My, how the times have changed.
A video of the Tesla Model S P85D racing a Ferrari 550 has been posted by YouTube user Rego Apps.
The battle of old vs. new is a great metaphor the automotive industry’s developments over the last 20 years, as the 18-year old Ferrari never really stood a chance. Still, watching the Tesla effortlessly (and quietly) pull away from a once range-topping 550 is a sight to behold.
The Italian grand tourer was introduced in 1996 and equipped a front-mounted, 5.5-liter V12 with 458 horsepower. The Tesla’s on-board tech is vastly more advanced, as it features an all-electric, dual motor powertrain with 691 hp.
You can see the driver enjoying the experience from inside the cabin in this video by Charles May. “That is amazing,” he says of the Tesla’s performance. “[There’s] literally no hesitation, no wheel spin, no tire slip. It’s like a rocket ship. A rocket ship roller coaster.”
In rolling races like these, torque delivery and traction are vastly important, both things that the all-wheel drive Model S specializes in. With the instant power of an electric motor, all of the P85D’s massive torque is available nearly instantly.
Some might argue the Ferrari has more style and pedigree, but the Tesla’s ‘it factor’ and classy aesthetics are nothing to shake a stick at.
The P85D was designed with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s favorite supercar in mind, the McLaren F1.
Musk’s goal for the range-topping Tesla was to match the F1’s acceleration specs, which is does exactly with a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.2 seconds.
Discontinued in 1998, the F1 enjoyed a reign as the world’s fastest production car. Its 6.1-liter, 627-hp V12 pushed the British supercar to 243 mph with the rev limiter removed.
Out of the F1, Tesla, or Ferrari, which one would you rather have?
