The 2021 Ford Mustang costs approximately $1,680 more than the 2020 model across trim levels. The biggest difference between the two is the 2021 Mustang Mach-1 trim, which replaces the Bullitt from the previous model year.
The Mustang is one of the most popular and well-appointed muscle cars to date. With its refined body, comfortable interior, and impressive 5.0-liter V8 performance, the Mustang is and always will be one of Ford’s most prized vehicles.
The 2021 Ford Mustang is much like the 2020 model with coupe, convertible, and GT models. With starting price hikes across all trims, you may be wondering—what’s changed? Here, we’ll walk you through the differences between the 2021 vs. 2020 Ford Mustang.
2021 Ford Mustang vs. 2020 Ford Mustang: what’s the difference?
Falling in line with the superb design of the Ford Shelby GT350 and GT500, the Ford Mustang is one of the most impressive vehicles delivered by the brand. While the Mustang has grown in style, tech, and performance over the years, the 2020 and 2021 models represent the opulence of the vehicle’s fifth generation, making them both great choices.
The only drawback if you’re trying to choose between these near-identical cars is just that—the 2021 and 2020 models are basically the same. Although the 2020 Bullitt trim was replaced by the re-introduced 2021 Mach-1, there really aren’t many differences between the two, and all other trims remain the same with mirroring features.
Let’s take a closer look at these Mustangs.
Pricing
Regardless of your desired Mustang, the convertible, coupe, and upgraded trim levels for the 2021 model are approximately $1,680 higher than the previous year’s iterations. Check out the table below for pricing across all available options:
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Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium | | |
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Ford Mustang Convertible Base trim (EcoBoost) | | |
General specs
Given the price hikes, you’d expect some major differences in the performance or efficiency of the Ford Mustang. Surprisingly, the 2021 and 2020 Ford Mustangs have the same engine, transmission, drivetrain, and towing capacity. Here’s a closer look at the similarities:
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Base engine (Base and Premium) | 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with six-speed manual transmission or ten-speed automatic transmission (310 or 330 horsepower) | 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with six-speed manual transmission or ten-speed automatic transmission (310 or 330 horsepower) |
Upgrade engine (Sport and Limited) | 5.0-liter V8 with six speed manual or ten speed automatic transmission (460 or 480 horsepower) | 5.0-liter V8 with six speed manual or ten speed automatic transmission (460 or 480 horsepower) |
| Six-speed manual or ten speed automatic | Six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic |
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Fuel economy
Since the 2021 and 2020 Mustangs have identical powertrains and extremely similar weights and builds, their EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings are exactly the same. Each trim level varies in fuel economy ratings, but from one year to the next, the numbers remain similar for each Mustang option.
Your exact gas mileage will depend on how and where you drive your Mustang, but the EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings are as follows:
Base engine (2.3-liter) w/six-speed manual transmission: 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
Upgrade engine (5.0-liter) w/six-speed manual transmission: 15 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined
Base engine (2.3-liter) w/ten-speed automatic transmission: 21 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
Upgraded engine (5.0-liter) w/ten-speed automatic transmission: 16 mpg combined / 25 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined
The EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium share fuel efficiency for 2020 and 2021 with the 2.3-liter base engine and manual or automatic transmission. The GT and GT Premium get the same EPA-estimated fuel efficiency with the 5.0-liter V8 engines and either transmission type.
While the 2021 Mustang Mach-1 and the 2020 Mustang Bullitt both use the 5.0-liter V8 engine just like the GT and GT Premium, they receive slightly lower fuel efficiency ratings, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined, 14 mpg in the city, and 22 mpg on highways.
Safety ratings
All Ford Mustangs from 2020 and 2021 can be upgraded with safety packages that include features like adaptive cruise control and an intuitive navigation system, but they also come standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite, which has the following:
Forward collision mitigation
These cars may be fast, but they’re built to keep their drivers and passengers safe. It’s no wonder the 2021 and 2020 Ford Mustangs both get five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and were given overall good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Styling and interior changes
The 2020 and 2021 Ford Mustangs feature the same powertrains, nearly identical trim levels, and—you guessed it—pretty much the same interiors.
Here are some of the comfort, technology, and style aspects you’ll enjoy with either Mustang:
Standard 4.2-inch or 8-inch
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Keyless entry and ignition
FordPass Connect smartphone app monitoring
Six or nine-speaker audio system
Leather materials and luxury finishes
Heated and ventilated front seats
Interior ambient lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control
The most luxury finishes, like Recaro front sport seats and heated steering wheels, are available with package deals or as independent add-ons. The Mustang Bullitt and Mustang Mach-1 trims include the most upgrades and high-end finishes, so if you’re looking for top-of-the-line performance and style, those might be worth a look.
2021 Mustang Mach-1 vs. 2020 Mustang Bullitt
Although the Mach-1 starts at $7,210 more than the Bullitt, they’re pretty much the same car with different heritages.
Just like the 2020 Mustang Bullitt, the 2021 Mustang Mach-1 uses Ford’s 480-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine, also seen on the Shelby GT350 and GT500. Both the Bullitt and the Mach-1 have 4.3-second acceleration times from 0-60, which isn’t a shocker since they’re practically the same weight with similar tires.
The Mach-1 features 19-inch wheels with specialty performance tires and includes Mach-1 exclusive sport suspensions with adaptive dampers. The active exhaust system and Brembo brakes make any drive both fun and safe. With the upgraded Mach 1 handling package, you could enjoy wider wheels and tires, the Mach-1 special front bumper and rear spoiler design, and adjustable top front strut mounts.
The Bullitt also gets 19-inch wheels that mount the Dark Highland Green Bullitt body with upgraded front springs and independent rear suspensions. If you opt for the Performance Pack 1, you’ll get Brembo brakes, thicker anti-roll bars, and a more rigid suspension.
Overall, the Mustang Mach-1 and Mustang Bullitt offer very similar technology and mechanical make-ups, so it’s safe to say that the largest difference between the two is their aesthetics.
The 2020 Bullitt is the third of its kind, representing an upgraded classic for many Mustang lovers. All the same, the 2021 Mach-1 reflects the mighty excellence of Ford’s past Mustang Mach-1 models, and it surely lives up to the name for outstanding performance, sturdy handling, and visual appeal.
2021 Ford Mustang vs. 2020 Ford Mustang: which should you buy?
If you’re deciding between one of the EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, or convertible trim levels, it really doesn’t matter which year you choose.
With numerous upgrades and packages to choose from, you can likely make either model year your dream Mustang. With that said, the 2020 options are cheaper no matter which trim level you prefer, so if you want to save around a thousand bucks, opt for the earlier version.
If the 2020 Bullitt or 2021 Mach-1 is your top contender, you’ll need to consider price differences, packages, heritage, and performance. Consider a test drive to see which Mustang fits your driving style the best, and if you like them both, opt for the cheaper model.
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