Compare the2023 Ford MustangVS 2023 Lexus RC F

Both the Mustang and the RC F 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

There are over 12 times as many Ford dealers as there are Lexus 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 RC F doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the car’s engine.

The Mustang GT’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The Mustang Mach 1’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mustang GT 5.0 DOHC V8 is faster than the Lexus RC F (automatics tested):

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

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ford Mustang uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The RC F requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 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 RC F doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Mustang offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The RC F 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 RC F.

The Mustang stops much shorter than the RC F:

For better traction, the Mustang Mach 1’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC F (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. F:255/35R19 & R:275/35R19).

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 RC F’s 35 series tires.

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

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Mustang is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 3.7 inches wider in the rear than on the RC F.

The Mustang GT Fastback handles at 1.13 G’s, while the RC F pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Mustang GT Fastback executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the RC F (23.6 seconds @ .86 average G’s vs. 24.9 seconds @ .8 average G’s).

The Ford Mustang may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 300 pounds less than the Lexus RC F.

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 RC F doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Mustang Fastback has 3.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RC F (82.8 vs. 79.4).

The Mustang Fastback has 1 inch more front hip room, 5.6 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear legroom and 6.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the RC F.

The Mustang Fastback has a much larger trunk than the RC F (13.5 vs. 9.9 cubic feet).

The Mustang Fastback’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The RC F doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The Mustang has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The RC F has no towing capacity.

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 RC F does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Mustang’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The RC F’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Ford Mustang comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Lexus RC F isn’t available as a convertible.

Insurance will cost less for the Mustang owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Mustang will cost $280 to $12190 less than the RC F over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Ford Mustang will be $41375 to $43287 less than for the Lexus RC F.

The Mustang GT/Bullitt was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2019. The RC F has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

The Ford Mustang outsold the Lexus RC by almost 18 to one during 2022.