Beating a Tesla Model 3 in a hot hatch, even an all-wheel drive one like the Volkswagen Golf R, requires a lot of skill, a bit of luck and perhaps some engine mods.
So, how did this Golf R Mk7 managed to stay on top until it crossed the finish line? With its driver performing a perfectly timed launch, in contrast to the Model 3’s who wasn’t that quick to react when the lights turned green.
We do not know whether it was subjected to other mods, although its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder can withstand a lot of upgrades. In stock form, the engine develops 306 horsepower (310 PS / 228 kW) and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) of torque. This rockets it to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.6 seconds, and up to a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h) with the optional Performance Pack.
The electric rival
The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, is a true supercar killer in (Dual Motor) Performance guise, with a neck-snapping 3.2 seconds required for the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint. This version boasts 450 HP and 472 lb-ft (640 Nm) and can be driven for almost 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge.
However, despite appearing at the start of the video, the Model 3 version that actually raced the Golf appears to be the Dual Motor Long Range (judging the stock wheel style and the lack of colored brake calipers and rear spoiler) that increases the autonomy to 322 miles (518 km), but delivers a worse 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. There’s also the base, rear-wheel drive only Standard Plus trim level that does 250 miles (346 km) in between charges and takes 5.3 seconds to hit 60 mph.
The action starts at the 2:15 mark, but if you watch the entire video, then you will also see another Model 3 that took on some worthy opponents.
Correction: We got duped by the video title that mentioned the Tesla Model 3 Performance taking on the Golf R when in fact, the Midnight Silver Performance model just made an appearance in the beginning of the clip, with the Pearl White Long Range Tesla Model 3 being the one that actually raced the Volkswagen. Thanks to everyone who pointed it out.