Mustang has a slight advantage, but Elantra remains highly competitive.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Mustang
+13 pts
Efficiency
Mustang
+5 pts
Safety
Mustang
+2 pts
Practicality
Elantra
+1 pts
Ownership
Elantra
+8 pts
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Mustang
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
5/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
Elantra
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
20/20
Pros & Cons
Elantra
Pros
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
Mustang
Pros
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Cons
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Who Should Buy Which?
Elantra
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Mustang
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Length
4680
4788
Width
1825
1916
Height
1415
1381
Wheelbase
2720
2720
Ground Clearance
130
134
Kerb Weight
1355
1815
Seating Capacity
5
4
Boot Space
473
408
Gross Vehicle Weight
-
2245
Towing Capacity
-
Not Rated
Front Track Width
-
1617
Rear Track Width
-
1607
Turning Radius
-
6.1
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Engine
1.5 MPI CVVD
5.0L Coyote V8 Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
V8 DOHC Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1497
4951
Cylinders
4
8
Power
85
338
Torque
143
515
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
Not Available
Top Speed
180
250
0-100 km/h
11.2
4.6
Power @ RPM
@ 6300 rpm
7300 rpm
Torque @ RPM
@ 4500 rpm
4250 rpm
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Compression Ratio
-
12.0:1
Engine Position
-
Front Longitudinal
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Transmission
IVT Intelligent Variable Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
RWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Rear Wheel Drive
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
LSD Available
-
Electronic LSD
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Claimed Mileage
17.5
9.1
City Mileage
14.0
7
Highway Mileage
21.0
11
Fuel Tank Capacity
47
61
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Not Available
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Airbags
6 (Front, Side, Curtain)
8
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard with Track Mode
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Brake Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
-
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
-
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Electric 6-Way
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
-
Front
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic AC
Power Windows
All
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Convertible Soft Top
Electric Tailgate
-
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
8
Navigation System
Yes
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
12.4-inch Full Digital
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
19-inch GT Alloy
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Rear Spoiler
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Tyre Size
225/45 R17
255/40 R19
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Space Saver
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Independent Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10,000 km or 1 Year
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Optional
Approx Service Cost
-
Approx R7,000
Battery Warranty
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
Warranty Years
5
3
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
Elantra
Mustang
CO2 Emissions
126
261
Start Stop System
-
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
72
Final Verdict
🏆Ford Mustang
wins with 67 pts
vs 56 pts for Elantra
In structured scoring, Mustang emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Elantra may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.