A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
5.0L V8 Dark Horse 10ATPetrol10-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 1,545,000ex-showroom
⚡ 334 kW🔧 540 Nm⛽ 12.8 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
BYD DOLPHIN SURF vs Ford Mustang: the short answer
Mustang holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over DOLPHIN SURF.
DOLPHIN SURF starts ZAR 648,000 cheaperDOLPHIN SURF from ZAR 341,900 · Mustang from ZAR 989,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Maximum Power
DOLPHIN SURF55 kW
Mustang334 kW @ 6500 rpm
Maximum Torque
DOLPHIN SURF135 Nm
Mustang540 Nm @ 5100 rpm
Engine Size
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
Mustang5038 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
DOLPHIN SURFNot Applicable
Mustang12.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
DOLPHIN SURF155 mm
Mustang143 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BYD DOLPHIN SURF
Dynamic EV
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
DOLPHIN SURF
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Mustang
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
DOLPHIN SURF
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Mustang
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Model Introduced Year
2025
2016
Generation
First South African DOLPHIN SURF generation
Seventh generation Mustang with S650 platform
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Latest generation introduced with improved tech and design
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Coupé
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
City Hatchback
Sports car
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Coupé
Color Note
-
White, Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, Grey, Orange
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Tare Mass Kg
-
1660 kg
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Length
3925 mm
4811 mm
Width
1720 mm
1915 mm
Height
1590 mm
1408 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2719 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
143 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
61 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
408 l
Kerb Weight
1280 kg
1660 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1690 kg
2245 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
585 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.95 m
6.1 m
Front Headroom
980 mm
987 mm
Rear Headroom
920 mm
954 mm
Front Legroom
1060 mm
1031 mm
Rear Legroom
690 mm
894 mm
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Engine
Single-motor battery-electric powertrain
5.0L Ti-VCT V8
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
5038 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
8
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
V
Valves
Not Applicable
32
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Dual Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
12.0:1
Bore
Not Applicable
93 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
92.7 mm
Maximum Power
55 kW
334 kW @ 6500 rpm
Maximum Torque
135 Nm
540 Nm @ 5100 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Front
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
RWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
10-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
130 km/h
267 km/h
0-100 km/h
15.5 sec
4.6 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Normal, Sport, Track, Drag Strip, Slippery and Custom
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
43.0 kW/tonne
201.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
105.5 Nm/tonne
325.3 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
38.88 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
LFP
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
295 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
6.6 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
40 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
10-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front motor, front-wheel drive
RWD
LSD Available
Not Available
Standard
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
10.45
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
1
10
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Instrument switch group gear selector
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
No
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Rear driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
1
10
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
12.8 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
10.6 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
15 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
61 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
12.8 km/l
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
61
Combined Driving Range
295 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
13.4 kWh/100 km (measured)
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
245 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
288 km
Not Applicable
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Airbags
6
8
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Applicable
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
AEB
Not Available
Yes
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Yes
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Standard
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Leather-accented upholstery
Heated Seats
Standard
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Imitation leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not Available
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Power adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way manual
Power adjustment
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Leather-accented upholstery
Steering Type
-
Electric power-assisted
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt and telescopic
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
-
12.4-inch LCD
Interior Colour Options
-
7
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
12.4-inch digital cluster, SYNC 4 touchscreen, premium audio, sports seats
Interior Colours
-
7
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Climate Control
Electric air conditioner
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Standard
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Electric air conditioner
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
408 l
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
7.8
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt and telescopic
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt and telescopic
Voice Command
-
Standard
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Common Rail Injection
-
Port and direct fuel injection
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
-
12.4-inch LCD
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Rim Size
16
19 Inches
Sound System
4
10
Source Model Column
-
mustang
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt and telescopic
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Infotainment System
10.1-inch touchscreen
SYNC 4 infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
4
10
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch digital instrument display
12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
USB-A and USB-C
Infotainment Screen
10.1
12
Touchscreen
10.1
12
Navigation System
-
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Voice Recognition
-
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
10.1
12
Infotainment Display
-
Ford SYNC 4
Audio Speakers
4
10
Audio System
-
12 with subwoofer
Display Audio
-
Ford SYNC 4
Multi Information Display
-
12.4-inch LCD
Connected Services
-
Standard
Voice Control
-
Standard
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
No
Exterior Colour Options
Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, Ice Blue
Multiple Ford South Africa factory exterior colours
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Body Type
-
Sedan
Exterior Colour Options
-
7
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Approach Angle
15 deg
-
Departure Angle
25 deg
-
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Available
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
143 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
143 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
255/40 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
16
19 Inches
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electronic parking brake
Wheel Diameter
16
19 Inches
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Wheel Size Type
-
19 Inches
Wheels
-
19 Inches
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Independent multi-link
Front Track Width
-
1617 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1607 mm
Power Steering
-
Electric power-assisted
Steering Column
-
Tilt and telescopic
MagneRide Damping
-
Standard
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
295 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
295
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
295
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Service Plan
4 years/2 services service plan
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Maintenance Plan
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Duration
4 years/2 services service plan
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Distance
4 years/2 services service plan
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Ownership Role
longer-range city derivative
Flagship
Price Zar
395900 ZAR
1545000 ZAR
Pricing Role
longer-range city derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
395900
1545000
Starting Price Zar
395900
1545000
Spec
DOLPHIN SURF
Mustang
Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
3 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This DOLPHIN SURF and Mustang comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: DOLPHIN SURF 25 vs Mustang 96.
Efficiency index: DOLPHIN SURF 90 vs Mustang 48.
Safety-equipment index: DOLPHIN SURF 87 vs Mustang 98.
Practicality index: DOLPHIN SURF 51 vs Mustang 56.
Ownership-cover index: DOLPHIN SURF not separately scored vs Mustang not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
DOLPHIN SURF and Mustang image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Mustang leads by 16 points
Mustang holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over DOLPHIN SURF.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Mustang
Performance
96/100
Efficiency
48/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
56/100
DOLPHIN SURF
Performance
25/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
51/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexFord Mustang
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 61 pts for DOLPHIN SURF
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Mustang leads. However, DOLPHIN SURF may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.