The Tesla Model 3 is at its best in AWD Performance spec, where it produces 473 HP and 471 lb-ft (639 Nm) of torque. But what about its second-best, Long Range AWD variant?
The Model 3 that Throttle House threw at the Audi RS3 Sedan has 367 HP and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) of torque. Of course, that muscle is still delivered instantly and constantly, which automatically makes you difficult to beat in a straight line.
If you think the Audi RS3 doesn’t stand a chance, you’d be wrong. In fact, it’s quick enough to keep up with just about any current Tesla model, at least for brief stints.
That’s because, despite being powered by a conventional internal combustion engine with no electrification whatsoever, its 2.5-liter five-cylinder is good for 395 HP (400 PS) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque.
Also watch: Stock Audi RS3 Sedan Is Faster Than A Lamborghini Gallardo. Wait, What?
The numbers speak for themselves: the Long Range AWD Model 3 hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds, the Audi RS3 Sedan in 4.1 seconds. Moreover, the former maxes out at 145 mph (233 km/h), whereas the Audi is electronically limited at 155 mph (250 km/h) – although in this race, that doesn’t really come into play.
All in all, things seem pretty evenly matched. How do they translate on the tarmac, though? Can the Tesla’s instant power delivery overcome the Audi’s slight power advantage, or can the internal combustion engine still the newcomer a thing or two? This should be interesting, to say the least…