Speed Kings Tested: Nissan GT-R Vs. Tesla P100D
Two heavyweights take on different speed challenges, and the results are surprisingly close.
Nissan’s GT-R is loved by many, and for 2017, it’s tenth year of production, it is more powerful than ever. Tesla also has their newest, most powerful model of the S, in the form of the P100D. So How do they compare in a series of speed tests? Standing quarter-mile, a roll race from 30, 0-60, and even a challenge to pull a tablecloth are all included in the video above.
Speed is applied in radically different ways by the two cars, and not just because one is electric and one is internal combustion. With the V6 in the Nissan being turbocharged, it takes a moment to fill up its lungs and then rocket off. During a launch control situation, however, this isn’t so evident. Proof of that comes from the GT-R setting a quarter-mile time about a half second quicker than the Tesla. During a roll-race though, the P100D’s instant torque response leaves the GT-R in the weeds.
CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About These Challenges
So the GT-R is faster from a standstill, and the Tesla is faster while on the move. This is a bit surprising, given the Tesla’s instant torque, but not so surprising when you remember its prodigious girth. The P100D has nearly 1,000 extra pounds of heft to carry around, as compared to the GT-R. If anything, it’s actually amazing that it is fast at all.
CarWow may have given the victory to the Tesla, but we think the victory should go to the less expensive and more track-capable GT-R. What do you think?
