VS
At a Glance
Power
334 kW
190 engine kW
Torque
540 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
12.9 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Towing
—
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.4 s
6.6 s
Engine
5038 cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the Ford Mustang and the Mercedes-Benz CLE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Mustang delivers 334 kW while the Mercedes-Benz CLE produces 190 engine kW. On fuel, the Mustang returns 12.9 l/100km while the CLE uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 545 000 for the Mustang and R1 544 851 for the CLE. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
334 kW
190 engine kW
Torque
540 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
4.4 s
6.6 s
Top Speed
267 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5038 cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
10
9
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.9 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60.5 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
295 g/km
176 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4799 mm
4850 mm
Width
1917-2097 mm
1861-2042 mm
Height
1414 mm
1424 mm
Wheelbase
2720 mm
2865 mm
Kerb Weight
1837 Kg
1930 DIN / 2005 EU Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
2+2
4
Load Volume
381 l
295 / 385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
415 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
2
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
Optional
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz CLE
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mustang
Fuel Economy
CLE
Value
CLE
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Mustang
More powerful engine (334 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (12.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz CLE
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 544 851)
Less power than rival (190 engine kW vs 334 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mustang or CLE?
The Mustang uses 12.9 l/100km and the CLE uses 7.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CLE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Mustang or CLE?
The Mustang produces 334 kW and 540 Nm of torque while the CLE delivers 190 engine kW and 400 Nm of torque. The Mustang is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mustang and CLE?
The Mustang starts from R1 545 000 and the CLE from R1 544 851. The CLE is cheaper by R149 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mustang or CLE?
The Mustang has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CLE can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mustang or the CLE?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.