Both vehicles equip Tesla’s Dual Motor setup that comes standard with all of its Performance variants. Both Model 3s pack 457 horsepower, 660 Newton-meters of torque, and both vehicles weight is nearly identical. The old Model 3 weighs just three kilograms more at 1,847 kg, while the new Model 3 “steps” on the scale at only 1,844 kg. The wheels used on the newer Model 3 Performance are the 20″ Überturbine edition, which Carwow says are a kilogram heavier than the previously used 20″ Model 3 Sport Wheels.

The biggest changes are present in the battery pack. The previous version of the vehicle packed a 75 kWh battery pack, while new builds come with an 82 kWh pack. Other minor contributors to weight discrepancies between the two vehicles can be attributed to things as minor as the double-paned glass that Tesla included in several new cars to combat excessive cabin noise. Both vehicles operated in the “Sport” acceleration mode, the “Standard” steering mode, and regenerative braking was put on the “Standard” setting. Neither car operated in Tesla’s Track Mode.

During the two initial runs, the vehicles started from a standstill. The “old” Model 3, which was manufactured in 2020, managed to beat the new 2021 Model 3 in a race to the finish line. It wasn’t overly decisive, however, and both cars completed the 1/4-mile race in 11.7 seconds. During races where the two vehicles were at a rolling pace of 30 MPH, the two vehicles remained virtually identical, although the 2021 Model 3 crossed the finish line before its 2020 sibling.

Another rolling start race, this time at 50 MPH, proved to yield the same results. While the two vehicles seemed to travel at a nearly identical pace, the 2021 Model 3 once again crossed the finish line as a victor.

Carwow also performed a braking test, but the results were inconclusive as the track conditions seemed to affect the results during numerous test runs.

While the performance hasn’t seemed to change much between the two vehicles, it certainly appears that the race was almost too close to determine whether either of the Model 3 builds is superior to the other. Nevertheless, the race proved one thing in particular: the Model 3 is a fast, fun, and affordable EV with some of the best performance on the market for a midsized sedan. Its numerous crash safety awards and its nomination as one of the NTHSA’s Top Safety Pick+ recipients also attest to Tesla’s focus on consumer safety.

Check out the Carwow drag race below, and let us know what you think in the comments!

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In a video published by YouTube channel carwow, the Tesla Model S Performance, using Ludicrous Mode and the latest ‘Cheetah Stance’ launch mode, was put up against a Porsche Taycan Turbo S in several heats. The result? It appears that Porsche is really up for a battle of the ages and intends to win.

Two quarter-mile drag races crowned the Taycan with a best time of 10.3 seconds over the Model S time of 10.4 seconds. Two rolling runs, one from 30 mph, the other from 70 mph, also saw the Taycan pull away from the Tesla quite handily. Refusing to plateau, Porsche’s top-tier EV simply kept accelerating after hitting Autobahn speeds.

No tricks. No questionable circumstances. No overly apparent bias.

Host and driver Mat Watson was particularly concerned with fairness and accuracy to keep Tesla fans happy, especially as the winner became clear. In fact, Watson admitted to being quite surprised by the results himself, hence the multiple runs to try and eliminate variables that could have significant impact. Regardless of expectations, it was a good day for EVs and the coming fun they promise.

Overall, Porsche seems to have taken its new role as an electric car manufacturer as seriously as it has taken its earned reputation as a beast on the race track. The expanded torque band and superior deceleration of the Taycan also demonstrates that the German automaker’s answer to Tesla’s Model S is ready for competition beyond just the quarter mile.

Of course, the Tesla Model S Performance put up a good fight – a great one, really. There’s obviously much more to consider in a vehicle purchase than whether it can best a car twice its price in a drag race over .1 seconds or pull away on a straight bit of road with no other obstacles. At a starting price of right around $100k for the Model S vs. the Taycan Turbo S starting price of $185k, the value aspect certainly seems to be in Tesla’s favor. There’s also one more thing to consider for any undecided buyers with these two vehicles under consideration:

Tesla Model S Plaid is coming.

