So you‘re trying to decide between two of the most popular electric vehicles (EVs) on the market today – the Tesla Model 3 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Both offerings have unique strengths and weaknesses that determine which is better suited for different consumers‘ needs.
In this comprehensive comparison guide, I‘ll equip you with everything to know to determine which EV is the best fit for your priorities – from driving range and charging to safety ratings, performance specs and more. Let‘s dive in!
An Overview of the Contenders
The Tesla Model 3 first debuted in 2017 as Tesla‘s first mass-market electric vehicle. Since then, over 1.3 million units have sold globally making it the world‘s best selling EV. The rear-wheel drive Model 3 Standard Range Plus carries a starting MSRP of $46,490.
The Mustang Mach-E rolled out more recently in late 2021 as Ford‘s crossover SUV entry into the fully-electric space. While sales figures don‘t yet match the Model 3, it‘s quickly become Ford‘s most popular EV offering. The base rear-wheel drive "Select" trim starts at a comparable $43,895 MSRP.
Here‘s a quick rundown of key specs:
| Spec | Tesla Model 3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 60 kWh | 68 kWh |
| Range | 272 mi | 247 mi |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 s | 5.2 s |
| Cargo Space | 15 cu ft | 29 cu ft |
| Max Charging Speed | 250 kW | 150 kW |
Now let‘s analyze how these two EVs compare across the factors that matter most to EV buyers…
Driving Range and Charging: Tesla‘s Range Advantage
Driving range sits at the top of most EV buyers‘ checklists. Here the Tesla Model 3‘s 60 kWh lithium-ion battery edges out the Mach-E‘s 68 kWh pack with an EPA rating of 272 miles versus 247 miles respectively. While 25 miles doesn‘t seem huge, that nearly 11% advantage for the Model 3 gives you more flexibility before needing to charge up.
Both EVs offer home charging to replenish batteries overnight on Level 2 240-volt outlets common in most garages. But when it comes to rapid public DC fast charging, Tesla holds a major infrastructure advantage with its vast proprietary Supercharger network numbering over 40,000 plugs globally. 250 kW V3 Superchargers can add 200+ miles of range to a Model 3 in a mere 15 minutes!
Until recently, Mach-E owners were stuck using America‘s patchy non-Tesla DC fast charging stations averaging 54 kW speeds according to the U.S. Department of Energy – not even 25% of what Tesla offers. But new partnerships between Ford and charging networks now allow Mustang Mach-E owners to access thousands of Tesla stations for faster Level 3 charging, albeit still at slower rates than Tesla vehicles. Overall charging is a clear win for the Model 3.
Winner: Tesla Model 3
Performance and Handling: Model 3 Quickness vs Mach-E Stability
In a straight line, the Tesla Model 3 is slingshot quick – its single rear motor configuration rocketing from 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds thanks to abundant 302 lb-ft of instant electric torque. The battery‘s low center of gravity also helps stability. However, with all that power going only to the rear wheels, the Model 3 can be twitchy handling near its adhesion limits unlike the dual-motor AWD variant.
By comparison, testers describe the Mach-E‘s power delivery as very smooth thanks to its standard all-wheel drive putting down grunt in a more controlled fashion to both axles. The low 4,394 lb curb weight also improves handling precision through corners compared to heavier SUV rivals. However, acceleration lags slightly behind the Model 3 at 5.2 seconds from 0-60 mph. The Mach-E‘s top speed also falls short at just 117 mph versus 140 mph for the Model 3 Performance.
So while the Tesla delivers greater performance on paper, the Mach-E ultimately provides the more accessible speed you can actually use on public roads with superior control and grip for average non-professional drivers.
Winner: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Driver Assistance and Safety Technology: Ford Leads in Safety
In the past, Tesla has pioneered advanced safety and autonomy focused driver assistance features like Autopilot which enable semi-autonomous highway driving through automatic steering, lane changes and adaptive cruise control. However, the system recently ranked lowest among EVs tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for poor driver monitoring allowing easy disengagement.
By contrast, Ford‘s CoPilot360 system debuting on the Mach-E keeps drivers more alert through corners by better ensuring hands stay on the wheel. In IIHS evaluations, Ford also earned top scores avoiding collisions at both 12 mph and 25 mph testing speeds versus below average grades for equivalent Autopilot capability. Overall Ford‘s technology promotes safer operation for the average consumer.
Winner: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Design and Passenger Room Comparison
Beauty is always subjective, but I give the Tesla Model 3 credit for bringing efficiency to modern aesthetic with its flowing exterior lines wrapping taut around the chassis culminating in a low, approachable roofline. However, critics fairly ding inconsistencies in panel gaps reflecting manufacturing challenges. Meanwhile the 15 cu ft cargo bay, tight rear seat legroom and lack of front trunk limit utility.
In contrast, the Mustang Mach-E adeptly translates Ford‘s sports coupe styling hallmarks like the recognizable front fascia onto a more voluminous midsize crossover SUV silhouette able to accommodate 29 cu ft of gear out back and provide adult passengers ample head and legroom. Design cohesiveness and material quality also surpass the Tesla on the inside.
If balancing aesthetics, utility and cabin space, the Mach-E once again proves the better balanced option. Customers needing to regularly haul passengers and gear should skip the Model 3‘s cramped quarters.
Winner: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Cost and Value Comparison: Tesla Still Reigns
When just comparing MSRP, the Mach-E‘s $43,895 starting price undercuts the Model 3 at $46,490 for base rear-wheel drive configurations. However, factor in Tesla‘s advantage is driving range per dollar value – each mile of EPA range works out to approximately $170 in the Mach-E versus just $153 for every mile in the Model 3.
Resale value projections also tilt the value equation in Tesla‘s favor. According to automotive research firm iSeeCars, the Model 3 is expected to retain 54.0% of its original MSRP after 36 months of ownership – an incredible 9% higher than the overall EV segment average for resale value retention. That equates thousands of dollars returned to your pocket down the road. Wider Mach-E resale data remains more scarce to accurately compare.
With greater range-per-dollar coupled with class-leading residual values, the Tesla Model 3 still delivers outstanding value – especially factoring total cost through the full ownership lifecycle rather than just MSRP alone.
Winner: Tesla Model 3
The Verdict: Model 3 Wins for Most Buyers
Based on comparative analysis of the specs and attributes most impactful to EV buyers, I give the overall win to the Tesla Model 3 as the best electric car choice for a majority of consumers thanks to advantages in network charging speed, driving range, advanced performance, value retention and technology innovation.
However, the Ford Mustang Mach-E proves the superior option those prioritizing ride quality, interior roominess, cargo utility and safety assurances over raw battery range numbers or acceleration bragging rights. And with access to Tesla‘s charging network secured, “refueling” concerns for Mach-E buyers continue diminishing.
Hopefully this detailed head-to-head comparison provides clarity to make the right EV purchase decision aligned with your household needs. Both Tesla and Ford deliver compelling battery-electric options moving the market forward – so EV buyers are the real winners overall.
Still have questions or want my take other electric vehicle options? Don‘t hesitate to reach out in the comments section below!
