2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2020 Ford Mustang

The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt paid homage to its cinematic legacy, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1968 Mustang GT fastback driven by Steve McQueen in "Bullitt." This special edition, painted in Dark Highland Green or Shadow Black, featured a clean and classic design with subtle chrome accents and retro Torque Thrust-style 19-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Bullitt boasted unique green stitching in the leather upholstery, a white cue-ball shifter knob, and a serialized plaque on the dual-cowl dashboard, all contributing to its nostalgic appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA showcased a sharp, coupe-like design that set it apart from the more affordable A-Class sedan. The CLA's cabin was a highlight, offering a modern, functional, and elegant interior. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 7-inch center touchscreen, combined in a continuous bezel dominating the dashboard. The CLA 250 trim came with dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, synthetic leather upholstery, and power-adjustable sport seats, among other amenities. The available Premium Package upgraded the screens to 10.25 inches and added satellite radio, enhancing the overall luxury feel.

The 2020 Ford Mustang lineup offered a wide range of performance options, from the 310-horsepower EcoBoost Fastback to the 760-horsepower Shelby GT500. The popular Mustang GT featured a 460-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, while the track-focused Shelby GT350 and GT350R delivered 526 horsepower from a 5.2-liter V8. The Mustang Bullitt, based on the Mustang GT with Premium and Performance packages, provided 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, thanks to components borrowed from the Shelby GT350. The Bullitt's six-speed manual transmission, structural bracing, improved engine cooling, and Brembo brakes contributed to its impressive performance, making it a thrilling American muscle car with a raw edge.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across its lineup. The CLA 250 produced 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and available 4Matic all-wheel drive. The AMG CLA 35 offered 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG CLA 45 delivered an impressive 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, with a zero-to-sixty time of just four seconds. The CLA's handling was taut and playful, with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, although the ride could feel stiff at times, especially compared to other Mercedes models.

The 2020 Ford Mustang prioritized style and performance over practicality. The rear seat was cramped, and storage space was limited. However, the Mustang Fastback provided comfortable seating for two adults and a trunk with 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making it suitable for a week-long road trip. The Mustang Bullitt came with standard black leather seats, six-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Optional Recaro performance sport seats offered better bolstering but sacrificed power adjustment and heating.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA, as a subcompact sedan, had its pros and cons. It was highly maneuverable in tight spaces and offered spacious front seats. However, the rear seats were tight, and the trunk provided only 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The coupe-like profile resulted in limited rear headroom and legroom. The CLA made good use of its front-seat space, with ergonomic controls, decent-sized cupholders, and large in-door cubbies for water bottles.

The 2020 Ford Mustang excelled in performance-related technology. Drivers could calibrate steering effort, select from multiple driving modes, and use features like Line Lock and Launch Control. The 12-inch digital instrumentation cluster and Sync 3 infotainment system, while aging, offered Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Separate stereo and dual-zone automatic climate controls limited interaction with the display.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured the MBUX infotainment system, controllable via the center touchscreen, a dial in the center console, or voice recognition. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional wireless device charging. However, the CLA exclusively used USB-C outlets, which might require adaptors for some users. The MBUX system had a sensible layout and allowed for minimal distraction once mastered.

The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt lacked many semi-autonomous safety features, appealing to purists. It included a reversing camera, MyKey technology, and an optional blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The Mustang received good crash-test ratings from the IIHS and five stars in every test from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA came with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety features were available through packages, including adaptive cruise control, rear collision braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The CLA also offered adaptive headlights and a parallel park assist with a surround-view parking monitor.