When the Model S arrived on the scene in 2012, Tesla caught the automotive industry off-guard. The electric car start-up in the United States established that there was significant demand for EVs with a high price tag, and since then, automakers all over the world have been working feverishly to produce competitors to cash in on this increasingly profitable industry.
One of them is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is also one of the most significant new Fords in a generation. The fact that Ford has given it the Mustang moniker, one of the most recognisable in the business, illustrates its significance.
Mustang Mach-e vs Tesla Model 3: Powertrain
The Model 3 Standard Range Plus is said to have a 54-kWh battery pack and a range of 263 miles. It drives a motor that produces 283 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 140 mph. It also has an AWD variant which was powered by a 75kWh battery, now increased to 82kWh.
The Mach-E Premium is powered by two motors that produce 266 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. It is powered by a 68-kWh battery pack which can also be upgraded to an 88-kWh battery. This results in a 211-mile range and a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.
Mustang Mach-e vs Model 3: Style and Space
The Model 3’s interior is appealing because it is devoid of buttons and clutter—even the vents are hidden beneath a wood panel that spans the dash. The wireless smartphone charger has been upgraded to be more in line with the design, and also the cabin now appears to be a welcoming work environment.
Tesla also has an advantage in terms of seat comfort, with standard heated seats that feel substantial but are quite thin. Ford’s seat bottoms are short, so long-legged passengers don’t get as much thigh support, but the side bolsters are more supportive.
Because the Mach-E is taller, the frunk is deeper; headroom is better inside, and there is more room overall, but not by as much as I expected. The Mach-center E’s tunnel space is better executed with an open floor plan approach, whereas the Tesla has two deep consoles, one between the cup holder and charger and the other under the armrest.
Trunk space appears to be close between the two vehicles with the rear seats up. However, the Mach-tall E’s hatchback body style provides 29.7 cubic feet versus 15 cubic feet in the Model 3. With the drivers removed, four sets of golf clubs can fit across the Mach-E. You can’t do that with the Model 3, but the Model Y is a better paper comparison in this case. With the seats folded, it has 68 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to Mach-59.7 E’s cubic feet. I’d still take the Mach-E because it’s more visually appealing than the bulbous Model Y.
Mustang Mach-e vs Tesla Model 3: Power
In practice, however, performance is determined by the circumstances. In this article, we are going to use the test conducted by ‘The car connection’. The road test was set against a backdrop of snow flurries and single-digit temperatures in our Midwestern suburban neighbourhood. In consecutive tests, the all-wheel-drive Mach-E took the lead right away. However, the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 felt faster and more agile. The difference was traction, which we didn’t realise until I whipped it around our snowy suburban streets.
When the Model 3 begins to slip, the traction control reduces throttle response until the vehicle regains grip. Last year, Tesla reportedly added a “dyno mode” to the Model 3 that allows you to disable traction control, but we didn’t test it. It paused off the line until it had built up enough incremental motion to ensure grip, then took off.
The Tesla had more power for highway passing once it was moving. This corresponds to its higher horsepower figure. Winter tyres or all-wheel drive would help you get off to a faster start, or you could wait until the sun shines, which is a common wish in the Midwest.
At highway speeds, the Mach-response E’s were duller. However, it is quite quick off the line, reaching speeds of up to 30 mph. Three drive modes control throttle response and power delivery, and the top Unbridled mode even adds some pony car engine thrum. Don’t worry, such a trick can be turned off.
Verdict
The name is debatable, but there’s no denying that the Mustang Mach-E is a well-rounded, practical, and reasonably priced electric vehicle. It can’t match Tesla’s straight-line performance, but the ride, handling, and chassis balance are all better, and it has a longer range in our hands. The Ford will also be less expensive than the Tesla.
Some buyers value the Tesla badge and on-board technology, but the Model 3 outperforms. It’s lightning-fast, but when compared to the Ford, its shortcomings in ride and handling stand out. The Model 3’s access to Tesla’s Supercharger network makes ownership very appealing, but the overall package and price aren’t a match for the Ford on this occasion.
To put it mildly, Tesla’s long-awaited debut in India has hit an unexpected speed bump. According to sources familiar with the matter, during testing on Indian roads, the Tesla Vehicle 3, which was expected to be the first model to go on sale in India, was revealed to have insufficient ground clearance.
Also, read: Tesla Model 3 launch put on hold for low ground clearance
Image 1 Source: The car connection
