Ford Mustang GT vs Ford Focus RS: How do these cars compare?

Choosing a new can be difficult. It is a huge investment which means finding the perfect car is paramount. If you are reading this article, you have probably narrowed your search down to two cars. The Ford Focus RS and the Ford Mustang GT, but which car is better for you?

Both cars belong to Ford’s high-performance range which means they are both high quality and handle the road well at high speeds. But how are these cars similar and what makes them unique?

In this guide:

• Engine options

Find out more about the engine options available when you buy a Ford Focus RS or a Ford Mustang GT.

• Fuel options

Learn more about fuel options available for both cars.

• Car sizes

This section discusses the sizes of the cars and how they compare.

• Interior features

Learn more about the key interior features included with both cars.

• The key differences between the Ford Focus RS and Ford Mustang GT

Find out more about the differences between the cars to help choose the best option for your needs.

How do the Ford Focus RS and Ford Mustang GT compare?

When choosing between these two cars, it’s important to know the key differences and how these fit with your needs from the car you’re looking to buy.

Engine options

When it comes to engines, there isn’t much difference between the two cars. Both cars are available with the 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine. However, the Ford Focus RS has a higher RPM of 6,000, whereas the Mustang GT only has 5500 RPM. Engine capacity wise, both cars are very similar and both run on petrol.

Engine layout

The Ford Focus RS has a front transverse engine layout. This means that the majority of the weight is over the front wheels of the car and allows for better traction on slippery surface and frees up more space in the front for passenger comfort. However, this type of engine is restricted in terms of displacement and potential power output.

The longitudinal engine layout of the Ford Mustang GT makes sense for a rear-wheel-drive car. However, the transmission of rotational energy from the crankshaft id less efficient than a transverse engine because it has to be converted 90 degrees.

Torque and horsepower

In terms of torque and horsepower, the Focus RS beats the Mustang GT, unless you opt for the Mustang with the 5.0L V8 engine). The Focus RS is only available as a manual car but the Mustang is available in both automatic and manual.

Fuel Options

The Mustang GT has the bigger tank capacity at 59 litres. However, the Focus RS is slightly more economic on fuel. The emissions of both cars are very similar.

Car Sizes

The Mustang GT is slightly bigger than the Focus RS and is built for comfort with bucket seats and a spacious interior, it only has three doors and four seats compared to the five door, five seat Focus RS. The Mustang has a bigger luggage capacity on the inside of the car. However, the roof of the Focus RS can be used for transporting luggage as well as the boot.

Interior features

Key features

The interior of the Focus RS has a respectable level of capability with the design centred around practicality and which is beneficial to the comfort of the driver.Key features of the Ford Focus RS include:

• Infotainment SYNC 3
• Selectable driving modes
• Leather seats
• Voice-activated navigation
• Multifunction steering wheel
• USB socket
• Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
• Automatic headlights
• Optional Recaro ‘shell’ seats
• 10 high-performance Sony speakers

The interior of the Mustang GT is attractive and simple, compared to the Focus RS. Everything is positioned logically, and the features are easy to use. It has the look of a typical muscle car. Some key features are:

• Infotainment SYNC 3
• Selectable driving modes
• Cloth seats
• Power-folding door mirrors with Mustang logo projection puddle lamps
• Heated steering wheel
• Rear view camera with rear parking sensors
• Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
• Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
• Automatic headlights
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

Key differences between the Ford Focus RS and Ford Mustang GT

If we take the 2.3L Ecoboost Engine for both cars, the main differences are as follows. The Ford Focus RS has a higher engine RPM, horsepower, torque and top speed with slightly lower CO@ emissions.

The Ford Mustang GT is bigger, has more interior features, a bigger luggage capacity and a bigger fuel tank capacity.

To find out more about our range of new Ford Mustang models and available deals for finance, please click here.

Ford Options representative examples

To find out more about our range of new Ford Focus RS models and available deals for finance, please click here. To find out more about our range of used Ford Focus models here.

The verdict

Both cars are unique in their own way. These cars were both built with the history of Ford racing in mind. Both of these cars are perfect if you want to feel like you are driving a race car with the added bonus of extreme comfort and class.

To find out more about either of these models, please contact your local TC Harrison Ford dealership today.