The Tesla Model S Plaid has dominated drag strips since its debut on June 10, 2021, earning a reputation for its blistering acceleration. Equipped with a tri-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, the electric sedan delivers 1,020 horsepower and can launch from 0 to 60 mph in just two seconds. This has made it a formidable competitor against supercars and muscle cars alike. However, a recent drag race proves that a well-tuned combustion engine can still hold its own against EVs.
In a video by YouTube channel DragTimes, a tuned McLaren 750S with a 1,000-horsepower V8 took on the Tesla Model S Plaid. Despite the Tesla’s instant torque and AWD advantage, the results favored the McLaren, making a strong case for the continued dominance of high-performance combustion engines.
V8 McLaren vs. Tesla Plaid: The Showdown
The McLaren 750S in this race is no ordinary supercar. The owner has modified it with an ECU tune, upgraded turbos, and an aftermarket exhaust system, pushing the output to over 900 wheel horsepower. Even with these modifications, it still falls slightly short of the Tesla’s power figures on paper. However, the drag race results tell a different story.
Unlike the AWD Tesla, the McLaren 750S relies on rear-wheel drive (RWD), requiring the driver to shift through multiple gears before reaching the quarter-mile finish line. Meanwhile, the Tesla’s electric powertrain provides seamless acceleration with no gear changes. Despite these advantages, the Model S Plaid struggled to keep up with the McLaren.
Quarter-Mile Drag Race Results
| Car | 1/4-Mile Time |
|---|---|
| McLaren 750S (Tuned) | 9.020 sec |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | 9.319 sec |
The McLaren consistently clocked 8.9-second runs, while the Tesla struggled to break the 9.3-second barrier. Even though the McLaren costs nearly four times as much as the Model S Plaid, the results demonstrate that high-performance combustion engines can still outperform electric vehicles in straight-line speed under optimal conditions.
The Weight Factor: Why Gas Engines Still Compete
One key reason why the McLaren outperformed the Tesla is weight. Electric vehicles (EVs) carry large battery packs, which significantly increase their overall mass. While the Model S Plaid’s power is impressive, its weight ultimately hinders its acceleration over longer distances.
Furthermore, this isn’t the first time an internal combustion engine (ICE) car has beaten a high-performance EV in a drag race. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, a factory-built muscle car, has proven that traditional V8 power can compete with and even surpass some of the fastest EVs. With a quarter-mile time of 8.91 seconds, the Demon 170 matches the McLaren’s performance at a fraction of the cost.
Are EVs Always Faster? Not Necessarily
The results of this race challenge the widespread belief that electric cars are inherently superior in acceleration. While EVs benefit from instant torque and fewer mechanical components, they are not automatically the fastest option. A properly tuned ICE-powered car can still outmatch even the most advanced electric models under the right conditions.
Tesla’s Plaid models remain some of the quickest production cars available, but as demonstrated in this race, horsepower alone does not determine victory. Weight distribution, gearing, and power-to-weight ratio play crucial roles in real-world performance.
The McLaren 750S’s victory over the Tesla Model S Plaid highlights that high-performance internal combustion engines are far from obsolete. While EVs offer convenience, efficiency, and strong acceleration, they still face limitations in terms of weight and sustained performance over long distances.
As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification, combustion engines continue to prove their worth in performance applications. For enthusiasts who appreciate the thrill of traditional V8 power, this race is a reminder that gas-powered cars can still dominate when engineered correctly.
