2021 Ford Mustang vs 2020 Porsche 911

The 2020 Porsche 911 was a head-turner in Miami, reminiscent of the car driven by Will Smith in "Bad Boys For Life." Renting a dark blue 2020 Carrera S with only 2,000 miles on the clock was an unexpected delight. The new 992 model's design enhancements, such as the widebody styling, vertical slats on the engine cover, and a single thin taillight wrapping around the back, made it stand out. The 911's athletic stance, combined with its low, sloping roof and large tires, gave it a perfect, timeless look. The interior, though minimalist, could be customized to look decadent with various color combinations and materials. However, the base interior felt cheap, with rubber slabs and plastic components that didn't match the car's high price tag.

The 2021 Ford Mustang continued to evolve its iconic design, blending retro elements with modern touches. The Mach 1 trim we drove featured unique visual cues and performance upgrades from the discontinued Shelby GT350. The cabin combined classic-style switches with modern digital screens, offering a solid fit-and-finish with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and brightwork. The Mustang's interior quality was a noticeable step up from the Camaro's, which was filled with dull plastics. The Mach 1's options, such as magnetic ride control and the Mach 1 Elite Package, added to its appeal, making it a well-rounded and attractive choice for enthusiasts.

The 2020 Porsche 911 excelled in every performance measure, thanks to its unbendable chassis and immense rear grip. The rear engine over the axle, low weight, and precise gearing allowed it to outperform supercars with V8s and 600-plus horsepower. The 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 featured a 3.0-liter flat-six engine with twin turbos, producing 379 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The Carrera S and 4S models offered even more power, with 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (PDK) was standard, while a seven-speed manual was available for the S and 4S models. The 911's staggered-diameter tires and firm ride quality made it a comfortable yet thrilling machine, suitable for daily driving and spirited runs.

The 2021 Ford Mustang offered a range of engines, starting with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The GT trim featured a 5.0-liter V8 with 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, while the Mach 1 added an extra 20 hp for a total of 480. The Mach 1's active-valve exhaust system provided an incredible roar, and the 10-speed automatic transmission kept the engine in the desired rev range. The drive-mode selector allowed for various driving conditions, and the Brembo performance brakes and MagneRide control ensured a balance of cornering and comfort. The Mustang's V8 engine and performance upgrades made it a thrilling and affordable option for enthusiasts.

The 2020 Porsche 911's cabin was designed for simplicity and focus, with supportive front seats and large windows for easy visibility. The 360-degree cameras were essential for parking, given the sloped nose. The infotainment system was fast and user-friendly, with a motion sensor for additional menu choices. The front trunk offered 5 cubic feet of space, while the rear seats could be folded down for an additional 9 cubic feet. The convertible model's soft-top could be raised or lowered in 12 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. The 911's design made it easy to use, park, and drive daily, despite some ergonomic issues with the window switches and blank plates around the shifter.

The 2021 Ford Mustang provided decent cargo space, with 13.5 cubic feet in the fastback coupe and 11.4 cubic feet in the convertible. While not as spacious as the Dodge Challenger, it was far better than the Camaro. The rear seats were best suited for small children or extra cargo space, as legroom was limited when the front seats were adjusted for adults. The power-adjustable front seats offered solid support, though the lack of power adjustment for the seat-back felt cheap. Overall, the Mustang's interior was well-bolstered and comfortable for long drives or hard cornering.

The 2020 Porsche 911 came standard with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and high-resolution touchscreens. Porsche Connect provided remote functions and onboard LTE WiFi. However, the base stereo system was underwhelming, and many features like heated seats and power-folding mirrors were part of the Premium package. Advanced options included a night-vision camera, Porsche InnoDrive, and various performance enhancements like dynamic engine mounts and tire temperature sensors. While the 911's tech offerings were impressive, some basic features were high-cost extras.

The 2021 Ford Mustang's base model featured a 4.2-inch color display and voice controls, with the Sync 3 infotainment system available on higher trims. Sync 3 included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a user-friendly layout and crisp graphics. However, when CarPlay or Android Auto were in use, they took over the entire screen, making it difficult to access other functions. The lack of a home button was a notable omission, especially compared to Chevrolet's offerings. The Mustang's tech was solid, but there was room for improvement in future models.

The 2020 Porsche 911 had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection and front/rear parking sensors. Optional features were lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Ford Mustang came standard with the CoPilot360 suite, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Rain-sensing wipers and automatic high beams were also standard. Adaptive cruise control and parking sensors were available as options. The Mustang's visibility was better than its American sports car counterparts, making it a safer choice for daily driving.