Audi SQ2 vs Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the SQ2 hits 100 km/h in 4.94 s versus 5.37 s for the Model Y Long Range RWD. Despite lacking instant torque, 300 hp of power compensates. At this point, the SQ2 leads by 0.43 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the SQ2 is doing 133 km/h against 131 km/h for the Model Y Long Range RWD. The gap is 0.20 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the SQ2 crosses the line in 13.47 s versus 13.90 s. The 0.43 s gap represents roughly 19 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the SQ2 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 172 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the SQ2 finishes in 24.55 s versus 26.20 s, with a 1.65 s lead.

The SQ2 features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Model Y Long Range RWD’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Electronically capped at 217 km/h, the Model Y Long Range RWD never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 8.80 seconds. The 0.43 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.