Compare the2024 Ford MustangVS 2023 Lexus RC F

The Mustang has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RC F doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Mustang and RC F have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Mustang has Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The RC F’s Rear Cross-Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Mustang and the RC F have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 12 times as many Ford dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Mustang’s warranty.

The Mustang has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The RC F doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the car’s engine.

The Mustang GT’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 8 more horsepower (480 vs. 472) and 20 lbs.-ft. more torque (415 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The Mustang GT’s optional 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 14 more horsepower (486 vs. 472) and 23 lbs.-ft. more torque (418 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The Mustang Dark Horse’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 28 more horsepower (500 vs. 472) and 23 lbs.-ft. more torque (418 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 DOHC V8 is faster than the Lexus RC F (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the Mustang Fastback gets better mileage than the RC F:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Mustang EcoBoost’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The RC F doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Ford Mustang uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The RC F requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The Mustang has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The RC F doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Mustang offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The RC F doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Mustang, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the RC F.

For better stopping power the Mustang Dark Horse’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RC F:

The Mustang stops shorter than the RC F:

For better traction, the Mustang Dark Horse’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC F (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. F:255/35R19 & R:275/35R19).

The Mustang Dark Horse’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RC F’s 35 series tires.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Mustang is .9 inches wider in the front and 2.9 inches wider in the rear than the track on the RC F.

The Mustang Dark Horse handles at 1.06 G’s, while the RC F pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Mustang Dark Horse executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the RC F (23.7 seconds @ .86 average G’s vs. 24.9 seconds @ .8 average G’s).

The Mustang Fastback has 3.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RC F (82.8 vs. 79.4).

The Mustang Fastback has 1 inch more front hip room, 5.6 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear legroom and 6.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the RC F.

The Mustang Fastback has a much larger trunk than the RC F (13.5 vs. 9.9 cubic feet).

The Mustang Coupe’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The RC F doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The Mustang has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The RC F has no towing capacity.

The Mustang’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The RC F does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Ford Mustang offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The RC F doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Ford Mustang comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Lexus RC F isn’t available as a convertible.

The Ford Mustang outsold the Lexus RC by almost 18 to one during 2022.