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This was put on display recently in a video published on YouTube channel “Cars with Ivan” when a Tesla Model Y Performance took on a G-Power Typhoon BMW X6 M. Even with a frunk full of snacks, the electric carmaker’s latest vehicle held its own, beating the Typhoon with a 12.1-second quarter mile vs. the highly-modified X6 M’s 12.5 seconds.

A first look at the BMW’s G-Power incarnation doesn’t indicate any obvious competitive edge for the Model Y from a pure performance stance. The upgrades boost its optimized 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine strength to 750 horsepower, and modified turbochargers, catalytic converters, and specialized software make the racing odds seem a bit unfair to Tesla’s electric family car. The Model Y, after all, “only” has 456 horsepower, and its 11.9 second quarter mile is half a breath too slow against the Typhoon’s advertised 11.5 second time for the same distance.

After further consideration, however, it’s obvious where Tesla’s creation shines – instant torque, and whether its driver can really tap into it in the instant where it counts. Its recent competitor’s 723 lb-ft of torque may have an arguable advantage over a longer interval of time, but the drag strip is where the Model Y sits pretty next to all of its other Tesla siblings. The Model Y Performance also has another stat in its favor with dual electric motors, as do the Model S, 3, and X Performance variants that take on traditional racers regularly these days. The family that flies off the line together, wins together, or for the most part, it seems.

Perhaps the BMW has other desirable features that make up for its toe-to-toe drag strip performance with a younger, less experienced, less expensive Tesla crossover. A top speed of 186 mph (vs. 155 mph) comes to mind. But at a typical $100k+ asking price for the G-Power Typhoon, the Model Y Performance’s $62k price tag might make an argument for trading the gas engine for battery power.

You can watch the Model Y Performance take on the G-Power Typhoon BMW X6 M below:

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Thomas and James of YouTube channel Throttle House hosted the Tesla family feud, putting on their “S3XY”-est drag race to-date, albeit the quietest. The Model 3 and Model Y were previously tested by the two personalities and known to be “masters of acceleration.” For this particular race, though, they opted to drive the Model S and Model X, both matte black with XPEL STEALTH paint finishes.

Since the all-electric cars lose power as they lose their state of charge, all four Tesla owners Supercharged their respective vehicles at the same place before arriving at the track for an optimal comparison environment.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the eldest of the pack – the Model S – landed itself as the winner, but the ease at which it did so is quite amazing even when expected. Both the Performance Model S and Performance Model X had similar advantages with Ludicrous Mode, and both drivers also used “Cheetah Stance Launch Mode” to further amplify their cars’ racing capabilities partially by starting in a crouch-style position. This latest Launch Mode uses adaptive suspension along with powertrain upgrades to improve the performance of the already lightning-quick vehicles.

The first run of Tesla vehicles resulted in a win from the Model S without much say from the other three. The Model X and Model 3 battled it out a few car lengths behind the Model S, but ultimately the Model X prevailed. Bringing up the rear a few car lengths behind its more battle-tested siblings, the Model Y gave a good performance overall, especially considering that it’s aimed to be an electric family crossover. It’s additionally worth noting that its competitors were other top-tier performers whose tech has been refined by Tesla for years using available driving stats.

A second run was done by the Throttle House hosts to test the Tesla vehicles without their usual launch acceleration advantages. There, too, the Model S kept its crown, but not without a bit of a fight from the Model 3. In the end, the Model X barely got its nose ahead of the Model 3 right at the finish line (cone). The Model Y was on their tails despite lacking in the rest of the advantages afforded Tesla’s more premium cars.

Throttle House’s video did not provide the drag race times, however, a comparison of the four vehicles shows how they differ and what specs in particular likely played parts in the outcome of the family battle.

• The Tesla Model S Performance has 684 horsepower, a 100 kWh battery pack, a top speed of 163 mph, and a 0-60 time of 2.3.
• The Tesla Model 3 Performance has 450 horsepower, a 75 kWh battery pack, a top speed of 162 mph, and a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds.
• The Tesla Model X Performance has 762 horsepower, a 100 kWh battery pack, a top speed of 163 mph, and a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds.
• The Tesla Model Y Performance has 450 horsepower, a 75 kWh battery pack, a top speed of 155 mph, and a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds.

You can watch Throttle House’s full Tesla family drag race below:

Check out some of the behind the scenes footage from our friends at the Tesla Owners Online Club who helped coordinate the epic Tesla Performance drag race battle!

