Used 2012 Porsche Cayenne and $87k New Tesla Model X Face Off in Drag Race
Thanks to the instant torque provided by its electric motors, the Tesla Model S was famous for its initial acceleration and ability to beat even the quickest supercars in 0-60 mph acceleration tests. But the new Tesla Model X SUV doesn’t seem to have the same advantage over its non-electrified rivals, as recently exemplified in a drag race carried out by The Fast Lane Car.
The drag race pit a used 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo worth $22,000 against a new Tesla Model X P100 Long Range bought at $87,000, and while that already seems like a lopsided battle, there were even more disadvantages for the Cayenne Turbo: It also had over 150,000 miles on the odometer, and the race took place in Dacona, Colorado, over 5,000 feet above sea level, meaning that the SUV’s two turbochargers had less air to force into the engine, thus compromising power output.
Still, in the first drag races, the old 2012 Porsche took victory in the 0-60 mph acceleration test thanks to a better launch. The Tesla began to catch up, but not quickly enough to beat the German car to the line. Despite the Cayenne’s reduced power, the superior launch control and all-wheel-drive systems were enough to come out the winner, and the Model X’s driver also pointed out that the Porsche had much better brakes.
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The Model X did win the second race, however, after the suspension was lowered, which seems to be necessary for it to achieve the 0-60 mph numbers claimed by the manufacturer. Eventually, they managed to get the Model X to go 0-60 mph in 4.69 seconds, which was their fastest run but still nearly 0.3 seconds off what Tesla claims it will do.
The Fast Lane Car says it’ll take both cars around the track next, which will undoubtedly be interesting, but we’d also love to see how a new, equivalently-priced Cayenne S would compare to the new Model X in a drag race — and not just in a 0-60 mph test, but over the quarter mile as well. We’re not gamblers at The News Wheel, but we’d wager the Porsche would take that win…
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