Audi A3 vs Ford Mustang
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Ford Mustang
Overview
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | EcoBoost |
| Body style | Sedan | Coupe |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2024 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $35,800 | $32,995 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $39,538 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $64,254 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $176,064 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 5 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| City MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 37 MPG (best) | 33 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 16 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 315 hp (best) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.3 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 4 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 10.9 cu ft | 13.5 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,329 lbs (best) | 3,588 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 107 in (best) |
| Length | 176.9 in | 189.4 in (best) |
| Width | 71.5 in | 75.4 in (best) |
| Height | 56.2 in (best) | 55 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 5 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi A3 | Ford Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $35,800 MSRP(Currently comparing) | EcoBoost $32,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium Plus $39,400 MSRP | EcoBoost $40,440 MSRP |
| 3 | — | EcoBoost Premium $36,345 MSRP |
| 4 | — | EcoBoost Premium $41,845 MSRP |
| 5 | — | GT $46,800 MSRP |
| 6 | — | GT Premium $51,080 MSRP |
| 7 | — | GT Premium $56,580 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Dark Horse $63,080 MSRP |
| 9 | — | Dark Horse SC $103,490 MSRP |
Live inventory
Ford Mustang5 for sale
See all- New
2026 Ford Mustang
EcoBoost
Carbonized Gray Metallic•Black OnyxN/A$43,879MSRP $45,880Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
New2026 Ford Mustang
EcoBoost Premium
Avalanche Gray•Black Onyx5 mi$39,538MSRP $43,230Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
New2026 Ford Mustang
Dark Horse
Carbonized Gray Metallic•Black w/Blue Accents5 mi$70,361MSRP $74,010Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
- New
2026 Ford Mustang
Dark Horse SC
Oxford White•Ebony / Solar Red AccentsN/A$176,064Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
- New
2026 Ford Mustang
GT Premium
Avalanche Gray•Black OnyxN/A$64,254MSRP $64,755Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Audi A3 vs Ford Mustang FAQ
- Which is better: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2024 Audi A3 vs 2026 Ford Mustang on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Ford Mustang starts lower at $32,995. Live Ford Mustang listings start at $39,538.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (32,995).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- The 2024 Audi A3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (32).
- Which has better horsepower: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on horsepower in this comparison (795).
- Which has better seats: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- The 2024 Audi A3 leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2024 Audi A3 vs 2026 Ford Mustang?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi A3 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall); Ford Mustang (5/5 NHTSA overall).