Compare the2023 Ford MustangVS 2023 BMW 8 Series

The Mustang has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the 8 Series’ blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Mustang has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the 8 Series.

Both the Mustang and the 8 Series 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, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

Ford’s powertrain warranty covers the Mustang 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 8 Series. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 8 Series 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 8 Series doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the car’s engine.

On the EPA test cycle the Mustang Fastback gets better mileage than the 8 Series Coupe:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ford Mustang uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The 8 Series requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

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 8 Series doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Mustang offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The 8 Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

A 10-speed automatic is available on the Ford Mustang, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 8 Series.

The Mustang stops much shorter than the 8 Series:

For better traction, the Mustang Mach 1’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 8 Series (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. F:245/35R20 & R:275/30R20).

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 8 Series’ optional 35 series front tires.

The Mustang has a standard space-saver spare (not available on Handling Package/H.O. Package/Mach 1) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the 8 Series; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the 8 Series don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The Mustang GT Fastback handles at 1.13 G’s, while the M850i xDrive Coupe pulls only .98 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Mustang GT Premium Convertible handles at .98 G’s, while the M850i xDrive Convertible pulls only .97 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Mustang GT Fastback executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the M850i xDrive Coupe (23.6 seconds @ .86 average G’s vs. 24.2 seconds @ .85 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Mustang’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the 8 Series’ (36.5 feet vs. 38.2 feet).

The Ford Mustang may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 750 pounds less than the BMW 8 Series.

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 8 Series doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Mustang Fastback has 3 inches more front legroom, 1.2 inches more rear headroom and 5.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the 8 Series Coupe.

The Mustang Convertible has 3 inches more front legroom and 1 inch more rear headroom than the 8 Series Convertible.

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 8 Series does not have an oil pressure 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 8 Series doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Insurance will cost less for the Mustang owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Mustang will cost $120 to $9710 less than the 8 Series over a five-year period.

The Mustang will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Mustang will retain 47.24% to 58.69% of its original price after five years, while the 8 Series only retains 42.36% to 43.82%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Ford Mustang will be $45892 to $58191 less than for the BMW 8 Series.

The Mustang GT/Bullitt was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” in 2019. The 8 Series has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The Ford Mustang outsold the BMW 8 Series by 14% during the 2022 model year.