Audi
Cabriolet
Ford
Mustang
Audi Cabriolet vs Ford Mustang: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi Cabriolet offers fuel economy, while the Ford Mustang excels at power instead. Choose the Audi Cabriolet if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Ford Mustang if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Cabriolet
Overall
Sentiment is deeply bifurcated by generation and ownership expectations. For modern S5 Cabriolets (B9 generation, ~2018-2024), owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by immense driving joy, high levels of comfort, and strong reliability when new or under warranty. These are described as "perfect" daily drivers and "the most fun you can have in a car." For older generations (B6/B7 A4/S4 Cabriolets, 1990s models), sentiment is cautious to negative, dominated by concerns over high and unpredictable maintenance costs, particularly related to aging convertible-specific components.
Best version to buy
For modern S5 Cabriolets, the Prestige trim with the S Sport package and adaptive dampers is highly regarded. Ventilated seats are strongly recommended over base seats, which are criticized as uncomfortable.
Known issues
- ⚠**Convertible Top Mechanism Failures**: Includes hydraulic pump failure, motor failure, fraying fabric, warping storage cover hinges, and failure of associated electronics (seatbelt presenters, access covers). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**Rear Window Separation**: The adhesive bonding the glass rear window to the fabric top degrades over time (typically 8-10+ years), leading to separation. Often necessitates a complete top replacement. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**Timing Chain Guide Failure (B6/B7 S4 4.2L V8)**: Plastic timing chain guides are a known failure point, potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage. Repair costs quoted around $12,000. Frequency: recurrent.
Mustang
Overall
Sentiment is highly fragmented and generation-dependent. Long-term owner reports for older generations (e.g., SN95/New Edge, S197) often express strong satisfaction with reliability, simplicity, and the ownership experience, with some owners reporting trouble-free operation well past 100,000 miles. For the S550 generation (2015-2023), feedback is mixed.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Isolated positive remarks exist for the S550 Mach 1 for its balance of performance and reliability compared to the GT350, and for the 2013+ S197 GT500 for its historical impact.
Known issues
- ⚠**S550 Generation (2015-2023) Common Issues:** * **Manual Transmission (MT-82) Concerns:** Grinding, notchy feel, and general reliability concerns. Frequency: Recurrent.
- ⚠**Model-Year Specific & Isolated Issues:** * **2010 V6 (S197):** Windshield wiper rattle at high speed, severe brake wobble, harsh transmission shifts. Frequency: Isolated.
The verdict
The Audi Cabriolet is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Ford Mustang, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Ford Mustang is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi Cabriolet or the Ford Mustang?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi Cabriolet and the Ford Mustang. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi Cabriolet or the Ford Mustang?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi Cabriolet is classed as a Cabriolet, the Ford Mustang as a Fastback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi Cabriolet or the Ford Mustang?
The Audi Cabriolet is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.4 L/100km combined versus 16.8 L/100km for the Ford Mustang, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi Cabriolet or the Ford Mustang?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Ford Mustang than the Audi Cabriolet. See the known issues comparison above.