2-door coupe skirmish: Ford Mustang vs. Toyota GR Supra

The next-gen Ford Mustang GT Premium is now available in the Philippines. As such, folks looking to get behind the wheel of a powerful, track-ready two-door coupe now have the option to go for an all-American “pony car.”

While the V8-powered version of the S650 Mustang received a lot of improvements, it faces several potent competitors in the local market. One of its aforementioned rivals is the Toyota GR Supra. 

So the question now is, which is better on paper? Is it the all-new Ford Mustang 5.0 GT Premium or the Toyota GR Supra 3.0 AT? Let’s find out. 

Tale of the tape

In terms of size, the Mustang GT Premium is 4,811-millimeters (mm) long, 2,097-mm wide, and 1,407-mm in height. It also has a wheelbase that spans 2,719-mm. 

Comparatively, the Toyota GR Supra is 4,379-mm long, 1,854-mm wide, and 1,294-mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,470-mm long. 

Based on the figures above, the Ford model is far larger than the Toyota. 

To note, keeping tabs on a car’s size is important for buyers since it may provide hints on a given car’s interior space. It may also give clues if the car can fit a prospective buyer’s garage. 

Exterior

Equipment-wise, the Toyota and Ford two-door models are quite similar to each other. Both get full LED exterior lighting, a set of 19-inch aluminum wheels, power-folding side mirrors, and a dual exhaust setup. 

In terms of design, however, the Ford vehicle gets a straighter outline with more sharp angles than the Toyota. Both do come with large mesh-type vents, but the Mustang has a flatter hood and more squarish-looking rear haunches. In contrast, the GR Supra utilizes plenty of curves all around its body. 

Interior

The contrasting designs between the two vehicles continue on with their interiors. Both get leather upholstery and large digital displays, but the Mustang gets a 2+2 seating configuration, while the GR Supra is strictly a two-seater.

Furthermore, the Mustang’s dashboard sports a more cockpit-like look compared to the Supra’s more traditional-looking front cabin. On the Ford, its 12-inch digital gauge cluster and 13-inch central infotainment are angled towards the driver. It also offers a flat-bottom steering wheel and Alcantara Recaro seats with manual adjustability.

In comparison, the Toyota model comes with a floating-type 8.8-inch infotainment display, which is separate from its 8.8-inch digital gauge. It is likewise equipped with a round steering wheel and electronically adjustable bolstered sports seats. 

Moreover, Ford has opted to provide the Mustang GT Premium with a physical hand-brake lever for easier drift engagement. The said lever goes along with the pony car’s electronic parking brake. The Toyota, meanwhile, exclusively uses an electronic parking brake. 

Apart from what’s different, the two sports cars come with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a decent amount of bottle/cup holders, rain-sensing wipers, and a drive mode selector, among others.

For smartphone connectivity, only the Ford Mustang GT Premium comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GR Supra, on the other hand, has to make do with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. 

The two models both get 12-piece speaker systems, with a JBL set for the Toyota and a Bang and Olufsen one for the Ford. 

Safety

For basic crash safety, the two models get what one would expect from a modern car. Both are equipped with anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a car alarm. 

Concerning airbags, the Ford model has eight, while the Toyota features a total of six. Also, the Mustang GT gets a tire inflation kit and a tire pressure monitoring system, which are both absent on the GR Supra. 

Supporting the Mustang GT Premium’s standard safety kit is an array of advanced driver assist features (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, evasive steering assist, and automatic emergency braking, among others. The GR Supra, meanwhile, has no ADAS features altogether, but it does come with standard cruise control. 

Engine

Under the hood of the Ford Mustang GT Premium is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. At maximum, the said eight-cylinder can produce 486 horsepower and 567 Newton-meters of torque. 

The Toyota GR Supra, meanwhile, uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine linked to an eight-speed gearbox. At the most, the Toyota’s six-cylinder mill can churn out 330 hp and 500 Nm of torque. 

On paper, the Ford model is the more powerful machine. Otherwise, both are rear-wheel-drive models, which were kitted out with limited slip differentials for better traction, adaptive dampers for better handling and ride comfort, and launch control. 

The two vehicles also get four-wheel disc brake setups and a McPherson strut front suspension system. The Ford, though, utilizes an independent integral-link rear suspension, while the Toyota features a multi-link rear end. 

Variants, Price

Ford Mustang

• Premium 2.3-liter EcoBoost AT Fastback: P3.499 million
• GT Premium 5.0-liter AT Fastback: P3.999 million

Toyota Supra

• 3.0 AT: P5.396 million

Verdict

On paper, the Ford Mustang GT Premium appears that it would provide better value for the money. It has a beefier engine, more safety features, and more creature comforts as well. 

As a point for consideration for the Toyota GR Supra, however, it may attract buyers who want a more “raw” driving experience without the handholding of ADAS features. 

In the end, however, comparing the two rides is like matching apples against oranges. Each has its own appeal, with the Mustang being an American pony car and the GR Supra being a representative of Japanese performance despite its BMW roots. 

As such, those serious about getting a two-door sports car should give each ride a test drive. Specs comparisons like this can only do so much, and seeing and experiencing the car in the metal may provide a more informed purchase.

Also read:

Buff Horses: Ford Mustang, Bronco experience

Check out the Ford Mustang’s 2 available trims

Ford Mustang vs. the competition