Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 58 advantages that the BMW 1 Series Convertible has over the Ford Mustang Convertible.

Engine

The 1 Series Convertible's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Mustang Convertible's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:

			RPM's to Peak Torque		RPM's to Peak HP
	1 Series Convertible 128i 3.0L I6		2750		-
	1 Series Convertible 135i 3.0L I6		1300		5800
	Mustang Convertible V6 3.7L V6		4250		6500
	Mustang Convertible V6 Premium 3.7L V6		4250		6500

With 300 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in 1 Series Convertible 3.0L I6 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Mustang Convertible 3.7L V6, which has 280 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission

The 1 Series Convertible has a Optional manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible.

Basic Warranty

BMW's basic warranty provides better coverage than Ford's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).

			Basic Warranty Months		Basic Warranty Miles
	1 Series Convertible		48		50000
	Mustang Convertible		36		36000

Corrosion Warranty

BMW's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Ford's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

			Corrosion Warranty Months
	1 Series Convertible		144
	Mustang Convertible		60

Cost to Own

The base MSRP on the 1 Series Convertible is less than the base MSRP on the Mustang Convertible as shown in the table below.

			Base Price MSRP
	1 Series Convertible 128i		36,900
	Mustang Convertible GT Premium		38,710

Airbags

Both the 1 Series Convertible and the Mustang Convertible feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

The 1 Series Convertible is equipped with Standard RWD.

The 1 Series Convertible has a Standard safety rollbar, designed to protect vehicle occupants during an accident involving a roll over. A safety rollbar is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible.

The 1 Series Convertible has a Standard remote fuel door release which allows the driver to open the fuel door from inside the vehicle. Because the fuel door cannont be opened from the outside, access to the vehicle's fuel tank is restricted, preventing tampering with the fuel supply. A remote fuel door is Not Available on the Mustang Convertible.

An anti-theft stereo is offered as a Standard feature on the 1 Series Convertible. This provides a strong theft deterrent, as the radio is disabled and rendered useless when removed from the vehicle. This anti-theft feature is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible.

The 1 Series Convertible come with an Optional vehicle theft tracking/notification system that can assist authorities to track and pin-point vehicle location in the event of theft. This type of theft tracking system is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible.

Cornering lights are activated with the vehicle's turn signal and provide additional lighting in the direction the vehicle is turning. These supplemental lights are more more commonly found on the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below:

			Cornering Lights
	1 Series Convertible 128i		Optional
	1 Series Convertible 135i		Standard
	Mustang Convertible		Not Available

Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations. You are more likely to find fog lights on the 1 Series Convertible than on the Mustang Convertible, as detailed below:

			Fog Lamps
	1 Series Convertible 128i		Standard
	Mustang Convertible V6		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible V6 Premium		Optional

Headlight washers function to keep the headlight lenses clean and their output high. Headlight washers are more commonly found on the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below:

			Headlight Washers
	1 Series Convertible 128i		Optional
	1 Series Convertible 135i		Standard
	Mustang Convertible		Not Available

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights offer several advantages over standard headlights - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use. HID headlights are more common on the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below:

			High Intensity Discharge Headlights
	1 Series Convertible 128i		Optional
	1 Series Convertible 135i		Standard
	Mustang Convertible GT		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible GT Premium		Optional
	Mustang Convertible V6		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible V6 Premium		Optional

For improved driving safety in inclement weather, the 1 Series Convertible features Standard windshield wiper activated headlights - a system that automatically activates the parking lights and headlights after the wipers have been turned on. This feature is Not Available on the Mustang Convertible.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, multiple-vehicle daytime crashes account for about half of all police-reported crashes in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that daytime running lights - low intensity lights that make vehicles more visible during daylight hours - reduce daytime accidents as much as 11%. Daytime running lights are a Standard feature on the 1 Series Convertible but Not Available on the Mustang Convertible.

The 1 Series Convertible has Optional perimeter lighting, improving safety by illuminating the area around the vehicle while entering and exiting at night. Perimeter lighting is Not Available on the Mustang Convertible.

The 1 Series Convertible has Standard rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Mustang Convertible.

Interior Space

The 1 Series Convertible has more interior space than the Mustang Convertible in the following areas:

			Hip Room, Front		Head Room, Rear		Leg Room, Rear
	1 Series Convertible		56.0 in.		37.0 in.		31.3 in.
	Mustang Convertible		53.4 in.		36.5 in.		29.8 in.

