2020 Ford Mustang vs 2021 BMW 4 Series

The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt paid homage to its cinematic roots, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1968 Mustang GT fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the film "Bullitt." This special edition Mustang was painted in the same Dark Highland Green as the movie car, exuding a clean and classic aesthetic with subtle chrome accents and retro-style wheels. Inside, the Bullitt featured unique touches like green stitching on the leather upholstery and a white cue-ball shifter knob, creating a nostalgic yet modern driving environment. Despite its high price tag, the Mustang Bullitt was considered a bargain compared to the original movie car, which fetched millions at auction.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 4 Series coupe sparked conversations with its bold new design, particularly the oversized twin-kidney grille. While opinions on its attractiveness varied, the rest of the car maintained BMW's signature styling with standard LED lights and a familiar silhouette. The 4 Series boasted improved aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of 0.25, thanks to features like Air Curtain intakes. Sharing a platform with the 3 Series sedan, the 4 Series was slightly larger in dimensions, offering a composed and spacious interior. The cabin was designed with practicality in mind, featuring a logically laid-out cockpit and excellent outward visibility.

The 2020 Ford Mustang offered a wide range of performance options, from the 310-horsepower EcoBoost Fastback to the 760-horsepower Shelby GT500. The Mustang Bullitt, based on the Mustang GT, delivered 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, thanks to enhancements like an intake manifold from the Shelby GT350. It featured a six-speed manual transmission, structural bracing, and Brembo brakes, providing a thrilling driving experience reminiscent of the original movie car. Fuel economy varied across models, with the Bullitt achieving 14/23/17 mpg. The Mustang's performance was characterized by its raw power and refined handling, making it a standout in the muscle car segment.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series offered two powertrains: a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the 430i and a 382-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the M440i. The 4 Series was quick, with the 430i xDrive reaching 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and the M440i xDrive in 4.3 seconds. However, the driving experience was hampered by a hesitant transmission and vague steering. Despite its impressive chassis and grip, the 4 Series lacked the engaging feel expected from a performance coupe. The engine's sound and the suspension's settings did not enhance the driving experience, leaving it less exciting than anticipated.

The 2020 Ford Mustang prioritized style and performance over practicality, with a rear seat suitable only for small passengers and limited storage space. However, it comfortably accommodated two adults and offered a 13.5 cubic-foot trunk, making it viable for road trips. Standard black leather seats provided power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while optional Recaro seats offered better bolstering for spirited driving. The Mustang's interior was designed for comfort, with a heated steering wheel and thoughtful features for city driving.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series excelled in practicality for a coupe, offering more front headroom and trunk space than many competitors. While rear seats were best for occasional use, the front-seat space was ample, making it a comfortable choice for drivers who didn't need a sedan's extra space. The cockpit was well-organized, with an integrated infotainment touchscreen and convenient storage solutions. The 4 Series provided a pleasant driving environment, with excellent visibility and a thoughtfully designed interior.

The 2020 Ford Mustang shone in performance technology, offering customizable steering effort, exhaust modes, and driving modes. Track Apps allowed drivers to monitor performance metrics, while the 12-inch digital instrumentation cluster provided a modern interface. The Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface and a premium sound system. Separate stereo and climate controls enhanced usability.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series featured the iDrive 7 infotainment system, with an optional Live Cockpit Professional setup offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The iDrive rotary controller facilitated easy navigation, complemented by voice control and touchscreen options. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with available upgrades like a head-up display and wireless charging. The system was praised for its graphics and intuitive design.

The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt lacked advanced driver-assistance features, appealing to purists. It included a reversing camera, MyKey technology, and optional blind-spot monitoring. The Mustang received good crash-test ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and mostly top ratings from IIHS.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series came with standard driver-assist features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available through an optional package, offering advanced capabilities. Crash-test ratings were not yet available for the 2021 model.