Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Plaid wins (2,10 s vs 3,05 s).
Performance comparison
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
Simulation
Calibration
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
| Model S Plaid | Model X Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 2,10 s−0,95 s | 3,05 s |
| 400 m standing start | 9,41 s−1,51 s | 10,92 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 17,16 s−2,76 s | 19,92 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 322 km/h+60 km/h | 262 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2,12 kg/hpbetter ratio | 3,16 kg/hp |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | Model S Plaid | Model X Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,62 s | 0,89 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,04 s | 1,48 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 1,66 s | 2,37 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 2,10 s | 3,05 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 2,65 s | 3,91 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 4,28 s | 6,45 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 6,53 s | 10,08 s |
| 400 m standing start | 9,41 s | 10,92 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 17,16 s | 19,92 s |
| Top speed | 322 km/h | 262 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 1020 hp | Triple Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 1424 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 162 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 778 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 1139 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 459 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
Off the line, the Model S Plaid hits 100 km/h in 2.10 s versus 3.05 s for the Model X Performance. At this point, the Model S Plaid leads by 0.95 s and sits roughly 9 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model S Plaid is doing 193 km/h against 168 km/h for the Model X Performance. The gap is 1.01 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model S Plaid crosses the line in 9.41 s versus 10.92 s. The 1.51 s gap represents roughly 84 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model S Plaid continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 270 km/h versus 233 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S Plaid finishes in 17.16 s versus 19.92 s, with a 2.76 s lead.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S Plaid is capped at 322 (i.e. 200 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model X Performance at 262 km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.
With two electric powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (2.12 kg/hp vs 3.16 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 4.43 seconds. The 0.95 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Swap one of the two models to explore an equivalent duel in the same segment.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Plaid wins (2,10 s vs 3,05 s).
Model S Plaid goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,10 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model S Plaid: 1020 hp, ratio 2,12 kg/hp. Model X Performance: 778 hp, ratio 3,16 kg/hp.
Model S Plaid: 322 km/h. Model X Performance: 262 km/h.