Tesla Model S Plaid 1,020 HP VS Audi R8 1,400 HP

Edited by: Giorgos Pallikaris

Since the Tesla Model S Plaid was introduced, it has been at the forefront of every conversation about insanely fast cars. In fact, we’ve seen quite a few S Plaid drag racers, suffice it to say that it’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to acceleration.

The Audi R8 isn’t the first car we mention if we think of potential drag-racing competitors to the Model S Plaid—at least in stock form. When teased though, it looks like it has what it takes to beat a top-spec Tesla, and this video from Drag Times on YouTube is proof of that.

In the video, you’ll see Brooks’ S Plaid and Audi R8 augmented. The Model S Plaid, of course, makes 1,020 horsepower and plenty of instant torque from its three electric motors. It is four wheel drive and at the time of the race it had 90% charge in its battery. The R8, with two turbines now producing 1,300 hp, is also four-wheel drive and has a 7-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower is a plus for Audi, as well as the fact that the R8 is 454 kg lighter than Tesla.

As expected, the Tesla Model S Plaid beats the R8 on the start, with instantaneous torque that eclipses the German coupe. However, the drag strip was too much for Tesla, as the R8 caught up before the end of the quarter mile and eventually won the first turn. Was it the same story in the second round? Watch TV to find out.