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Hitting the drag strip at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida, a unique chrome-wrapped Model X eclipsed the 1/4 mile in a blistering 10.9121 seconds. The 10-second run makes it the quickest Model X to date and the first time anyone has broken the 11-second 1/4 mile barrier in the Tesla SUV.

The latest record smashes the 11.28 second time set by a Model X P100D, Tesla’s highest Performance variant prior to the release of its newest Raven edition. It’s also significantly quicker than previous Model X that made headlines after embarrassing a Lamborghini owner at the drag strip and after making quick work of opponents in a four-way drag race shoot out.

However, the record-setting 10.91 second 1/4 mile run in the Model X packed a bit more “customizations” than its flashy chrome exterior.

The Model X owner pulled out, literally, the oldest trick in the drag racing playbook after completely gutting the interior of the vehicle. All of the seats, including the interior liners and panels, were removed as a means to reduce unnecessary weight. The owner also removed the entire frunk cargo area beneath the front hood to expose Tesla’s secret to its Bio Weapon Defense Mode.

Also, Tesla service can remove front trunk liner if you don't use it and improve performance further

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 7, 2017

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Both of the Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor variants mentioned above have impressive performance specifications. Although the Long Range All-Wheel Drive configuration is not quite as fast as the Performance variant, it’s 4.4 seconds 0-60 mph acceleration is enough to give even the most experienced drivers a bit of an adrenaline rush when pressing the accelerator.

However, the team at Ingenext seems to have loopholed the Model 3’s system by offering a simple plug-in device that turns the 4.4 seconds 0-60 mph time into a thing of the past. The “Stage 1” DIY Performance boost module claims to add an additional 50 horsepower to the Model 3 Dual Motor and decrease its 0-60 mph time to 3.8 seconds.  A Stage 2 “Ghost” upgrade is also available, which claims to add 150 horses and turn a Model 3 Dual Motor into a Model 3 Performance, with 3.2 second 0-60 mph times.

Electrified Garage is selling the two Performance boost packages from Ingenext on its website. The Stage 1 upgrade is on sale for $1,100 (originally $1,500) and the Stage 2 “Ghost” is $2,250 (originally $3,000).

The purchase of the Stage 1 Performance Boost gives the Model 3 LR AWD a faster 0-60 time than Tesla’s “Acceleration Boost” upgrade, which advertises a 3.9-second acceleration rate.

Tesla released the “Acceleration Boost” upgrade in December 2019, and its $2,000 price tag is well worth the money considering the convenience of the feature. The upgrade is purchasable through the Tesla Smartphone app and downloads the appropriate software directly to the car.

However, it is $900 more expensive than the Stage 1 Performance Boost and is also one-tenth of a second slower.

The installation of either Performance Boost plug-in allows any driver to improve the speed and acceleration of their Model 3 with a simple modification. Rich Rebuilds, the owner of the Electrified Garage, said it best. No matter what modifications you make to the Model 3, the performance stays relatively the same. An owner can put on performance tires, lower the body, and wrap the car, but the Model 3 will end up operating in the same fashion.

This fact could turn some Tesla-curious buyers away from purchasing the electric vehicle. Internal combustion engine cars can be subjected to several different modifications that can improve performance. Exhausts, transmissions, spark plugs, and air intakes can all be changed, modified, or upgraded on a gas-powered machine to increase speed and performance. However, Tesla’s electric cars do not have interchangeable parts, so performance upgrades are less frequent and are rarely changeable.

However, Ingenext’s plug-in system improves performance, lowers 0-60 mph times, and makes the Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant faster than the Performance configuration.

Watch Rich Rebuild’s video on the Stage 2 “Ghost” upgrade below.

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A Tesla hacker known as “green” leaked some of the newest updates that include a revised Launch Mode and Autopilot updates to respond automatically to red traffic lights and stop signs.

Model S/X Performance based on raven get new launch mode.
– To improve traction, Adaptive Suspension performs a "cheetah stance" (lowers the front axle) and adjusts damping. pic.twitter.com/4QNhN50rPX

— green (@greentheonly) April 4, 2020

The newest update aims to improve traction when launching the vehicle from a standstill by altering its stance through the car’s Adaptive Suspension system, a feature available only on the Model S and Model X.

