Updated: 20 November 2023
VS
Need to know what starter package is better between the Aurora MR and the Mustang Alpha? Currently the most affordable options for combo packages (that come with both Star Citizen and Squadron 42) are the Aurora MR and the Mustang Alpha. While the ship packages are identically priced there are many differences between the ships themselves. This article will help you decide which ship suits your game style and objectives best.
Engines & Speed
Primary Engines The Aurora MR has one size Small main thruster while the Mustang Alpha can have two main thrusters of the same size. This makes the Mustang Alpha a theoretically faster and also more agile ship. Winner: Mustang Alpha
Power Plant
Power in Star Citizen provides energy to systems such as shields and weapons. There is no significant difference between the power ability of both ships as they both feature size 1 power plants. Winner: Draw
Weapons
Ship weapons are an important part of the game. The universe can be very perilous and having bigger guns helps. The Aurora MR comes with 4 size 1 fixed weapon mounts while the Mustang Alpha comes with 2x size 1 weapons but also with an unmanned turret which comes with 2x size 2 weapons for a total of 4 weapons (Two size 2 and two size 1). Winner: Mustang Alpha. (Please note this information has changed during Star Citizen Alpha and could change again).
Missiles
The Aurora MR comes with a pylon mount size 2 for missiles while the Mustang Alpha has no missile mounts. This gives the Aurora MR the ability to carry 1x size 2 missile or 2x size 1 missiles. Winner: Aurora MR
Shields
Shields are also extremely important and both ships have size 1 shield generators. Winner: Draw
Armor
The Aurora MR is tanky and sacrifices speed and maneuverability for stronger armor. The stylish Mustang Alpha is built with “ultralight alloys” and therefore sacrifices armor for additional speed and maneuverability. Winner: Aurora MR
Cargo
Are you planning on being a space trader? Both the Aurora MR and the Mustang Alpha hold small amounts of cargo.
The Aurora MR can carry 3 Standard Cargo Units (SCU) of cargo while the Mustang Alpha can carry 4 SCU.
The Mustang Alpha can carry mission boxes in the 4 SCU cargo compartment located on the belly of the ship which can be accessed via a button at the rear. This means the Mustang Alpha is better with cargo.
Winner: Mustang Alpha
Jump Drive
Both the Mustang Alpha and the Aurora MR come equipped with Quantum drives as standard. Additionally it was mentioned that neither the Alpha nor the Aurora MR would come with Jump drives. Quantum drives can be turned into Jump drives but not all Quantum drives are jump capable. At some point on the RSI website the Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha specifications changed to show that both ships have a Small size jump drive installed. While this seems to be in flux what seems clear is that both ships will either come with or without a jump drive as standard but both will be able to upgrade their quantum drives if they don't already have the Jump Drive installed. Winner: Draw
Bed
Ship beds in Star Citizen serve as log out locations allowing the player to log out in the ship instead of having to return to a space station or other habitable location. This means the Aurora MR has a significant advantage allowing players to log out in remote locations. Winner: Aurora MR
Conclusion: What Starter Ship Is Better Aurora MR vs Mustang Alpha?
If we tally the above we get:
- Engines & Speed: Mustang Alpha
- Power Plant: Draw
- Weapons: Mustang Alpha
- Missiles: Aurora MR
- Armor: Aurora MR
- Cargo: Mustang Alpha
- Jump Drive: Draw
- Bed: Aurora MR
There's very little difference between these two ships on paper. If you want a fast ship to dart around the verse then the Mustang Alpha is a better choice. If you want something slower but with the option for a bed logout and a bit more capable of defending itself then the Aurora MR is your ship. Both the Aurora MR package and the Mustang Alpha package come with starting in game currency of 1000 UEC. (You can get an extra 5000 UEC by using a referral code).
Aurora Commercial
New Mustang Commercial
Other game packages above the Starter Ships start from about $60* for the Anvil C8X Pisces and come with Star Citizen but not Squadron 42 (unless during promotions and special "sales" events).
