Ford Mustang vs Volkswagen Crafter
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Ford Mustang
From $72,990
Fastback
Petrol
Petrol I4 Turbo
232kW
9.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
408L
Volkswagen Crafter
From $69,100
Ute
Diesel
Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI
130kW
—
ANCAP: no data
—
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Mustang starts from $72,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Crafter opens at $69,100. That makes the Volkswagen Crafter the more affordable entry point by $3,890.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $80,289 and $76,010 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Mustang features a 13.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.4-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Crafter gets a 6.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Mustang stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen Crafter. The Volkswagen Crafter counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Ford Mustang gets leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Crafter offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Ford Mustang and 1-zone in the Volkswagen Crafter.
Drivetrain
The Ford Mustang uses a Petrol I4 Turbo producing 232kW and 475Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds.
The Volkswagen Crafter responds with a Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI making 130kW and 410Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic w/ torque converter driving the front wheels.
The Ford Mustang has the clear power advantage at 232kW vs 130kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Mustang measures 4,811mm long on a 2,719mm wheelbase, 2035mm shorter than the Volkswagen Crafter at 6,846mm (4,490mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m to 16.2m
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 16.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years (Ford Mustang) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Crafter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Mustang if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Crafter trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Crafter?
The Volkswagen Crafter is the cheapest at $69,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Mustang by $3,890.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Mustang uses the least fuel at 9.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Crafter carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Crafter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Mustang makes the most power at 232kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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