Yes, you read that right. We have a Tesla Model 3 Performance killer – a stock Dodge Challenger finally beat the Model 3 in a quarter-mile drag race.
Our regular readers are familiar with the YouTube channel ‘Drag Times’ and its owner Brooks. He is a professional drag-racing enthusiast and regularly uploads racing content on his channel.
He recently faced off against a Dodge Challenger R/T 1320 with his Tesla Model 3 Performance and was quite surprised by the performance of his rival’s car.
The Challenger we’re talking about today is owned by Thomas J Barron, who also runs a fundraiser for his charity called Slicks of Hope.
Tommy, unfortunately, lost his daughter Peyton to cancer in 2017, and she was a big fan of Challenger muscle cars. In his own words, Tommy said: “She loved Challengers and going fast so this is what I do to help research for a cure.”
Barron’s Dodge Challenger holds the stock 392 Hemi powered 1/4 mile record at 11.3 seconds at 119.43 mph.
Here’s how the battle of “Tesla Model 3 Performance Vs Dodge Challenger” played out.
Tesla Model 3 Performance Killer: Dodge Challenger 1320 R/T
Before we begin the drag race analysis, let’s take a look at the cars. The Tesla Model 3 Performance is powered by dual electric motors, one at each axle, and produces 473 HP.
To make sure that the Model 3 performs at its best, Brooks bought a generator along with him to keep the battery fully charged. The Tesla Model 3 Performance is All Wheel Drive (AWD).
Tommy’s Dodge Challenger is powered by a 392 HEMI V8 producing 485 HP. It features a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) driving setup and 8-speed automatic transmission. Tommy ran with half a tank of 93-octane gas. He also aired out his radial tires before driving to get a better grip.
During the first two races, the Dodge Challenger easily won with a time of 11.535 seconds and 11.487 seconds during the first and second races, respectively.
However, during the third race, the Challenger’s tire started spinning which gave the Tesla Model 3 Performance an advantage to take over.
The average E/T of Dodge Challenger was 11.56 sec while that of Tesla was 11.57 seconds. A very small difference, but this goes to show how fast this Dodge Challenger was.
In the end, Brooks surprised Tommy with an impromptu race against a modified Tesla Model X. The Tesla was a heavily modified electric car that produced upwards of 900+ ft-lbs of torque.
The modified Tesla Model X performance won against the Challenger in the final race.
We’re used to seeing electric vehicles always dominating quarter-mile drag races, be it the case of a Tesla Model S Vs Toyota Supra or a Model 3 Performance Vs Dodge Challenger Hellcat.
Therefore, it is nice to see some tough competition from ICE vehicles as well. Competition is always good and will only help improve Tesla electric cars for the upcoming future.
Which one is your favorite? The Dodge Challenger or the Tesla Model 3 Performance? Let us know in the comments below.
