Verdict
At RM149,000, the Tesla Model 3 undercuts the RM198,000 Ford Mondeo by RM49,000, yet it is quicker to 100 km/h at 6.2 seconds versus 7.9 seconds and has a larger 594-litre boot. Its 62.5-kWh battery claims 534 km of range, with 11-kW AC and 170-kW DC charging, so it suits Malaysian buyers with dependable charging access. The Mondeo answers with a 240-km/h top speed, front and rear parking sensors, front foglamps and a 100,000-km manufacturer warranty. But the Tesla’s lower road tax of RM280 versus RM380 adds to its stronger case.
Pick the Ford Mondeo if you want its 240-km/h top speed, full-size spare tyre, parking sensors and 100,000-km manufacturer warranty.
Pick the Tesla Model 3 if you can charge an EV and want RM49,000 in upfront savings, 534 km claimed range and 6.2-second 0-100 km/h pace.
Key differences
- Price: Ford Mondeo RM198,000; Tesla Model 3 RM149,000.
- 0-100 km/h: Ford Mondeo 7.9 seconds; Tesla Model 3 6.2 seconds.
- Boot space: Ford Mondeo 557 litres; Tesla Model 3 594 litres.
- Top speed: Ford Mondeo 240 km/h; Tesla Model 3 201 km/h.
- Road tax per year: Ford Mondeo RM380; Tesla Model 3 RM280.
- Manufacturer warranty mileage: Ford Mondeo 100,000 km; Tesla Model 3 80,000 km.
Mondeo
- 240-km/h top speed
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 100,000-km manufacturer warranty
- Costs RM49,000 more
- Slower 7.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- Smaller 557-litre boot
Model 3
- 534-km claimed EV range with 170-kW DC charging
- Quicker 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- 594-litre boot and powered boot lid
- 201-km/h top speed versus 240 km/h
- 80,000-km manufacturer warranty mileage versus 100,000 km
- No listed front or rear parking sensors
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM198,000 | RM149,000✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | D-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM380 | RM280✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve, DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 237 hp | — |
| Torque | 345 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 87.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 9.3 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 279 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 420 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | — | 62.5 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 534 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 170 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Selectshift | Single-ratio Transmission |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Ford/GM | Tesla |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 seconds | 6.2 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 8 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h✓ | 201 km/h |
| Co2 | 192 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,871 mm | 4,720 mm |
| Width | 1,852 mm | 2,089 mm |
| Height | 1,486 mm | 1,441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | — |
| Weight | 1,562 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 557 litres | 594 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R17 | 255/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R17 | 255/45R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | — |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Primacy 3 ST | Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Spain (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" 5-twin-spoke Alloy | 18" Prismata Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" 5-twin-spoke Alloy | 18" Prismata Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for outer two rear passenger seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8" SYNC 2 touchscreen with Sony 9 speakers | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 7 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down With Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Dual Wireless Qi Chargers |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km✓ | 80,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/60,000 km free service | 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Mondeo & Model 3 for sale
Mondeo vs Model 3 FAQ
Is the Ford Mondeo or Tesla Model 3 better?
The Tesla Model 3 is the stronger buy on price, acceleration, boot capacity and annual road tax. Choose the Ford Mondeo only if its higher 240-km/h top speed, parking sensors, front foglamps and longer 100,000-km manufacturer warranty matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Ford Mondeo costs RM198,000 and the Tesla Model 3 costs RM149,000, so the Ford is RM49,000 more expensive.
Which has the better range or fuel economy?
The Tesla Model 3 has a 62.5-kWh battery and a claimed 534-km EV range. The Ford Mondeo is rated at 8 L/100 km and carries a 62-litre petrol tank; no driving range figure is stated.