Release notes for the newly revised version of Launch Mode state the feature “provides optimum acceleration for closed circuit driving and surfaces with good traction. Please set suspension to LOW prior to launch.”

The user who leaked the release notes refers to this lower mode as a “cheetah stance,” referring to the animal’s visibly reduced height on its front legs. This stance increases the animal’s ability to launch after prey by improving its traction, increasing its effectiveness during high-speed chases in the wild.

Tesla’s revisions to Launch Mode do precisely this. While increasing traction and adjusting damping, the lowering of suspension improves a vehicle’s aerodynamics. As the front of the car is lower, less air will get underneath of the vehicle. This decreases vehicle drag, leading to faster acceleration and increased handling. While the rear of the car remains in a slightly higher position, it allows air trapped under the car an outlet to leave. This raises a car’s “streamline” effect and makes it travel more efficiently by displacing unnecessary air.

Lowering suspension is a popular move among car enthusiasts for these reasons specifically. Lower suspension leads to better handling, but reducing the height of the front axle specifically would be better for drag racing scenarios as it allows the vehicle to displace air more efficiently.

Tesla’s aim for its vehicles has always been to allow owners to experience some of the highest-performing cars on the market today. The company has a unique ability to increase the performance of its vehicles through Over-the-Air software updates. The newest update not only includes revisions to Launch Mode to increase the Model S and X Performance variants, but also additions in the company’s Driving Visualization feature.

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Tesla claims in its online configurator for the Model Y that the dual-motor Performance variant can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. This is the case for both the Model Y Performance with 19″ Gemini wheels as well as the Model Y with Performance Upgrade package that includes larger brakes and 21″ Uberturbine wheels.

However, in a series of real-world Model Y 0 to 60 mph acceleration tests conducted by Erik of the DÆrik Youtube channel, Tesla’s newest 5-seater crossover managed to stop the clocks at a lightning-quick 3.30 seconds.

Tesla Model Y with Performance Upgrade Acceleration Testing

Using a Racelogic VBOX Sport device, Erik performed three 0-60 mph acceleration tests of his new Model Y with Performance Upgrade. With a 90% battery state of charge and tire pressure set at 40 psi, Erik registered the following 0-60 mph acceleration times:

Run 1

• 0-60 mph: 3.30 seconds
• 0-100 mph: 8.12 seconds
• 30-70 mph: 2.72 seconds
• 50-70 mph: 1.53 seconds

Run 2

• 0-60 mph: 3.43 seconds
• 0-100 mph: 8.19 seconds
• 30-70 mph: 2.72 seconds
• 50-70 mph: 1.55 seconds

Run 3

• 0-60 mph: 3.40 seconds
• 0-100 mph: 8.15 seconds
• 30-70 mph: 2.77 seconds
• 50-70 mph: 1.53 seconds

Erik managed to knock out an impressive 0-60 mph time of 3.30 seconds in his Model Y Performance, which is a solid two-tenths quicker than what Tesla publishes on its online configurator. That puts the acceleration for Model Y Performance nearly on par with the acceleration of its smaller sibling, Model 3 Performance, which Tesla advertises to have a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds.

Taking an average of all three runs performed by Erik and Model Y Performance registers a 0-60 mph time of 3.376 seconds, or nearly twice as quick as other SUV/Crossovers in its size category. By comparison, the Mercedes GLC300 SUV that stacks up in size would lose by more than 2 seconds when drag racing Model Y from a standstill to 60mph.

The better-than-expected results obtained by Erik isn’t too surprising considering Tesla’s penchant to underestimate the performance figures of its vehicles. Without including any presumed over-the-air software updates to unlock more power and hardware improvements, the Model Y stands as a performance beast that’s fitting of Tesla’s DNA.

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A video of the quick stoplight sprint was shared on Twitter by Model 3 Performance owner @JPTSLA. As could be seen in the short clip, the driver of the Grand Cherokee made it apparent he was interested in racing the Model 3 while the two vehicles were at a stoplight.

