Once upon a time, we were all very surprised at how fast electric vehicles were.
When videos started to emerge of high-performance Tesla Model S sedans out-accelerating supercars, the automotive world stepped back in astonishment. Nowadays, we all understand that performance-focused EVs are almost unbeatable in a straight line but even with that knowledge, it’s still extremely impressive to see just how quick the Tesla Model 3 Performance is.
Since deliveries of the vehicle commenced, a few videos have surfaced showing the Model 3 Performance taking the fight to ICE-powered sports sedans, including the BMW M3. It has performed extremely well in those scenarios.
Top tip: Don’t try to race a Tesla Model 3 between the lights.
This time, a copper-colored Model 3 Performance was taken to a Sacramento drag strip where it ran alongside a modified Ford Mustang. It managed to record a blistering 11.751 second quarter mile and on a later run, scored an 11.72 second sprint.
To put that time into perspective, BMW quotes a quarter mile time of 12.1 seconds for the M3 with M Performance Parts but a few stock examples have dipped into the 11-second range.
Making the Model 3 Performance so fast are its two electric motors that send power to the rear-wheels. The car can consequently hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in a touch over three seconds, all while remaining completely silent and free of any wheel spin.
As quick as electric vehicles like the Model 3 Performance are on the drag strip, we’d still probably prefer to be driving an M3. Not only does it sound much better but having to control and minimize wheelspin is half of the fun of setting a good quarter mile time.