Compare the2022 Ford MustangVS 2021 BMW M2

The Mustang’s blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The M2 doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Mustang’s standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The M2 doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the Mustang and the M2 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available rear parking sensors and driver alert monitors.

Ford’s powertrain warranty covers the Mustang 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the M2. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the M2 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 9 times as many Ford dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Mustang’s warranty.

The Mustang has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The M2 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the car’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford 14th in initial quality. With 4 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 20th.

The Mustang GT’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 45 more horsepower (450 vs. 405) and 14 lbs.-ft. more torque (420 vs. 406) than the M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder. The Mustang Mach 1’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 65 more horsepower (470 vs. 405) and 4 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 406) than the M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Mustang Fastback gets better mileage than the M2:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ford Mustang uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The M2 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Mustang EcoBoost’s standard fuel tank has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the M2 (15.5 vs. 13.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Mustang GT/Mach 1’s standard fuel tank has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the M2 (16 vs. 13.7 gallons).

The Mustang has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The M2 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is available on the Ford Mustang, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the M2.

The Mustang stops much shorter than the M2:

For better traction, the Mustang Mach 1’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the M2 (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. F:245/35R19 & R:265/35R19).

The Mustang Mach 1’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the M2’s 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Mustang offers optional 20-inch wheels. The M2’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Mustang has a standard space-saver spare (not available on Handling Package/H.O. Package) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the M2; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Mustang offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The M2’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Mustang’s wheelbase is 1.1 inches longer than on the M2 (107.1 inches vs. 106 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Mustang is .2 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than on the M2.

The Mustang GT Fastback handles at 1.13 G’s, while the M2 pulls only .99 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Mustang GT Fastback executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the M2 (23.6 seconds @ .86 average G’s vs. 24.1 seconds @ .82 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Mustang’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the M2’s (36.5 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The front grille of the Mustang (except Performance Pack) uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The M2 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Mustang Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The M2 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the Mustang GT Fastback is quieter than the M2 Competition (45 vs. 47 dB).

The Mustang Fastback has 3.6 inches more front legroom and 1.9 inches more front shoulder room than the M2.

The Mustang has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The M2 has no towing capacity.

The Mustang Auto has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The M2 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Mustang Premium/Mach 1’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The M2 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Mustang’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The M2 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Mustang has standard extendable sun visors. The M2 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Mustang’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The M2’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Mustang Premium/Mach 1 Deluxe keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The M2 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Mustang offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The M2 doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

The Ford Mustang comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the BMW M2 isn’t available as a convertible.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Ford Mustang will be $6306 to $34789 less than for the BMW M2.

The Ford Mustang outsold the BMW 2 Series by over three to one during the 2021 model year.