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  • Ferrari SF90 vs. Tesla Model S Plaid drag race battle

      • Ferrari SF90 vs. Tesla Model S Plaid drag race battle

        Published on 10-27-2021 06:26 PM
        4 Comments Comments
        Two heavy hitters in the automotive world here although at vastly different price points. The drivetrains also are vastly different although the Ferrari SF90 does incorporate electric power to assist its twin turbocharged F154 3.9 liter V8.


        Tesla's offering of course is all electrica and acceleration is its claim to fame. Certainly being capable of running with something of the caliber of a Ferrari SF90 is a testament to its capability

        You saw the SF90 go at it with a McLaren 765LT and the SF90 while definitely fast is not exactly fast for what it is. You expect more from a Ferrari at this price point considering how the 765LT managed to show its taillights to the SF90 without any electric motors, batteries, and for far less money.

        What the SF90 does have going for it is less weight. The weight claim is 3600 pounds which undercuts the Tesla by 1233 pounds. Yes, that is significant.

        So how does the first race go? The Plaid jumps running a stellar 9.346 @ 150.15 while the Ferrari lets off.

        The second run (of 5) again features a red light by the Plaid driver who seems a bit jumpy. Regardless, the Tesla is both quicker and faster:


        In all honesty a difference of ~5 mph at the strip is not close. The Tesla Model S Plaid offers a significant advantage in a drag race.

        Now the third race is the best as the Ferrari gets the holeshot but wow the Model S Plaid comes back hard on the top end. It's amazing the SF90 does not have the top end advantage here considering its drivetrain.

        Notice the Plaid trap faded a bit but still was enough to catch and pass the SF90:


        You likely get the idea by now. The Plaid is simply the faster car in a drag race and the SF90 is somewhat underwhelming for what it is.


        This article was originally published in forum thread: Ferrari SF90 vs. Tesla Model S Plaid drag race battle started by Sticky View original post
        Comments 4 Comments
        1. Stevenh's Avatar
          Stevenh - 10-27-2021, 06:49 PM
          I know Brook's has weighed his cars in the past so I'd imagine he got the warning from Ferrari about how things would go if he put his on the scales. Either way, this is just the beginning of hybrid performance so it should be fun to see how this moves forward. We're already at what would have been considered 'race car' performance when I was first getting into cars which is pretty ridiculous.
        1. richpike's Avatar
          richpike - 10-27-2021, 07:55 PM
          I don’t think the Ferrari driver let off in the first run - the transmission hung multiple times. Not a good look. Seemed to be squared away in the rest of the races though. The big benefit for the Tesla is just the flat power curve all the way to 200mph - which is why it probably pulled up top.

          With that said - love the Plaid, but the sound of the Ferrari is pure sex.

          -Rich
        1. Sticky's Avatar
          Sticky - 10-27-2021, 08:30 PM
          I don't know. The SF90 just doesn't do it for me.

          The 918 Spyder despite being older was more impressive for its time (and it sounds better).

          I feel like the SF90 is a good try but honestly the lighter and cheaper Artura is a better integration of hybrid technology for a performance car.
        1. Sticky's Avatar
          Sticky - 10-27-2021, 08:31 PM
          Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Stevenh Click here to enlarge
          I know Brook's has weighed his cars in the past so I'd imagine he got the warning from Ferrari about how things would go if he put his on the scales
          I'd love the opportunity to tell very to shove it. Oh no I can't buy your overpriced cars any longer? What a tragedy.