2025 Audi A5 vs 2026 Ford Mustang
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Audi A5 and the 2026 Ford Mustang is the $16,080 MSRP disparity, with the Mustang starting at $32,320 against the Audi's $48,400. Power output strongly favors the Mustang, offering 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi's 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. Despite the performance gap, both vehicles achieve an identical 26 MPG combined. Cargo space reveals a substantial 8.3 cubic feet advantage for the A5 (21.8 cu ft vs. 13.5 cu ft), leveraging its hatchback design over the Mustangβs coupe layout. Dimensionally, the Mustang is wider by 2.8 inches (75.4 inches vs. 72.6 inches), while the Audi possesses a slightly lower height at 54.6 inches. The transmission choice also differs significantly: 7-speed automated manual for the A5 versus a 10-speed shiftable automatic for the Mustang.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A5
The Audi A5's hatchback body style provides 21.8 cu ft of cargo space, making it significantly more practical for daily use than the Mustang's 13.5 cu ft coupe trunk.
2025 Audi A5
While neither is ideal, the Audi A5 offers greater utility and marginally better presumed usability due to its more practical body configuration, despite both having the same 26 MPG combined rating.
2026 Ford Mustang
The 2026 Ford Mustang delivers superior dynamic output with 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, clearly outperforming the A5's 261 hp.
2026 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang offers 54 more horsepower and 77 lb-ft more torque for $16,080 less than the Audi A5.
Choose the Audi A5 if...
- You prioritize carrying capacity, as the Audi A5 offers 21.8 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
- You desire a slightly lower overall vehicle height at 54.6 inches for garage fitment.
Choose the Ford Mustang if...
- Maximum available power is the goal, achieved through the Mustang's 315 hp engine.
- Budget constraint is key, as the Mustangβs $32,320 MSRP undercuts the A5 by $16,080.
- You prefer a Rear-Wheel Drive layout utilizing a responsive 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A5 | Ford Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 189.4" |
| Width | 72.6" | 75.4" |
| Height | 54.6" | 55.0" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 107.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | β | β |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | β | β |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| Headlight Delay-Off | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | β |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
| Blind Spot Monitor | β | β |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | β | β |
| Driver Attention Alert | β | β |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 6300 rpm | 315 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | β | β |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | β |
| Rear Differential Type | β | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/32 MPG | 22/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/489.6 mi. | 352.0/528.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 16.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | β | β |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Electric Power Steering | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Front Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Rear Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | β | β |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Rear Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Rear Door Pockets | β | β |
| Front Seatback Storage | β | β |
| Leather Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Heated Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Three Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | β | β |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | β | β |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | β | β |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | β | β |
| Cargo Floor Mats | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control | β | β |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | β |
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Stereo Power | 180W | β |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Memory Card Slot | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | β | β |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | β |
| Remote Keyless Entry | β | β |
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
| Keyless Entry | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 44.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | β | β |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | β |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | β |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | β |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | β |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | β |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | β |
| Front Hip Room | β | 54.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | β | β |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | β | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | β | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.0 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.1 in. | 29.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 52.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Folding Center Armrest | β | β |
| Rear Hip Room | β | 47.4 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | β |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | β |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/40R H | 235/50R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | β |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | β |
| Wheel Finish | β | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | β | 18 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | β | β |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A5 and 2026 Ford Mustang.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Ford Mustang compared to the 2025 Audi A5?
The Ford Mustang boasts 315 horsepower, which is 54 hp more than the Audi A5's 261 hp output. Furthermore, the Mustang generates 350 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the A5's 273 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy between these two models?
Both vehicles are rated identically for efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined. The Audi A5 has a slight edge in highway driving at 32 MPG versus the Mustang's 33 MPG, though both require premium unleaded fuel.
What is the primary difference in practical utility based on body style?
The Audi A5, being a hatchback, offers 21.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Ford Mustang, being a coupe, is substantially limited to 13.5 cubic feet of storage space.
Does the drivetrain setup differ significantly between the two luxury competitors?
Yes, the Audi A5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and uses a 7-speed automated manual gearbox. Conversely, the Ford Mustang utilizes a traditional Rear-Wheel Drive layout paired with a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How large is the initial price difference buyers should expect?
There is a notable $16,080 price gap separating these two vehicles. The 2025 Audi A5 starts at $48,400, while the 2026 Ford Mustang is priced competitively at $32,320.
Are the overall external dimensions comparable for parking considerations?
They are relatively similar in length (187.2 in vs 189.4 in), but the Ford Mustang is substantially wider at 75.4 inches compared to the A5βs 72.6 inches.
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