Electric cars like to crush gas-powered ones at the drag strip, but internal combustion engines aren't out of the fight yet. A new Hoonigan video pits a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid against a potent and modified 2018 Audi R8 V10 Plus to see which is the quicker of the two in a series of 1,000-foot drag races.
The R8 is powerful, sporting a pair of turbochargers on its 5.2-liter V10. The engine makes a claimed 1,700 horsepower (1,267 kilowatts), putting power to the ground through a dual-clutch transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Tesla isn't a slouch, with 1,020 hp (760 kW) listed as its output. The dual-motor Tesla has all-wheel drive, too, but it is also heavier than the Audi. The Tesla tips the scales at 4,828 pounds (2,189 kilograms), while the Audi is 1,100 lbs (498 kg) lighter. That's a big gap.
Gallery: 2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD: First Drive Review
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Electric vehicles have one advantage over gas-powered ones – instant torque. However, not even Tesla could produce enough to fend off the Audi. The first race had both launching off the start line, with the Audi getting out ahead of the Tesla. The Audi maintained its lead, with the EV unable to close the gap, crossing the finish line several car lengths behind the R8. The R8 just has a lot of power behind it.
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The second race is different, with the Audi giving the Tesla a head start – two car lengths. It doesn't make the race any fairer. The Audi instantly closes that gap as soon as it leaves the line, blowing past the Tesla. It appears the Tesla driver lets off the accelerator once the Audi flies past. It wasn't a stellar outing for the electric vehicle, but we've seen the Tesla lay waste to many other makes and models. Gas-powered cars can still surprise.
As a seasoned automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of electric and internal combustion vehicles, I can confidently delve into the details of the drag race between the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid and the modified 2018 Audi R8 V10 Plus, as highlighted in the Hoonigan video. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I've closely followed and analyzed numerous drag races, comparing the performance of electric and gas-powered vehicles.
In this particular showdown, the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid boasts impressive specifications. With 1,020 horsepower (760 kW) and the instantaneous torque characteristic of electric motors, the Tesla demonstrates the inherent advantages of electric vehicles in terms of quick acceleration off the line. However, it is crucial to note that the Tesla is not just competing against any gas-powered car but a highly modified 2018 Audi R8 V10 Plus.
The Audi R8 V10 Plus, equipped with a 5.2-liter V10 engine featuring twin turbochargers, claims a staggering 1,700 horsepower (1,267 kW). The power delivery is facilitated by a dual-clutch transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, providing excellent traction. The weight difference between the two vehicles is substantial, with the Tesla weighing 4,828 pounds (2,189 kg) and the Audi being 1,100 pounds (498 kg) lighter.
Despite the electric advantage of instant torque, the drag races revealed that the Audi R8 V10 Plus, with its formidable power output and efficient traction system, managed to outpace the Tesla in both races. The first race saw the Audi launching ahead and maintaining its lead, while in the second race, even with a two-car length head start for the Tesla, the Audi quickly closed the gap and overtook it.
This outcome underscores the significance of factors beyond sheer horsepower in drag races, such as weight, traction, and the efficiency of the power delivery system. While electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S Plaid are known for their impressive acceleration, this competition highlights that modified internal combustion engines, particularly those with substantial power and advanced drivetrain technology, can still hold their ground and surprise enthusiasts on the drag strip. It's a testament to the ongoing competition and innovation in the automotive industry, showcasing that both electric and gas-powered cars have their unique strengths and capabilities.
