Mustang vs GR86
The Mustang and the GR86 are direct rivals in the sports car class, one from Ford and one from Toyota. On the overall scorecard, the Mustang is ahead: 4 of 5 areas, with engine & performance doing the heavy lifting.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Mustang wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Mustang wins
- Space & Practicality Mustang wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Mustang wins
- Price GR86 wins
- Engine & Performance3.3
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Space & Practicality7.8
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality3.6
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 114% more cargo space
The Mustang clearly leads on cargo (behind rear seats), and 13.5 cu ft versus 6.3 cu ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The Mustang’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Mustang has 87 hp more power
On total system output, the Mustang posts 315 hp against 228 hp for the GR86, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Mustang’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Mustang has better fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 26 mpg for the Mustang versus 22 mpg for the GR86. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Mustang has 166 lb-ft more torque
The GR86 lists 184 lb-ft; the Mustang comes in at 350 lb-ft. That’s not a rounding error. The Mustang’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Mustang has a 21.5 in longer body
The Mustang comes out larger here (189.4 in versus 167.9 in), which is neither a plus nor a minus on its own. Neither is better in general; it’s a trade-off between space inside and ease of parking.
Design & Size
- Mustang 189.4 in × 55.1 in
- GR86 167.9 in × 69.9 in × 51.6 in
The Mustang simply takes up more room than the GR86, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space.
Dimensions
| Spec | Mustang | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.4 in | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Height | 55.1 in | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 101.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,811 lb Lightest in class |
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 87 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. If this section decides it for you, choose the Mustang.
Total system output
Mustang: 315 hp GR86: 228 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Mustang: 350 lb-ft GR86: 184 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Mustang leads
In this area the Mustang has a lead the GR86 can’t close. Choose the Mustang and you get better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the Mustang is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
Mustang: 26 mpg GR86: 22 mpg The Mustang uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
Mustang: 33 mpg GR86: 26 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Mustang leads
The Mustang clearly takes the space & practicality round. The Mustang makes its case with 114% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Mustang is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Mustang: 13.5 cu ft GR86: 6.3 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The Mustang and the GR86 match each other closely in this area. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
Mustang leads
On safety & tech, the difference is modest, and it favors the Mustang. The Mustang wins here with a bigger 13.2 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. The safety & tech verdict goes to the Mustang.
Largest touchscreen
Mustang: 13.2 in GR86: 8 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Mustang | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) | 2.4L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 315 hp (winner) | 228 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft (winner) | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 6-speed manual (6-speed automatic available) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Mustang | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 33 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Mustang | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft (winner) | 6.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Mustang | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Mustang | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.2 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen | 8 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Mustang | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.4 in | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Height | 55.1 in | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 101.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 2,811 lb Lightest in class |
Price
| Spec | Mustang | GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $31,920 | $31,200 Lowest price in class |
“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.
Price & Value
The launch prices are close, with the GR86 just $720 below the Mustang. Paying $720 extra for the Mustang means getting 114% more cargo space and 87 hp more power.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked launch. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Mustang if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (13.5 cu ft vs 6.3 cu ft)
- you want more power (315 hp vs 228 hp)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (26 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (350 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the GR86 if…
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($720 less)
- you like a car that takes up less room
- you’re loyal to Toyota and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Mustang or the GR86?
We’d point most buyers to the Mustang. The main exception is if you have better plans for $720.
Which is larger, the Mustang or the GR86?
Size goes the other way: the Mustang is larger (189.4 × 55.1 in), and the GR86 is the smaller option (167.9 × 69.9 × 51.6 in).
Is the Mustang cheaper than the GR86?
The Mustang launched at $720 more than the GR86, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
Ford or Toyota? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Mustang versus the GR86. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 114% more cargo space, and that goes to the Mustang. There’s a bonus as well: the Mustang has 87 hp more power.
For engine & performance, the Mustang fits better. For price, the GR86 is the better match.
My pick: the Mustang for most people, with the GR86 as the smarter choice if you want to keep that $720 difference in your pocket.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.