Comparing the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y

Ford recently announced an all-new inclusion into its vehicle lineup. Currently known as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the crossover SUV is an electric vehicle with several style points taken from the current Mustang. This represents an exciting entry into the world of all-electric vehicles. There are only a handful of electric SUVs currently slated for production, which makes the Tesla Model Y its primary competition. But just how do the two vehicles stack up? Here’s everything you need to know regarding the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y.

Engine Performance

Before diving completely headfirst into the comparison numbers, it is important to point out that both the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E have yet to be officially tested by federal agencies and other reviewing services, so these numbers are only as reported by the companies. Often times there are some slight differences in specs, so keep that in mind (manufacturer numbers are often the optimal numbers which).

Engine numbers are different regarding all-electric vehicles. You don’t have the valves and all the other bulk. There are fewer moving parts with no fuel pumping through the engine, which helps drastically reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle. It also means you won’t need to change out engine oil, spark plugs, coolant, or anything else like that. Maintenance is far easier with vehicles like this than with any traditional fuel-injection vehicle. So there is no engine size comparison for the Mach-E and the Model Y. However, you can still compare engine output.

With the Mustang Mach-E, the vehicle is expected to put out a maximum of 459 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. As for the Tesla Model Y, the engine produces an estimated maximum 450 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque.

Now, you might see some mention of kW numbers for horsepower and Nm for torque. Nm is short for Newton Metre. This is simply a unit of torque. However, as Nm has never really been used as a torque measurement, you won’t see it as often. KW means kilowatt, which is the unit of measurement used for an electrical source, while horsepower is used for mechanical output. 1 kilowatt equals about 1.34 mechanical horsepower (and in case you’re ever stuck back in time and need the 1.21 gigawatts to power your DeLorean’s Flux capacitor, that’s about 1,622,637 horsepower).

Driving Assistance

On the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the vehicle will feature what it calls Co-Pilot360 Technology. This includes pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, a lane-keeping system, a rearview camera, auto high beams, reverse brake assist, post-collision braking, and reverse sensing system. The built-in Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 will offer intelligent adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and navigation. The vehicle will be able to read signs, so if the speed limit changes (even when not noted via GPS), it will automatically slow down with Assist is activated. It also has Active Park Assist, which uses a 360-degree camera, allowing the vehicle to be easily parked, regardless of location or surroundings. Additionally, much like the Tesla, the vehicle will be wirelessly updated.

Much has been made about the Tesla Autopilot feature. To do this, Tesla uses 8 external cameras, radar, plus a dozen ultrasonic sensors, all coming together on the vehicle’s computer system to automate the driving experience. Tesla does offer two versions of this, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. However, it is important to point out that Tesla specifically points out that the vehicle is not autonomous and should not be used in such a way. It is best driven by a full-attentive driver behind the wheel. As the Tesla does receive automatic updates wirelessly, the vehicle will update itself in order to improve the self-drive performance. With the Autopilot feature, the Tesla offers traffic-aware cruise control and autosteer (although this only works within clearly marked lanes). The Full Self-Driving Capability version offers a Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon. In order words, with the Smart Summon feature activated, instead of you finding your car in a parking lot, the car will find you.

Entertainment Through the Roof

As for the sound system on the vehicles, both come with a solid music production profile. Because the Tesla Model Y is slightly larger, with a 7-seat option for an additional $3,000 over the standard price point, there are more speakers, but the Ford still packs a punch. In fact, Ford uses the premium B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, which gives the Mach-E a superior audio production experience. This includes a specially designated subwoofer. It offers Bluetooth and WiFi streaming. Not only will the vehicle be updated via WiFi, but you can connect all your electronic devices to the data network (unlike other vehicles that come with optional 4G LTE, you will need to have the Internet activated on the Mach-E).

The Mach-E will come with a Glass Roof, which gives you an incredible driving experience. Previous versions of the Mustang did, at one point, offer a glass roof design, but the glass was heavily coated, and it allowed in dim light. This design will allow in plenty of light, although there is a special coating applied to it to help keep you cool inside and to prevent any sun damage to the leather seating and electronics. In fact, the coating applied to the roof reflects Infra-red light, which will keep the vehicle cooler in the summer than a non-glass roof vehicle that absorbs the heat.

The Tesla Model Y comes with a 14-speaker, one sub, and two amp premium sound system. It has in-car Internet streaming, Bluetooth, 4 USB ports, and docking for two smartphones. The vehicle also, just like the Mach-E, comes with a full glass roof in order to provide you with the most immersive driving experience possible.

Which Electric Vehicle Is Right For You

Chances are it will be much easier to get your hands on a Ford Mustang Mach-E than it will be with Tesla. Tesla doesn’t have the same kind of manufacturing power as Ford, and the company is famous for constantly running behind schedule. While you’ll need to reserve your Mach-E ahead of time with Ford, there’s more than likely a better chance you’ll actually be driving the 2021 Mach-E than you will be the latest Model Y. But what do you think? What’s your take on the new Ford vehicle. Do you like that it shares some of the Mustang design features (especially along the tail-end of the crossover), or would you have the company rather not name it after its prized pony car? And do you think this will stand up against the Tesla Model Y, which has developed an almost cult-like following? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!