2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y – Albany, NY

By now you’re probably thinking that there is no way Ford can produce an electric Mustang that is even remotely comparable to the iconic muscle car. Think again! Not only did Ford engineers create an electric powertrain that delivers exceptional performance, but they also made sure that the Mach-E could deliver staggering track results.

Electric Power of the Mach-E

Mounted at the rear of the vehicle is an electric engine mated with an AWD system. This EV powertrain has an impressive targeted 332 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. If you never thought you’d see numbers like that on an EV, hold onto your seat because the GT and GT Performance Edition models are expected to generate a whopping 459 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. How’s that for power? 

There are two different battery packs that the Mach-E can be fitted with. The standard is a 75.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, and the other is a 98.8 kWh extended-range battery. Both are covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the extended-range version can travel for 300 miles on a single charge. 

Performance of the Tesla Model Y

Moving on to the Tesla Model Y, this EV SUV is powered by a dual-motor AWD system that is mated with a long-range battery. It can travel for 280 miles. To get further without stopping for a charge, you’ll have to upgrade to the long-range RWD model that can keep going for up to 300 miles. At the moment, other performance stats such as horsepower and torque have not yet been confirmed. 

However, we can compare these two vehicles on the track. Mustang Mach-E GT models equipped with the extended-range battery have been clocked at hitting zero to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. That’s impressive for a vehicle in general and even more so for an EV SUV. On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y is no slack, either. It can accelerate to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds. If you get the long-range RWD model, it is much slower, clocking in at 5.5 seconds. So, you would be trading speed for 20 extra driving miles. 

Sitting in the Mach-E

Slipping behind the wheel of the Mustang Mach-E is an experience all on its own. The first thing you notice is the extra-large 15.5-inch touchscreen interface that operates the infotainment system. As the most intuitive version on the market, this system will learn about your habits on the road and give you shortcuts. If you are a music lover, then you will be ecstatic when you turn on the 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system. It features a soundbar with surround sound, dynamic sound tuning, adaptive volume, and a subwoofer for a mind-blowing audio experience. If you look up, you will see a panoramic fixed-glassed roof that features a special coating. This keeps the cabin warm in the winter and cool during the summer. 

Similarly, the Tesla Model Y has a large 15-inch touchscreen interface that works with navigation and live traffic updates. Keeping you on the fastest route to your destination, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic jams. It also comes with a top-of-the-line sound system and luxurious glass roof, making it on-par with the Mach-E.

The Mach-E's Incredible Safety Features

As for safety systems, the Mustang Mach-E is quite impressive. It comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 suite of safety features. This includes rear cross-traffic alert, reverse brake assist, blindspot monitoring, post-collision braking, automatic high beams, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision assist, a reverse sensing system, emergency braking, and a handy rearview camera. If you want to take things up a notch, you can add two more safety packages. One is the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 that adds evasive steering, a navigation system, and adaptive cruise control. The other adds a 360-degree camera system and active park assist 2.0. It’s known as the Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology suite. 

Behind the Wheel of the Model Y

Tesla makes big claims for its Model Y vehicle, calling it the safest in its class. It comes standard with the AutoPilot system, collision warning, blindspot monitoring, and emergency braking. The AutoPilot system enables the Model Y to drive and park itself. It uses a surround-view camera system, a front radar, and 12 external sensors to determine if an object is within 160 meters. It’s up to you to weigh the numerous safety systems that Ford offers against the AutoPilot system in the Tesla. 

Cargo and Passenger Capacities in the Mach-E and Model Y

Now, let’s talk about space. As we mentioned briefly before, the Mustang Mach-E can carry five people comfortably. Even with all five seats in use, it offers 29 cubic feet of cargo room in the back. If you need more room, you can easily fold down the back row of seating to access up to 60 cubic feet of space. Ford didn’t stop there. Because the powertrain is mounted at the rear, there is a handy compartment at the front that remains empty. This is typically where a conventional engine would sit. However, under the hood of the Mach-E is an additional storage compartment that is not carpeted. You can use it to store muddy shoes or anything else that you don’t want inside the cabin. It can also be used as cold beverage storage by inserting the foam lining that Ford is currently working on. 

The Tesla Model Y can seat seven passengers. However, the comfort level of all seven passengers is up for debate. It seems as though the very back seats are better suited to children more than adults. Maximum storage capacity is measured at 66 cubic feet, which is about even with the Mach-E when you include the front-trunk.

Design of the Mach-E and Model Y

Looking at these two EV models from the outside paints a very different picture. The Mustang Mach-E is styled similarly to the iconic Mustang. The A-pillars have been pushed back a bit, and it looks as though the Mustang had a nose job, but essentially, it still looks like a larger Mustang. It even features the recognizable three-chamber taillight design. Another cool exterior design element is that the Mach-E doesn’t have any door handles. Using the E-Latch system, it can sense when you are near the vehicle. Once you get close enough, an illuminated button will appear for you to press. This will open the door about 4-inches. You can then grasp the interior handle and pull the door open the rest of the way. This gives a more futuristic look. 

The Tesla Model Y does not look like an SUV. In fact, some people may get the impression that it’s a sedan. This is due to its petite demeanor and aerodynamic styling.

Customizing the Exterior of Your Mach-E or Model Y

Finally, let’s talk about the paint options. The Mustang Mach-E will be available in seven shades, including Infinite Blue Metallic, Space White, Shadow Black, Iconic Silver, Star White Metallic, Carbonized Gray, and, of course, the iconic Rapid Red Metallic. The Tesla Model Y will be offered in five colors. These include Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Pearl White, Deep Blue Metallic, and Red.