BMW M3 Squares Off Against The Tesla Model 3 Performance In A Drag Race

BY Michael Gauthier | Posted on

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said the Model 3 Dual Motor Performance is better than the BMW M3 and a new video is putting that claim to the test.

In a clip dubbed the “Battle of the 3s,” the Model 3 Performance is pitted against what is billed as an M3 with the Competition Package. The electric competitor has two motors which produce a combined output of 450 hp (335 kW / 456 PS) and 471 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and travel up to 310 miles (498 km) on a single charge.

The M3 Competition, on the other hand, has a 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine that develops 444 hp (331 hp / 450 hp). It allows the sedan to run from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds when equipped with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

If the car is actually the M3 CS, it features an even more powerful engine with 453 hp (337 kW / 459 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque.  The extra power drops the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time to 3.7 seconds.

Regardless of which M3 we’re actually looking at, both versions offer similar horsepower to the Model 3 Performance. However, the M3 is significantly lighter as the base model tips the scales at 3,575 lbs (1,621 kg) while the Model 3 Performance comes in at 4,072 lbs (1,847 kg).

Despite being at a weight disadvantage, the Model 3 Performance has a few aces up its sleeve including all-wheel drive and electric motors which deliver nearly instantaneous power. As such, the results of the drag race aren’t too surprising as the Model 3 ran the quarter mile in 11.823 seconds at 114.61 mph (184.44 km/h). The M3 wasn’t too far behind as it made the run in 12.021 seconds at 114.24 mph (183.85 km/h).

The cars also made a second run but, unsurprisingly, the results remained pretty much the same.

Thanks to Brooks for the tip!

 

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