Tesla Model 3 Owns BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63 in Drag Race

Tesla Model 3 Performance is an AK-47 disguised as a butter knife.

You might have heard about Tesla’s updated version to the Model 3, the “Performance” version. Can the words performance and Tesla really be put together in the same sentence, and not mention fuel economy? Well, Tesla definitely thinks so, bringing a entry-level luxury car with a 3.3 second 0-60 mph, upgraded brakes, different wheels, and some carbon aero to start. I would have never thought I would use the word carbon aero and Tesla in the same sentence, but, its 2019.

The real question about this Tesla is does it really live up to its name? Thankfully, automotive legend Chris Harris over at Top Gear gives us the answer via the Top Gear YouTube channel. Let’s consider that the Model 3 Performance makes a estimated 450 HP due to its twin electric motors. According to Tesla boss Elon Musk, this Model 3 is faster than a BMW M3 with better handling. Musk elaborates on this stating that the Model 3 will literally beat anything in its class on the track. Well, that’s a hell of a statement.

Top Gear arranged a convenient drag race between the Model 3 and some of the most aggressive and performance-based sedans on the market today: the BMW M3, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV. However, this isn’t a 1/4-mile drag race as standard, instead, Harris has chosen to make the race half a mile, to even out the standings.

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Everybody knows electric cars are quick off the line, but how long can they hold the pace when it really counts? Well, you’d be surprised. The Tesla literally rockets off the line as expected, leaving its European counterparts in the dust. It seems that the Tesla’s off the line advantage was going to hold all the way until the half a mile mark when the C63 S begins to close ground. At literally the last milliseconds, the C63 S comes in to close out the win, but only very slightly.

Thus, who is the real winner here? Well, I am not quite sure. If straight line speed is your game and all you care about is winning, the Tesla is the clear choice. This is especially considering the fact that in some cases, the Tesla is over $10k cheaper than the competition it is up against. However, some people are still going to want a hand-crafted twin-turbo V8 built by AMG under their foot at all times and for that, I certainly can’t blame them.

What I do know is that if you see a Model 3 Performance at a stoplight and are feeling giddy, you better think twice about what you are about to do.

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Daud Gonzalez

Daud Gonzalez is a lifelong car enthusiast, and automotive writer with a specialty in modified and race-ready rides. Gonzalez is a regular contributor to the Internet Brands Auto Group websites, including Corvette Forum, 6SpeedOnline, and Honda-tech, among others.

He spends most of his time modifying his cars, and ruining them in the process. He is the owner of a track build BMW 335i, a semi-off road spec 1981 Toyota Hilux, a drift-ready 1990 Nissan 240sx and a 1990 BMW K75 motorcycle.

Most of his free-time is dedicated to making sure his vehicles survive to see the next day. You are likely to catch him at one of Southern California's race tracks on the weekends.

Daud can be reached at Autoeditors@internetbrands.com, and followed on his Instagram account.

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