Sports coupe showdown
Two-door sports cars may not be the best-selling vehicles around. However, as motoring enthusiasts, we are glad that automotive manufacturers still cater to folks who enjoy power, speed, and dynamic handling. There aren't many sports cars still on sale in South Africa, and two of the outstanding models are the Ford Mustang and Toyota's GR Supra.
Related: Ford Mustang GT (2024) Review
We examine the headline specifications of these two vehicles to compare them.
Toyota GR Supra 3.0T Review
Drivetrain
| Ford Mustang 5.0 Dark Horse Fastback | Toyota GR Supra 3.0T AT | |
| Engine | 5.0-litre V8 Petrol | 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder |
| Transmission | 10 speed Auto | 8 speed Auto |
| Power Figures | 334kW / 540Nm | 285kW / 500Nm |
| Paddle shifters | Yes | Yes |
| Limited Slip Diff | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive Suspension | Yes | Yes |
The Mustang is a sledgehammer. It's a big brute that puts down serious power; while the Supra is more precise. Although it does not pack the heavy punch of the Ford, it does still have a powerful output. The Ford has a limited slip diff to better put its power down, while the Supra has its lightness going for it.
Fuel Consumption
| Ford Mustang 5.0 Dark Horse Fastback | Toyota GR Supra 3.0T AT | |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 12.9 L/100km | 7.7 L /100km |
| Actual consumption (combined cycle) | 18 L / 100km | 9.9 L /100km |
| Tank Size (litres) | 60 | 52 |
| Distance on a full tank | 469km | 675km |
| Top Speed | 267km/h | 250km/h |
The Dark Horse's power output comes at a cost: It slurps fuel, has nearly half the range of the Supra, and has a bigger fuel tank. The Supra has similar power outputs but can still be fuel-conscious.
Safety
| Ford Mustang 5.0 Dark Horse Fastback | Toyota GR Supra 3.0T AT | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | Rear | Rear |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | Rear only | Front and Rear |
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Cruise control | Adaptive | Adaptive |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Yes |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | No | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes |
| LED Lighting | Yes | Yes |
Both sports coupes are on par regarding safety and match each other point for point. Neither vehicle has an NCAP or ANCAP rating, but the expansive list of safety features for each means that they are as safe as a sports car can be.
The Drive
| Ford Mustang 5.0 Dark Horse Fastback | Toyota GR Supra 3.0T AT | |
| Boot Space (litres) | 381 | 290 |
| Towing capacity braked and unbraked | Not rated | Not rated |
| Tow bar | No tow fitment | No tow fitment |
| Seating | Heated and Ventilated front seats in leather, 2 adults+2 rear jump seats | Heated front seats in leather, 2 adults only |
| Sunroof | No | No |
Both vehicles deliver an exhilarating yet comfortable drive. Adaptive suspensions and driver modes allow drivers to get the most out of these two-door sports cars. The Mustang may have two extra seats, but they are not usable by passengers.
Pricing
| Ford Mustang 5.0 Dark Horse Fastback | R 1 508 500 | Toyota GR Supra 3.0T AT | R 1 546 100 |
| Ford Mustang 5.0 GT Fastback | R 1 307 500 | Toyota GR Supra 3.0T MT | R 1 509 700 |
Ford offers a 4-year / 120,000 km warranty and a 6-year / 90,000 km service plan, while Toyota offers a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 5-service / 100 000 km service plan.
Verdict
This is the age-old question of scalpel or sledgehammer. The Supra is a precise compact machine that can be threaded through a needle while the Mustang will crush it to pieces while storming along. It really will depend on the individual driver and what type of driving experience they are looking for.
