4 Series vs Mustang
The 4 Series and the Mustang land in the same sports car category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. The scorecard favors the 4 Series, which leads in 2 of 4 areas. Its strongest showing is in the fuel economy & range category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Mustang wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 4 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing 4 Series wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Engine & Performance3.3
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Mustang has 60 hp more power
Not a close call. The Mustang lists 315 hp and the 4 Series lists 255 hp. That’s a substantial gap. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The 4 Series has better fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 31 mpg against 26 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the 4 Series. The 4 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Mustang has 55 lb-ft more torque
The 4 Series gives up a lot on torque: 295 lb-ft, compared with 350 lb-ft on the Mustang. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The 4 Series brings 28 mpg to the table; the Mustang brings 22 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 4 Series starts from a better baseline.
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The 4 Series has better highway fuel economy
On paper, the 4 Series is a touch ahead here, listing 36 mpg against 33 mpg. The 4 Series uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107 in |
Engine & Performance
Mustang leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Mustang leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The Mustang answers with 60 hp more power. The Mustang’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Mustang.
Total system output
4 Series: 255 hp Mustang: 315 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
4 Series: 295 lb-ft Mustang: 350 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
4 Series leads
The 4 Series clearly takes the fuel economy & range round. The 4 Series scores with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. If this section decides it for you, choose the 4 Series.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg Mustang: 26 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
4 Series: 28 mpg Mustang: 22 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Call the space & practicality round a draw. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
4 Series leads
The off-road & towing comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the 4 Series marginally ahead. Here the 4 Series offers available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. Net result: the 4 Series leads this part of the comparison.
AWD / 4WD available
4 Series: yes Mustang: no All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the 4 Series and the Mustang list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 315 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 4 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 33 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 13.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 4 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 in Biggest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Ford Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.4 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107 in |
Price
| Spec | 4 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $31,920 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 4 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 33 mpg)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Choose the Mustang if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (315 hp vs 255 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (350 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Ford and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 4 Series or the Mustang?
We’d point most buyers to the 4 Series. The main exception is if you care more about 60 hp more power than anything else.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the 4 Series and the Mustang on their merits. Honestly, better fuel economy on the 4 Series does a lot of the persuading for me. There’s a bonus as well: the 4 Series has better highway fuel economy. On the other side, the Mustang brings 60 hp more power, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
I think of the 4 Series as the one for fuel economy & range and the Mustang as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: the 4 Series is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you know that 60 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.