Cargo Space

The 1 Series Convertible has a Standard rear seat pass through, allowing very long items, like snow skis to be transported inside the vehicle. A rear seat pass through is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible.

The 1 Series Convertible features a Standard second row folding seat for increased cargo space. A second row folding seat is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible.

Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Mustang Convertible.

General Suspension

The 1 Series Convertible has a independent rear suspension, which is superior to the live suspension used on the Mustang Convertible.

Chassis

The 1 Series Convertible is shorter than the Mustang Convertible , 172.2 in. vs. 188.1 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.

The 1 Series Convertible is narrower than the Mustang Convertible, 68.8 in. vs. 73.9 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.

Wheels and Tires

The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the 1 Series Convertible may provide better handling capability than those on the Mustang Convertible. Details below:

			Tire Aspect Ratio
	1 Series Convertible 128i		50
	1 Series Convertible 135i		40
	Mustang Convertible GT		50
	Mustang Convertible GT Premium		50
	Mustang Convertible V6		60
	Mustang Convertible V6 Premium		60

The 1 Series Convertible come with Standard self sealing/run flat tires, allowing drivers to continue driving, and reach assistance, in the event of a tire puncture. Self sealing/run flat tires are Not Available on the Mustang Convertible.

Braking

An Electronic Braking Assistance system, Standard in the 1 Series Convertible, measures the speed and force with which the brake pedal has been pushed, determines whether the driver has attempted an emergency stop, and applies any additional brake pressure needed to ensure optimal utilization of the anti-lock brake system. Electronic Braking Assistance is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible.

Additional Features

A multi-adjustable power driver seat allows drivers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort and performance. This type of seat is more commonly found in the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below:

			Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat
	1 Series Convertible 128i		Optional
	1 Series Convertible 135i		Standard
	Mustang Convertible		Not Available

A multi-adjustable power passenger seat, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort, is more commonly found in the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below:

			Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat
	1 Series Convertible 128i		Optional
	1 Series Convertible 135i		Standard
	Mustang Convertible GT		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible GT Premium		Optional
	Mustang Convertible V6		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible V6 Premium		Optional

A front power memory seat is a convenience feature that allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. This feature is more commonly found in the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below:

			Front Power Memory Seat
	1 Series Convertible 128i		Optional
	1 Series Convertible 135i		Standard
	Mustang Convertible		Not Available

Power front lumbar support gives the occupant precise control over their lower back support. Power front lumbar support is a more common feature in the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below:

			Front Power Lumbar Support
	1 Series Convertible 128i		Optional
	1 Series Convertible 135i		Standard
	Mustang Convertible		Not Available

A heated front seat is Optional in the 1 Series Convertible, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible (GT, V6).

Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Optional in the 1 Series Convertible but is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible (GT, V6).

The 1 Series Convertible features a Optional built-in universal remote control system that is able to learn the codes for other remote controlled devices such as garage door openers, gate openers, etc., then allow you to control them from your vehicle with the touch of one button. This type of universal control system is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible (GT, V6).

The 1 Series Convertible features a Optional navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the Mustang Convertible (GT, V6).

The 1 Series Convertible has a Standard lockout/override feature for its power windows. This allows the driver to disable to power window controls, preventing small children from accidentally rolling down the rear windows. This window lockout/override feature is Not Available on the Mustang Convertible.

An automatic climate control system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. This type of climate control system is more commonly found in the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below.

			Automatic Climate Control
	1 Series Convertible		Standard
	Mustang Convertible GT		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible GT Premium		Optional
	Mustang Convertible V6		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible V6 Premium		Optional

Dual-zone climate controls allow the driver and front passenger to control their own climate conditions. This advanced climate control system is more commonly found in the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below:

			Separate Driver / Front Passenger Climate Controls
	1 Series Convertible		Standard
	Mustang Convertible GT		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible GT Premium		Optional
	Mustang Convertible V6		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible V6 Premium		Optional

Genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers, is more commonly found in the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below.

			Genuine Wood Trim
	1 Series Convertible 128i		Optional
	1 Series Convertible 135i		Standard
	Mustang Convertible		Not Available

Automatic headlights, which control the on/off capability of vehicle's headlights, are a more common feature on the 1 Series Convertible than the Mustang Convertible, as shown below.

			Automatic Headlights
	1 Series Convertible		Standard
	Mustang Convertible V6		Not Available
	Mustang Convertible V6 Premium		Optional

Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the 1 Series Convertible, keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the Mustang Convertible.