Some other options include:
Anvil C8X Pisces Starter Pack $60
Origin 100i Package $65*
Avenger Tiitan Package $75*
Cutlass Black: $125*
Hornet F7C: $125*
Freelancer: $125*
Constellation Andromeda: $275*
*prices do not include VAT and are taken at the time of writing this article.
Please note that purchasing a game package with a ship more expensive than the Starter packages does not make a better gaming experience. The game is intended to be played by starting from the “starter” ships and working your way up (a la GTA).
Bonus Content : Cockpit View
The Mustang Alpha is one of the ships with the best cockpit view. The Aurora MR, on the other hand, has some strutts in the cockpit that nerf the view somewhat. Click on the image below to enlarge. Winner: Mustang Alpha
Questions & Answers About The Aurora MR & Mustang Alpha
Which Starter Package Is Better - Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha?
For new players about to start on the Star Citizen Alpha journey, the Aurora MR game Package is currently a better option than the Mustang Alpha. This is because the Aurora MR can do delivery box missions, has a bed for logging out, and can carry more than one person.
Are The Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha Good At Making Money (aUEC)?
Both ships are capable of earning money in Star Citizen in various ways. These short range ships are enough to get you started on your journey among the stars.
Further reading: Making money easily for beginners
Can the Aurora MR and Mustang Alpha Make Money Via Cargo Running?
The Aurora MR features a cargo capacity of 3 SCU while the Mustang Alpha features a cargo capacity of 4 SCU. Via illicit cargo runs (currently the most profitable) sometimes it is possible to generate several thousand aUEC via optimal cargo runs.
This means that the Mustang Alpha is capable of earning 33% more per cargo run than the Aurora MR.
Even so this still means that the earning curve is quite steep with the Aurora MR and a third less steep with the Mustang Alpha. Players looking to start with Cargo Running should consider ships with significantly more cargo capacity such as the Avenger Titan or Cutlass Black. Especially if the goal is to quickly progress in economic potential.
Is It Viable To Buy Other Ships In Game With The Aurora Mr or Mustang Alpha?
At this time, with player balances being wiped every 3 months or less, it is not possible to earn bigger ships by purchasing them in game unless players spend many hours per week grinding. This makes these ships difficult to start with if the goal is to earn other ships in game quickly. This seems to be the intended progression so players buying the cheapest starter packs need to be aware that it is the steepest starting option in terms of progression.
Renting Ships In Star Citizen Alpha
Certain ships in Star Citizen can be rented for 1, 3, 7 and 30 days. Rented ships cannot be customized. See the Alpha PTU 3.8.1c patch notes.
Is It Possible To Upgrade The Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha To Other Ships In Game? (Star Citizen Alpha)
At this time it is not possible to upgrade a ship in game to another ship. Eventually players will be able to trade in their ships and purchase other ships but during early alpha this is not currently in the game yet. This means that players starting with the Mustang Alpha or Aurora MR need to currently purchase new ships outright in game which means that during Star Citizen Alpha players starting with these two ships need to buy new ships in game instead of trading in their current ship. The cost for doing this is quite prohibitive and therefore the answer to this question is no for all but the most dedicated (in terms of grind) of players.
Again, during Star Citizen Alpha it is far cheaper to rent ships. Rented ships can be customized and the customizations persist throughout the duration of the rental.
Who Should Buy The Aurora MR or Mustang Alpha Stater Packs?
These packs are ideal for players wishing to:
- Spend the least to start playtesting the Star Citizen Alpha
- Plan to play few hours every 3 month patch season
- Can rely on their org / friends to use more expensive ships
- Prefer to play with the basic starter ships as a form of "hard mode"
- Happy to wait for development until late Beta or final release and don't plan to play frequently during Star Citizen Alpha
More serious players who plan to spend many hours during Star Citizen Alpha should look to start with more expensive ships such as the Avenger Titan or Cutlass Black - ships capable of earning more money and having a higher chance of mission completion.
Bonus Content
If you haven't created an account yet please visit our information about the Refferal Code first for information about getting 5000 free UEC in game currency when you purchase Star Citizen. Also you can read more information from us about getting started and creating a star citizen account here.