devtrackers.gg
As promised I’m following up my prior post of living with both the 2023 Mach E Premium package standard range, and 2023 Model Y dual motor standard range, I slightly redundantly got two cars with significant on paper overlap.
I want to emphasize I don’t have bias here, I own both cars so no incentive to favor one or the other.
These comments are not meant to be comprehensive. Of course I left differences out. But these are the issues I notice day to day.
Bottom line is both are great cars, but actually experiencing both every day side by side, the Tesla is a winner on several critical fronts. And yet I’ll point out I prefer the Mach E many days simply because the exterior styling and color get me more excited.
1) software is simply leagues ahead. Yea, not just a little bit, but a lot. Examples are: - that the Mach E software is so slow to turn on that often have to wait 5-10 seconds before able to punch in destination to navigation. Tesla software is up and running the moment you open the door and not even seated yet. - Sentry mode and adjusting which seat you want to heat etc from your phone is truly significant. Sentry mode’s peace of mind and potential financial value if it catches events for insurance is enormous. - Tesla can detect and record accidents with its cameras. Again if it ever becomes relevant unfortunately, enormous value. - you can still close windows in the Tesla even with it parked and “off”, whereas in Mach E once you turn off power button the windows are stuck unless you power back on - speaking of power, an on off button with the loud honk when you leave car without pressing it is THE MOST INFURIATING. An EV you really should just be able to step in and out without pressing that button.
2) EDIT: this point can be disregarded, others have pointed out theoretically Mach E can charge very fast even on level 2. charging, not just charging network since Tesla network opened up to others now. But the charge speed at level 2 seems a small thing but max rate of 8 kw on Tesla and 5 kw on Mach E at home means sometimes overnight charge during cheap hours isn’t enough for Mach E.
3) hardware. The Tesla’s storage space is definitely much much more significant than the Mach E. The trunk and under trunk are not even comparable. Also the sensors on Mach E meaningfully worse than Tesla, I can see the Tesla waking up and unlocking when I walk into my garage. Mach E about 1/5 the time I have to make extra effort to get my phone closer to car by taking it out and so on.
Edit added: 4) one person brought up price. The Model Y was something like $5k cheaper at the time of purchase. Of course tons of fluctuations and adjustments since then for both cars. But 10-15% cheaper and we are talking about them as if the same and holding both to equal standards of interior etc. says something.
What do I like more about Mach E though? 1) interesting color options without upcharge 2) 360 camera is great. Especially for city parking or even home garage parking 3) looks externally is more interesting/sporty 4) Apple CarPlay - it’s nice. I like my google maps and podcast apps. But Tesla nav is about 90% as good as google maps and smooth to use. Plus doesn’t use up phone data for those on limited data plans, if relevant to you.
EDIT: keeping running list of good commentary from people 4) I agree the cross traffic alert on Mach E is a major safety feature in certain conditions. My quiet suburb and work garage realistically don’t have me backing up into traffic much so I don’t notice it. But for many people this is huge. 5) the central “instrument cluster” is slight advantage but frankly not that big a deal. Also after Ford updates it to make the middle third of the screen just an imprint of the car…it’s mostly wasted space. 6) softer/better headrest on Mach E. I wish the seat itself could tilt for thigh support like the Model Y though. I’d like the front of the seat to be tilted higher, but Mach E only has up/down front/back no tilt.
Hope this helps
EDIT: people keep asking about driving dynamics and ride comfort. Not much comment since both have plenty of power for normal street driving, instant torque of EV, are palpably heavy cars to drive, etc. There’s far more similarity the difference here so I don’t think it’s a deciding factor between the two.
External link →