Compare the2024 Ford MustangVS 2023 BMW M4

Both the Mustang and M4 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Mustang has Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The M4’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Mustang and the M4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

Ford’s powertrain warranty covers the Mustang 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the M4. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the M4 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.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ford Mustang uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The M4 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 M4 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Ford Mustang comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the M4.

For better traction, the Mustang Dark Horse’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the M4 (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. F:275/40R18 & R:285/35R19).

The Mustang Dark Horse’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 M4’s optional 35 series front tires.

The Mustang offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the M4; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Mustang is 1.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the M4.

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 M4 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Mustang Fastback has 2.8 inches more front legroom, 1.2 inches more front shoulder room and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the M4 Coupe.

The Mustang Convertible has 2.7 inches more front legroom, 1.2 inches more front shoulder room and .7 inches more rear shoulder room than the M4 Convertible.

The Mustang Fastback has a much larger trunk than the M4 Coupe (13.3 vs. 12 cubic feet).

The Mustang’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The M4 Convertible’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

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 M4 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

The Ford Mustang outsold the BMW 4 Series by 29% during 2022.