Even though you can turn this 691 HP eco-friendly electric saloon into even more of a beast with the push of a button, real supercars such as the McLaren 650S aren’t scared of a little instant torque.
Yes, the McLaren 650S doesn’t have as much peak torque as the Tesla Model S P85D. In fact, at 678 Nm (500 lb-ft), you could argue that the McLaren is in serious trouble as far as a standing start is concerned when these two cars square off.
Well, you know what? You’re right to think that. There’s no way that the 650S can get off the line as fast as the P85D, and if your drag race covers a very short distance, you’re pretty much set in the Tesla.
It just so happens that drag racing usually covers a 1/4 mile (or more). So what happens after the P85D jumps ahead of the 650S is highly predictable – and it’s also something we’ve seen time and time again.
The good “old fashioned” supercar works its way back into the race with a vengeance because that’s what it was built to do. Insane Mode or not, the P85D is no match for a real lightweight speedster such a McLaren 650S.
In fact, you’d have to be insane to bet on the Tesla winning any sort of drag race against any and all competent opponents, if the distance covered is large enough.
Though if you take a step back and factor in the Tesla’s other qualities such as the simple fact that it doesn’t burn any fuel, you’d be hard pressed to call the P85D a loser.