Test drove the Model Y, Model 3 and the Mach E back to back to back, yesterday

[Justicepool]

Great review and I agree on all fronts (looks included). The Mach e is receiving a lot of good reviews and it seems like a great first effort from Ford. I'm glad to see more options in the EV market. However, until another manufacturer builds out their own charging network Tesla will dominate the market. I'm picking up my 3rd Tesla tomorrow morning.

 

[Big Dog]

Both the Y and 3 were the LR version. Still way more sporty than the Mach E. We didn’t test the performance models, just because it’s for my wife and she isn’t into that (Don’t ask me why?!?). I will hopefully be able to test drive a Model S plaid version later in the year.

Then get the P for the "daughter".

Great review, thanks.

 

[Automobilist]

@ryanjeffords small note: Ford are not setting up their own charging network, they are instead partnering with Electrify America, like VW and Porsche and probably others (Hyundai/Kia as well? I think?). I don't think any other manufacturer is likely to start up their own charging network anytime soon (although EA was started by VW as I understand it, after their Diesel-gate issues) and they will probably all (except Tesla) converge on using EA, at least for the foreseeable future. Teslas in some ways have the "best of both worlds" as you can DCFC at a Supercharger but also use EA and others, albeit stuck at Level 2 speeds using the J1772 adapter.

But I agree about the MY being a more mature product, despite being only a year or so newer than the Mach-E, simply because it is heavily based on the M3 platform, which itself draws from Tesla's previous EV experience.

I will tell you from personal experience that this is a problem. There was a review I saw recently comparing the Model Y to Mach E on YouTube (I think it was from "The Fast Lane Car") where after comparing the cars they tried charging both and comparing that experience.

What they encountered on that video was 100% my experience trying to DC fast charge BMW i3s for 5 years. While L2 chargers are fine and mostly pretty reliable, the L3 chargers were extremely unreliable. If that car had not had a range extender (backup gas generator) we would have been left stranded multiple times due to multiple chargers failing. This was with two different i3s over the years, so it is not that there was something wrong with the car. And this was in Southern California (Irvine) where one would expect this kind of infrastructure to be more robust.

Tesla's supercharger network will be a huge asset to them in the coming years as they start getting more competition. These 3rd party charging networks would actually work maybe 50% of the time, and that's being charitable. I think in the end the legacy car manufacturers will just have to buy out the charging networks and take responsibility over maintaining them to be able to compete (I realize Electrify America is probably supposed to be what I'm describing here, but based on the aforementioned video, it seems they are not there yet).

 

[BigKRIT]

Both the Y and 3 were the LR version. Still way more sporty than the Mach E. We didn’t test the performance models, just because it’s for my wife and she isn’t into that (Don’t ask me why?!?). I will hopefully be able to test drive a Model S plaid version later in the year.

the Perf is also the long range, when you order it, it says "Long range AWD, Performance". That's because Perf is an "add-on" to the LR AWD not a deduction. the PERF has 82kwh newer and bigger battery pack so you did a good comparison but completely missed half the experience by not testing a MYP for comparison. Also S is completely different and has nothign to do with 3/Y and Mach-E since S is just a diff more luxurious car that is another league compared to Mach E. That comparison is between Lucid Air or other cars that are over 100k

 

[AlamoX]

the Perf is also the long range, when you order it, it says "Long range AWD, Performance". That's because Perf is an "add-on" to the LR AWD not a deduction. the PERF has 82kwh newer and bigger battery pack so you did a good comparison but completely missed half the experience by not testing a MYP for comparison. Also S is completely different and has nothign to do with 3/Y and Mach-E since S is just a diff more luxurious car that is another league compared to Mach E. That comparison is between Lucid Air or other cars that are over 100k

My wife was more than happy with the performance of both cars we drove. The S isn’t for comparison to the Y, 3 or Mach E it is for me to see how it drives. My lease is up in a year, and I most likely will go with the S in plaid or plaid +.

