach-E doesn’t tend to roll as much in the corners as petrol- and diesel-powered SUVs.
Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Tesla Model 3 interior
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There are only two buttons inside the Model 3 – on the steering wheel – and they can control a handful of the car’s features.
There’s also voice control, but most of the functionalities are controlled through the large, landscape touchscreen.
The Mach-E has a similarly large touchscreen, but it’s mounted in a portrait orientation. There are also some extra buttons for some key controls like volume.
Both include plenty of the car tech you’d expect from their premium price tags, including heated seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and plenty of cameras to help you park.
Unless you need more range or power, there’s little need to pay for the more expensive versions.
Model 3 vs. Mach-E: which is roomier?
Both have sloping rooflines, but the effect on interior space is more pronounced in the Model 3, where taller rear-seat passengers may find that they struggle for headroom.
It can also be a challenge to fit three adults side-by-side.
If you regularly find yourself carrying multiple rear-seat occupants, a Mustang Mach-E generally feels roomier.
The Mach-E has a 402-litre boot, which is actually a fair bit smaller than some other electric SUVs like the Volkswagen ID.4 (543 litres) and the Jaguar I-Pace (656 litres).
The Model 3 has a 561-litre boot, which includes a very large space under the boot floor that’s enough to hold a few shopping bags by itself.
However, as mentioned above, the saloon-style boot opening makes it less practical.
Both also have storage spaces under their bonnets due to the lack of engines – the Tesla has 88 litres and the Ford has 81 litres, but the latter benefits from a drainplug that means you can wash it out more easily if you’re to store dirty boots in there.
Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. Tesla Model 3 performance
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If you’re after the fastest versions, you’ll be looking at the Model 3 Performance, which can do 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds.
Tesla is very secretive when it comes to performance figures, but online forums suggest that it has more than 500hp.
The fastest Mustang Mach-E is the GT model, which has 487hp and can reach 62mph in 4.4 seconds.
Other Model 3 setups include the rear-wheel-drive entry-level model (previously known as Standard Range, but Tesla dropped this name entirely) and the all-wheel-drive Long Range.
Like Tesla, Ford has a rear-wheel-drive model with a smaller battery and an all-wheel-drive model with a larger battery.
However, it also fits rear-wheel drive to the car with the larger battery, which makes it more efficient. In theory, this can do 371 miles – three miles short of the Model 3 Long Range.
Tesla Model 3 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E dimensions
Despite being a smaller car than the Mach-E, the Model 3 is fairly long, which is true of many saloons.
It measures 4,694mm long, 1,850mm wide without the mirrors, and 1,443mm tall, which means it’s similar in size to a regular saloon like a BMW 3 Series.
The Ford is larger in all respects: it’s 4,713mm long, 1,881mm wide and 1,624mm tall. It’s about the same size as a Jaguar I-Pace, but it’s slightly taller.
It’s worth mentioning another figure often disclosed in the dimensions area of the manufacturers’ spec sheets.
The Ford can tow between 750kg and 1,500kg depending on which you get, but the Model 3 is not built for towing. Still, you can buy towbar-mounted bike racks for it.
Tesla Model 3 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: which should you buy?
Both cars are incredibly popular and have their own characteristics and benefits, so there’s no bad choice.
That said, you’ll need to consider how you intend to use your car to make an informed choice. The Mach-E suits families better, but the Model 3 is a much more appealing option for those after one of the most efficient EVs you can buy from any brand.