2021 Tesla Model Y Performance Beats the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R in a Race
Giancarlo Perlas July 6, 2021The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R and the 2021 Tesla Model Y Performance are entirely different species. The former is a sports car while the latter is a juiced-up SUV. So it is easy to assume that the German car will easily blow dust on the windshield of the American EV in a race, but it was not the case when the two met on the track.
As already spoiled in the title of this article and shown in the video above, the electric SUV bested the three-pointed star bearer from the get-go in what appears to be a quarter-mile sprint. The Tesla finished a good 0.31 seconds faster than the Merc.
So what makes the electric SUV such a formidable threat for the sports car? The Model Y Performance carries a permanent magnet motor that peaks at 450 hp and 471 lb-ft of torque. Its 4,416 lbs curb weight lets it accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph.
In comparison, the AMG GT R is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that’s good for 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Its 3,650 lbs weight promises a 0-60 mph run in just 2.9 seconds.
Overall, the numbers are in favor of the Merc, but the bad launch from its driver made a huge difference eventually. Add to that the all-wheel-drive system of the Tesla, and it’s a win.
Despite the Mercedes-AMG GT R losing here, it was certainly amazing when the Tesla Model Y Performance beat it on its own game. It’s not every day that you get to see a sports car losing to an SUV.
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