2020 Ford Mustang vs 2020 Porsche 911

The 2020 Porsche 911 was a marvel of design, capturing the essence of its predecessors while introducing subtle yet impactful changes. Renting a 911 in Miami, the experience was akin to stepping into a scene from "Bad Boys For Life," with the dark blue Carrera S echoing the movie's iconic car. The 992 model's widebody styling, vertical slats on the engine cover, and sleek taillight design elevated its aesthetic appeal. The interior, though minimalist, offered a blend of classic and modern elements, with analog timepieces juxtaposed against digital screens. However, the base interior left much to be desired, with materials that felt more utilitarian than luxurious.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt paid homage to its cinematic legacy with a design that was both nostalgic and contemporary. Painted in Dark Highland Green, the Bullitt's exterior was understated yet striking, with retro wheels and subtle chrome accents. Inside, the Bullitt featured unique touches like green stitching and a white cue-ball shifter knob, enhancing its classic appeal. While the Mustang's interior had its share of cheap plastic, the overall design was cohesive, and the car's performance-oriented features, such as the Recaro seats and MagneRide suspension, added to its allure. The Mustang Bullitt was a testament to American muscle, blending raw power with a touch of refinement.

The 2020 Porsche 911 was a paragon of performance, boasting a chassis that was both unyielding and responsive. Its rear-engine layout provided exceptional grip, allowing it to outpace supercars with more horsepower. The Carrera S model delivered 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering immediate thrust and a throaty sound. The 911's PDK transmission was a standout, providing seamless shifts and making even novice drivers feel like pros. Despite its firm ride, the 911 was comfortable enough for daily use, with AWD options available for those seeking year-round drivability. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the Carrera S achieving 12.9 L/100 km in the city and 10.2 on the highway.

The 2020 Ford Mustang offered a diverse range of performance options, from the 310-horsepower EcoBoost to the 760-horsepower Shelby GT500. The Bullitt edition, with its 480-horsepower V8, was a nod to its cinematic roots, delivering a sound and performance reminiscent of McQueen's '68 Mustang. The Bullitt's six-speed manual transmission and active exhaust system enhanced the driving experience, while the GT Performance Package provided structural bracing, Brembo brakes, and performance tires for maximum grip. Despite its raw power, the Mustang Bullitt maintained a level of refinement, with adaptive dampers offering both comfort and stiffness as needed. Fuel economy varied across the lineup, with the Bullitt achieving 16.4 L/100 km in the city and 10.2 on the highway.

The 2020 Porsche 911 was designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable front seats and excellent visibility. The cabin's simplicity allowed drivers to focus on the road, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. While the rear seats were more symbolic than functional, the 911 provided ample cargo space with 132 litres in the front trunk and an additional 264 litres with the rear seats folded. The convertible model's quick-operating soft-top added to its versatility, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2020 Ford Mustang prioritized style and performance over practicality, with a rear seat that was largely unusable for adults. However, the Mustang Fastback offered a comfortable experience for two adults, with a trunk providing 383 litres of cargo space. The Bullitt edition featured standard black leather seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while optional Recaro seats offered enhanced support for spirited driving. Despite its focus on performance, the Mustang's interior was comfortable enough for long drives, with thoughtful features like a heated steering wheel adding to its appeal.

The 2020 Porsche 911 came equipped with a suite of advanced technologies, including standard navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, with high-resolution touchscreens and Porsche Connect capability. However, the base stereo system was underwhelming, and many desirable features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, were optional. The 911's tech highlights included a night-vision camera, InnoDrive system, and rain sensors, though some basic features required additional investment.

The 2020 Ford Mustang excelled in performance technology, offering customizable steering effort, active exhaust modes, and multiple driving modes. The 12-inch digital instrumentation cluster provided access to Track Apps, allowing drivers to monitor performance metrics. While the Sync 3 infotainment system showed its age, it still offered Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface and effective voice recognition. The available Bang & Olufsen sound system was a highlight, delivering impressive audio quality.

The 2020 Porsche 911, due to its price, was not crash-tested by major safety organizations. It came standard with forward emergency braking and parking sensors, while features like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control were optional.

The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt, while lacking in semi-autonomous features, offered recalibrated braking and stability systems as part of the GT Performance Package. A reversing camera and MyKey technology were standard, with optional blind-spot monitoring available. The Mustang received good crash-test ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and mostly top ratings from the IIHS.