Once upon a time, electric cars were slow, boring, and bland. That’s no longer the case, even for entry-level models such as Tesla’s Model 3, which starts at $35,000.
Although it’s the automaker’s smallest model, that doesn’t mean that it’s slow. To showcase that, NextMove lined up a Model 3 Performance, a Model 3 Long Range, and an Audi TT 45 TFSI for a quarter mile drag race to see which is the quickest.
Just by looking at the specs you know how this is gonna end up. The Model 3 Performance is powered by a pair of electric motors driving all four wheels and put out 450 PS. Tesla quotes a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds and a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed, that is being increased to 162 mph with the latest OTT software update. When testing the car, NextMove was able to run it down the quarter mile in an impressive 11.79 seconds.
While we’re not surprised to see the Model 3 Performance wipe the floor, we are still amazed at just how much faster than the TT and its rear-wheel drive sibling it is. The Audi manages to run the quarter mile in 13.67 seconds, edging out the Model 3 Long Range with its 14.07 second time.
Another interesting take away from the video is that the 245 PS TT actually managed to beat the 296 PSModel 3 Long Range off the line. Considering the instant torque of the Tesla, we thought even this non-performance-focused model would be faster, but it seems that the Audi’s all-wheel drive gave it an advantage over the rear-wheel drive electric sedan.