8 Series vs Mustang
The 8 Series and the Mustang compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with BMW and Ford each making its case. The choice here comes down to priorities: engine & performance favors the 8 Series, while fuel economy & range favors the Mustang.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 8 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Mustang wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing 8 Series wins
- Engine & Performance3.7
- Fuel Economy & Range4.1
- 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 better fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Mustang (26 mpg versus 24 mpg). Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The 8 Series has 20 hp more power
The 8 Series gets a small bonus on total system output, with 335 hp against the Mustang’s 315 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The 8 Series has 18 lb-ft more torque
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the 8 Series leads 368 lb-ft to 350 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Mustang has better highway fuel economy
The difference is minor (33 mpg against 29 mpg), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Mustang wins it. The Mustang uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
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The 8 Series has available all-wheel drive
Whether it matters depends on your habits, but only one of these two gives you available all-wheel drive: the 8 Series. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 8 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
8 Series leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the 8 Series leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. Here the 8 Series offers 20 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. In short, the 8 Series is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
8 Series: 335 hp Mustang: 315 hp The 8 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
8 Series: 368 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
Mustang leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the Mustang makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Mustang delivers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the Mustang has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
8 Series: 24 mpg Mustang: 26 mpg The Mustang uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
8 Series: 29 mpg Mustang: 33 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
8 Series leads
The Mustang keeps it close on off-road & towing, yet the 8 Series holds a small lead. The 8 Series gives you available all-wheel drive. The 8 Series offers all-wheel drive; the Mustang doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. The takeaway: on off-road & towing, the 8 Series is the stronger car.
AWD / 4WD available
8 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
This section is descriptive. The 8 Series and the Mustang list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 8 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 315 hp |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft (winner) | 350 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 8 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 8 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 13.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 8 Series | Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 8 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 | 8 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 | 8 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 8 Series if…
- you want more power (335 hp vs 315 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (368 lb-ft vs 350 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Choose the Mustang if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (26 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you want better highway fuel economy (33 mpg vs 29 mpg)
- you already know your way around Ford’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 8 Series or the Mustang?
Neither wins outright. Choose the 8 Series if engine & performance matters most, or the Mustang if fuel economy & range does.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: BMW’s 8 Series against Ford’s Mustang. What I like most about the 8 Series here is 20 hp more power. There’s a bonus as well: the 8 Series has available all-wheel drive. Where the Mustang fights back is better fuel economy.
If engine & performance is your thing, the 8 Series fits. If fuel economy & range matters more, the Mustang makes more sense.
My pick: it depends. Go for the 8 Series if engine & performance comes first for you, or the Mustang if fuel economy & range does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.