 

[DelPhonic1]

The Mach E is plagued with quality problems, including the parasitic drain problem your Ford's had. The doors seem to be a problem spot too, not opening, not being able to be closed, opening while driving. The panoramic roof sits up too high and makes wind noise at highway speeds and the screen behind the wheel makes a high pitched whine on some cars. A lot of cars have problems charging and DCFC charge will only work to 80% by design and then there's a steep cliff down to L2 speeds.

I also had a very early 2013 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium. Other than the battery dying the first year and the transmission going belly up on a Sedona trip at 30k under warranty, I had no electrical or other problems at all. I still have it, waiting for the wife's boys to get their driver licenses. It's got 108k miles and runs very reliably. But when sitting in it and driving it to keep it going once every week or so, it's a decent ride, but a sad sack, especially the depressing interior, compared to my MX. No thanks on the Mach E.

 

[WADan]

I think people are short-charging a Tesla when they compare it to another EV. Not only it’s a superior electric vehicle, it’s a computer on wheel. You can control much of Tesla’s operation by voice, and it’s fully equipped for self-driving.
I have had mine for over 4 months, and I am still learning what this computer can do!

 

[TravelFree]

I too loved the idea that the Mustang is back as it was my first car in 1966. I had two more since. So I plan to do a test drive soon.

These things you need to consider that Ford Mustang just can't do and this is what turned me off:

The Tesla infrastructure for charging. Not a problem if you never plan to DC fast charge but those EA CCS chargers has high number of failures and complicated to use with accounts memberships and credit cards. The Tesla, you just pull up and plug in. If you just slow charge at home then this isn't an issue and will cost much less too. In addition to the charging, the Tesla also has more range.

The second benefit of the Tesla over the Ford is the Tesla is developing the Full Self Driving technology and is real close to getting out of beta. It already offers some fantastic benefits over basic Auto Pilot and paying for the option locks it in for free upgrades hardware and software.

What I likes about the Mustang Mach E is the interior being more traditional car like with the style. But the VW ID4 is better, IMO. Unfortunately, no ID4 available around here and none expected until later in the year.

 

[Watts_Up]

My car history is heavy on performance.
Multiple BMW M cars and pure gas guzzling sports cars (Dodge Viper ACR, etc.).
I love the tech of the EVs as well as the insane straight line power.
I was curious about the handling/cornering.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Teslas.
Obviously the Model 3 handled better than the Model Y due to the sedan vs SUV aspect.
We liked how both rode, drove and handled.

Driving/handling/ride of the Mach E was very comparable to the two Teslas.
I fully understand that these cars won’t handle like a Viper, but they are pleasant to drive.
The acceleration of the Mach E was anemic.
Both Teslas destroy it in that department.

I noticed that the Mack E has 225 tires while the Model Y has 255 tires (or staggered 255 / 275).
I wonder if you didn't noticed any handling difference from the tires between both cars,
especially when hard braking or accelerating in a curvy road?

 

[laservet]

The just announced Ioniq 5 looks like a competitor, thoughtfully designed interior, reclining seats a nice touch. Not a performance car but a solid entry into the field. No mention of ota updates, can’t imagine an EV not having that feature.

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

I'm not brand loyal, and rarely bad-mouth a manufacturer. However, both my recent Fords ( 2014 CMax, 2018 Fusion Energi (plug-in) were plagued with electrical issues that no one could solve. Both had parasitic drain that couldn't be found. We liked both cars very much, but changing batteries every 18 months to 2 years is ridiculous.

Mach-E???? Nope.

If you want parasitic energy drain and short 12V battery life, Tesla's the company! It's not surprising Tesla is switching to 12V lithium.

My colleague also had initial 12V problems with their C-Max Energi, but it was resolved with a software update.

 

[AlamoX]

I noticed that the Mack E has 225 tires while the Model Y has 255 tires (or staggered 255 / 275).
I wonder if you didn't noticed any handling difference from the tires between both cars,
especially when hard braking or accelerating in a curvy road?

