The Audi RS4 Avant and Tesla Model Y Performance may not be the most traditional of rivals, but they both offer plenty of performance and space for passengers and luggage. As CarWow recently discovered, they are very well-matched in the former.
Audi’s RS4 is driven by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 rated at an impressive 444 hp and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. As with other RS models, it has a quattro all-wheel drive system as standard and is very quick off the line. But, we all know the Model Y Performance is also a bit of a rocket ship, thanks to its two electric motors with a combined 456 hp and 497 lb-ft (674 Nm).
In the first of the three drag races held between the pair and in rainy conditions, it is the Tesla that has the advantage off the line initially building a small lead over the RS4. However, as speed starts to build, the Audi claws its way back and overtakes the Model Y just before the finish line.
Read: Audi Buries Hopes of RS4 Avant Wagon Coming To North America
The tables were turned in the second race as Mat Watson driving the Model Y got an even better launch and was able to maintain a small lead, even though the RS4 was closing in. In the third and final race, the Tesla once again proved its superiority off the line but just like in the first race, the Audi was able to overtake it and win by just a few inches. Both cars completed the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds.
Some rolling races were then held where the instant torque of the Model Y gave it an advantage from the jump but the RS4 Avant proved too strong and beat the Tesla over the half-mile.
While the two offer very similar levels of performance, it’s worth pointing out that whereas the Tesla Model Y Performance starts at £59,990 ($74,623) in the UK, the RS4 Avant is a little more expensive at £65,700 ($81,726). That extra money does buy you a far more luxurious interior, however.