After getting a slight head start, the Jeep was quickly overtaken by the Model 3 and left in the dust. The driver of the Jeep then rolled up to the Model 3 with a wide smile. He also gave a sign of approval for the all-electric sedan with a thumbs-up, lightly admitting defeat.

He tried

Wait till the end – Tesla Appreciation#model3au pic.twitter.com/0tUmuveLz1

— JPTSLA (@JPTSLA) March 9, 2020

The Performance variant of the Model 3 is noted as the fastest available version of the vehicle available for purchase. The car is capable of a 3.2-second 0-60 MPH time, making it one of the quickest sedans available on the market. Its Track Mode V2 feature also allows the vehicle to be tuned according to a driver’s settings, allowing the vehicle to fly through the corners of a track.

Meanwhile, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in seven different trims: Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, SRT, and Trackhawk. Each trim offers different specifications in acceleration, speed, off-roading capability, and powertrain options. While the exact variant of the Grand Cherokee the Model 3 Performance went up against in this video is unknown, it appeared to be no match for the Model 3.

Tesla vehicles have gained the reputation of having high-performance and bleeding-edge tech. Time and time again, Tesla owners are reporting that drivers pull up beside them at stoplights challenging their electric vehicles to a race. Among those who are unaware of an electric vehicle’s instant torque, many eventually learn that their car is at an extreme disadvantage, just like the driver of the Jeep.

The only car to beat me is another P3D, here @Michael01996367 pic.twitter.com/dLxkVauD8F

— JPTSLA (@JPTSLA) March 9, 2020

@JPTSLA stated he had been challenged by many vehicles in stoplight drag races since purchasing his Model 3. However, only one vehicle has ever really overtaken his car at the stoplight: another Tesla Model 3 Performance.

The Model 3 Performance’s dominance of the Jeep Cherokee is a testament to Tesla’s capabilities as a car company. The electric car maker seems set to refine its vehicles’ capabilities too. Just last week, Tesla released Track Mode V2 for the Model 3 Performance, along with a separate Track Package that included race-optimized wheels, tires, and brakes. With this, the Tesla Model 3 can be tuned from a quick everyday stoplight sprinter to an actual track weapon.

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DragTimes pitted the two potent vehicles against each other in a straight-line race. According to Tesla owner and YouTuber Brooks Weisblat, the NSX comes with a hybrid system featuring a 3.5L Turbocharged V6 working in tandem with three electric motors.

The Acura is a $180K modified speed machine with a full Fabspeed exhaust setup that adds roughly 30 HP and Hydra Motor Works Tune that boosts its power by around 40 to 50HP more.  The stock Acura NSX hybrid already boasts 573HP but the one the Miami dragstrip was a potent 700HP beast.

The Tesla Model S Performance, on the other hand, weighs about 4,900 lbs. and the vehicle’s Dual Motor setup produces about 920 lb-ft torque. It retails for about $100K before incentives.

During the first race, the Tesla Model S Performance Raven proved quicker than the modified Acura NSX registering an ET of 10.61 versus the latter’s 10.96 seconds. Tesla’s torque management was evident with the Model S edging the NSX on the 60-foot line and one-eight mile marks.

The NSX beat Tesla’s reaction time on the second race. The Acura was first to reach the one-fourth mile mark after 10.71 seconds while the Tesla Model S Performance Raven came in a blink late at 10.939 seconds.

For the final bout, the Model S Performance Raven dominated the modified NSX hybrid with a quicker launch, crossing the end of the quarter-mile mark with a time of 10.748 against the Acura’s 11.172 seconds.

Acura claims that the NSX engine power combined with the direct electric torque is an absolute game-changer that offers a new kind of dynamic performance not only in terms of acceleration but in steering and braking as well. Despite this, the Model S Performance clearly outclassed its competition. Even before the Raven update that gave the electric vehicle better range, efficiency, Fully Adaptive Suspension, and other optimizations, the Model S already had a potent 0-60mph time at 2.28 seconds on Ludicrous mode.

Perhaps it is not a surprise that the Tesla Model S Raven beat the Acura NSX hybrid on the NSX but it is still very exhilarating to see how it leaves a formidable competition a few cars behind.

Check out the video footage of the Tesla Model S Performance Raven going against the modified Acura NSX hybrid below:

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