An American EV is challenged by a pair of German models that have twin-turbo six cylinder engines.
The electric vehicle has a higher performance than their combustion-powered counterparts. They can instantly produce peak torque and don’t need to change gears. CarWow tests this idea by racing a Tesla Model 3 Performance against a BMW M3 Competition all-wheel drive and an Audi RS5 Coupe.
These are UK-spec models. The M3 Competition comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-six that produces 503 horsepower (375kilowatts or 510 metric HP) and 479 poundfeet (425 Newton-meters). According to the factory specifications, it can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds.
The RS5’s twin-turbo 2.9L V6 produces 444 horsepower (331 kilowatts, 450 metric hp), and 442 pound-feet (599 Newton meters) of torque. It can reach 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds according to official specifications.
According to the video specs, the two-motor Tesla Model 3 is 460 hp (343kW) and 471lb-ft (642 Nm). The battery packs can provide 75 kilowatts per hour.
The races begin with a drag race of quarter-miles. The Audi, BMW and Tesla are all close at the beginning but eventually the BMW and Tesla pull away. The M3 seems to accelerate ahead towards the end of this distance.
The BMW completes the quarter-mile in just 11.4 seconds. Tesla takes 11.7 seconds. With a time of 12.0 seconds, the Audi comes in last.
Next, there is a rolling race at 30 mph (48 km/h) over half-miles. Because of its instant torque delivery, the EV is an advantage. Initialy, the Tesla leads with a substantial lead. The M3 eventually takes the lead. The M3 pulls ahead at 100 mph (161 km/h). This would mean that the drivers are breaking international law to drive this fast on public roads.
The race was rerun from a 50-mph (80 km/h) start. Results vary slightly. This time, the Tesla doesn’t have the acceleration advantage. Although it still leads initially, the M3 is able to pass the EV faster. The Audi passes the Model this time.
The last challenge is the braking test. The Model 3 stops at 100 mph in the fastest distance. The M3 follows, while the RS6 is at the end.