Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD vs Porsche Panamera 971: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model Y Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 5.05 s versus 5.28 s for the Panamera. The instant torque of 533 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the Panamera is 2 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.

At 200 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD is doing 143 km/h against 136 km/h for the Panamera. The gap is 0.13 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model Y Long Range AWD crosses the line in 13.27 s versus 13.57 s. The 0.31 s gap represents roughly 14 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 197 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model Y Long Range AWD finishes in 23.97 s versus 24.66 s, with a 0.69 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (264 km/h), the Panamera never recovers its launch deficit.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model Y Long Range AWD is capped at 217 km/h, the Panamera at 264 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.

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 8.22 seconds. The 0.23 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.