Can a Tesla Model 3 Smack Down a McLaren 570S in the Quarter Mile? [Video]

Andre and I went up to Bandimere speedway during their open lapping night for some good old fashioned drag racing. While we were there, a very interesting drag race presented itself. A Tesla Model 3 Performance Dual Motor decided to take on a 2018 McLaren 570S. The Tesla is really quick, but at sea level the McLaren would be hard to beat. However, Bandimere is a mile above sea level, which evened the playing field considerably.

2018 McLaren 570S

The McLaren has a 3.8-liter twin turbocharged V8 that makes 562 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. It should do 0-60 in 3.2 seconds and continue onto a top speed of 204 mph. At sea level, you can expect to see the 570S running a quarter mile in the 10 second range.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance Dual Motor

The Tesla Model 3 Performance Dual Motor has, as the name would suggest, a two motor setup with AWD. The battery is 75kWh at 350 volts. In total, the system makes 450 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque. At sea level, the Model 3 performance dual motor should do a quarter mile in 11.8 seconds. However, the thinner air won’t affect the Tesla like it will the McLaren. If anything, the reduced air resistance may help the Tesla post a better time.

The race was extremely close, as it turned out. The winner snuck ahead by just 0.2 seconds, if you can believe it. To find out who won, you’ll just have to watch the whole video.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more news, views & real-world reviews and, of course, more crazy drag race videos like this one.