Elon Musk’s Tesla Model S Plaid has revolutionized the automotive industry. The electric variant has grabbed the attention of people who love speed. The car reportedly reached from 0 to 171.9 mph in just 17.1 seconds. In addition to a new 90 kWh battery, Tesla’s Ludicrous mode is a feature worth noticing. With this mode engaged, Tesla claims that the dual-motor P90D can accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. However, there are cars even faster than a Tesla.
Don’t get us wrong. That’s a big enhancement in the electric cars to consider, and this model is certainly the fastest made by Tesla at the time of publishing. But speedsters and car lovers who can’t help but rev their engines don’t find it good enough.
What factors determine the speed of a car?
The speed of a car is dependent on several factors that actively contribute to it. These factors are:
- Power of the engine: The more powerful your car’s engine is, the more performance you can expect from it, including speed. Power doesn’t directly translate to speed, though, for that, you will need other factors that work in sync.
- Gear Ratio: Gears are what translate engine power into torque and then into speed.
- Weight of the car: It is basic science that the heavier something is, the more it will be affected by friction and gravity. Thus, a car with a high payload will be much slower than a lighter model.
- Aerodynamics: This is the factor that helps with air resistance and friction. Modern car designs take even subtle aerodynamic changes into account to ensure better speed.
- Tire Grip: Tires should have sufficient grip on the road to prevent any accidents. However, increased grip results in more friction and, thus, less speed.
- Fuel: Yes, fuel also plays an important role in speed, as a high-density fuel will provide greater power to the engine.
List of cars faster than a Tesla
Here are nearly a dozen cars faster than a Tesla Model S Plaid.
1. SSC Tuatara
SSC Tuatara is a name that should be included in any list that mentions superfast cars. It was created by an American Supercar maker, SSC or Shelby SuperCars, as it was formally known. Tuatara might just be the fastest car on the list, with a twin-turbocharged 5.9-liter V8 engine. It can produce 1350 horsepower using just 91-octane gas.
The car first managed to claim the title of the world’s fastest production vehicle when it reached a record speed of 316 mph. However, it was later discredited, as apparently the record wasn’t official. Later on, it made a second run and achieved the official record of 282 mph.
2. Koenigsegg Agera RS
The Agera RS from Koenigsegg is somewhat of a hybrid as it takes inspiration from both the Agera R and Agera S (hence the name), but it works. Although the company didn’t produce a lot of these models—only 25 cars were manufactured—it has managed to cinch a spot on the list owing to its top speed of 277 mph. The car is powered by a 5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that can produce 1160 horsepower, even on regular fuel.
3. Rimac C_Two
The Rimac C_Two is another high-performance electric vehicle that can match the speeds of a Tesla. Equipped with a powerful 1,914 horsepower engine and advanced torque vectoring system, this vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.85 seconds, making it one of the swiftest automobiles. Furthermore, this sports car also has an advanced braking system and all-wheel drive that provides exceptional handling in different road conditions and weather conditions.
If you are eyeing an electric performance car that can match the speed of a Tesla, Rimac C_Two is worth your attention. With its impressive specs and stunning design, this vehicle will turn heads on the road.
4. Porsche Taycan Turbo
Another high-performance electric vehicle competing with a Tesla is a Porsche Taycan Turbo. Featuring a 4-door sports car design and a powerful dual-motor system, this vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, making it one of the speediest vehicles today.
In addition, Porsche Taycan Turbo also has an all-wheel-drive system that provides outstanding handling on diverse terrains and road circumstances, allowing you to take your driving experience to the next level. If you are looking for an exhilarating electric performance car that rivals Tesla in speed and design, then the Porsche Taycan Turbo is worth considering.
5. Aston Martin DBX
DBX has been one of the most highly anticipated SUV models in 2022. Aston Martin DBX is the first-ever SUV model by the brand, and it is expected to be one of its fastest vehicles. It is equipped with a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 542 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds, making it decently faster than a Tesla.
Additionally, this vehicle also has an all-wheel-drive system and a sophisticated suspension system that allows for great handling on different terrains and road conditions. If you are looking for a powerful performance vehicle that can rival the speed of a Tesla, then Aston Martin DBX is worth looking into.
6. Mercedes AMG GT R
Mercedes AMG GT R is known for its impressive performance and sleek design. Featuring a 4.0L V8 bi-turbo engine that produces 577 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds flat, making it one of the fastest cars on the road today.
Moreover, Mercedes AMG GT R also has a sophisticated suspension system and advanced aerodynamics that help improve its handling capabilities. This makes it a great choice for drivers who want a powerful performance vehicle with exceptional control. Whether you are looking for speed or agility, this car will deliver.
7. Bentley Bentayga Speed
This high-performance sports car features a 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 engine that provides 600 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest vehicles today. Additionally, it boasts an advanced all-wheel-drive system that provides superior handling on various terrains and road situations, letting you take your driving experience to the next level. It’s a high-performance electric SUV that outcompetes Tesla in speed and design, and it’s your ultimate go-to option.
8. Maserati Quattroporte GTS
Quattroporte GTS is a stunning performance vehicle made with love in Italy. The engine in this model produces 523 horsepower and 524 pound-feet of torque, putting it among the most powerful V8 engines available on the market. The highest speed recorded was 193 mph.
Maserati claims the Quattroporte GTS can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, but Car and Driver discovered that the 2015 version could do so in 4.2 seconds. To cover a quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds, this car needs 112 mph. It isn’t quick enough to compete with the Tesla Model S, overall.
9. 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
There are several reasons we’d choose a Durango SRT Hellcat over any other SUV. One of the most important is the vehicle’s incredible power and performance. This SUV is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V8, producing 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque.
It also offers a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive design that supplies superb handling on distinct terrains and road situations, making it one of the most capable SUVs today. Thus, if you are looking for a high-performance electric SUV that can rival Tesla in both speed and design, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is worth checking out.
10. Lucid Air
In 2021, this automobile startup made a big splash when it introduced its Lucid Air Dream Edition vehicle to the public. The launch edition was exclusively reserved and began at $169,000. Lucid is expected to introduce a cheaper variant within the next year, with the base Air Pure starting at $77,400. Lucid’s cheapest all-electric sedan has 480 horsepower and 406 miles of range.
It also comes with either a single-motor, rear-wheel drive, or dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. Deliveries on the Air Pure are anticipated to begin in the second half of the year for consumers who place orders in the first half of 2022. Lucid Air Dream is claimed to charge from empty to 80% in just 37 minutes on a DC rapid charger.
11. Porsche Macan Turbo
Porsche Macan Turbo is another electric vehicle that can compete with the speed of a Tesla. This high-performance SUV features a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine that provides 400 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
Furthermore, this model also has an evolved all-wheel-drive system that delivers exceptional handling on different landscapes and road circumstances, permitting you to upgrade your experience on every next driving venture.
12. Mercedes Benz EQS
The luxury automobile maker has introduced an all-electric sedan for the 2022 model year at $102,310 in the United States. It has an EPA-rated range of 350 miles. The rear-wheel-drive is standard on the base model, with a 245-kW motor and 329 horsepower, and 417 pound-feet of torque. The EQS can recover 70% of its range in around 31 minutes using a DC fast charger.
The GLC 350 comes standard with several safety features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. The dashboard is home to a 17.7-inch infotainment display. An optional 56-inch long display known as the “Hyperscreen” that includes the gauge cluster, infotainment system, and passenger-side screen is also available for purchase.