Unfortunately the test drive of the Mach E was with a salesman who had you drive a particular route. It had no stretch where I could really see how it handled while cornering, even at moderate speeds. Hell, the route was mostly 35 MPH zones. The Y and 3 we took on winding side streets and the highway, which had a number of curves. That is why I really didn’t mention the handling of the Mach E.

 

[Pianewman]

If you want parasitic energy drain and short 12V battery life, Tesla's the company! It's not surprising Tesla is switching to 12V lithium.

My colleague also had initial 12V problems with their C-Max Energi, but it was resolved with a software update.

1) Garaged 2021 MYLR, 2400 miles. Parked, NOT plugged in. ZERO parasitic drain in 3 days.

2) Ford tried everything, ultimately wanted to change out EProm (not sure of the name) module, $1k, with ZERO WARRANTY. Said they're failing all the time, have a specialist who travels from dealership to dealership installing them.

 

[MrTuna]

Unfortunately the test drive of the Mach E was with a salesman who had you drive a particular route. It had no stretch where I could really see how it handled while cornering, even at moderate speeds. Hell, the route was mostly 35 MPH zones. The Y and 3 we took on winding side streets and the highway, which had a number of curves. That is why I really didn’t mention the handling of the Mach E.

dealer in the backseat test drives? Wow, I haven’t had to do once of those since I was 18. Those are supper annoying.

 

[Justicepool]

If you want parasitic energy drain and short 12V battery life, Tesla's the company! It's not surprising Tesla is switching to 12V lithium.

My colleague also had initial 12V problems with their C-Max Energi, but it was resolved with a software update.

The Porsche Taycan forum has a lot of complaints of 12V battery failures, bricked cars, failed main batteries, multiple software issues, condensation in tail lights, etc.,. Curious enough, not one person complains about Porsche build quality. I currently own two Porsches by the way (and have owned a total of eight over the years).

 

[acentre]

The Porsche Taycan forum has a lot of complaints of 12V battery failures, bricked cars, failed main batteries, multiple software issues, condensation in tail lights, etc.,. Curious enough, not one person complains about Porsche build quality. I currently own two Porsches by the way (and have owned a total of eight over the years).

the legacy car makers are under tremendous pressure of where to allocate research and investment. Shall it be the gas 911s or the Taycan?
I can only image the debates!
Tesla does invest for the future...

 

[CPisHere]

Friend of mine highly encouraged me to get a Mach-e because it's "made by a more reputable manufacturer". As much as I think it's a good option for an EV, I don't know... it's too "new". No other manufacturers have gotten the "ev" thing right yet (besides Tesla). I know exactly what to expect with a Tesla. They've been around long enough...specifically in the EV world. They have a great charging network and I know I can drive it almost anywhere.

The Mach-e? Sure, it has the Ford name behind it... but Ford isn't know for their EVs yet. What about charging? I know they're trying to stand up their own network and I'm sure they're going to do well there... but this is their first real attempt at an EV. Plus, the range falls just a little shy of what I'm comfortable with.

I'm sure if I decided to get a Mach-e, I'd be super happy with it, but I'm glad I chose Tesla because I know EXACTLY what I got.

I don’t know how anyone can trust traditional auto makers with EV‘s (now at least). They’ve proven at every step they don’t support the technology because it is a threat to their business model.

 

[AlamoX]

dealer in the backseat test drives? Wow, I haven’t had to do once of those since I was 18. Those are supper annoying.

Yeah, my wife and I were surprised when he jumped in the back seat, especially since we just drove the Teslas by ourselves. And yes, super annoying.

 

[pdx_m3s]

Great summary. You summarized my thoughts about the 3 cars better than I could. We already have a Model 3 (mine) and we’re test driving a Y today. Our showroom finally has a 7 seater on display.

 

[TBrownTX]

dealer in the backseat test drives? Wow, I haven’t had to do once of those since I was 18. Those are supper annoying.

Yes that’s another HUGE benefit no one has mentioned. With Tesla, you don’t have to deal with “stealerships”. I loathe car dealers, buying my Tesla has been such a welcome breath of fresh air. Good riddance car sales people!

Tim