Since the launch of the Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3 has a somewhat brighter contender in the electric car space. But with only 233 miles of EPA estimated range, it has failed to give a major blow to the champ of the ring.
However, AutoTrader UK gave Polestar 2 a chance to prove itself against the Model 3 Performance on the dragstrip. Despite the difference of 0-60 mph between the two (see table below for specs comparison) — the Polestar 2 has a plausible launch. In two out of two attempts, the instant acceleration of the Polestar 2 was slightly better than the Tesla Model 3.
The $5,000 Polestar 2 performance package does not help the car improve any of its performance figures. It mostly adds cosmetic stuff like gold-colored seatbelts, better wheels, gold color valve caps — but Brembo brakes and optimized braking system are the only options things geared toward performance.
On the other hand, Tesla Model 3 Performance is significantly better from its non-Performance version when it comes to numbers and the Track Mode.
Let’s look at a brief comparison of the performance specs of both these electric cars in the table below:
| Tesla Model 3 Performance | Polestar 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $54,990 | $59,900 + $5000 Performance Package |
| Range | 315 miles (506 km) | 233 miles (375 km) |
| Drivetrain | All Wheel Drive (AWD) | Dual-Motor AWD |
| Power | 365 kW (490 hp) | 300 kW (408 hp) |
| Torque | 486 lb-ft | 487 lb-ft |
| Curb Weight | 1,847 kg (4,702 lbs) | No info |
| Acceleration (060 mph) | 3.1 secs | 4.7 secs |
| Top Speed | 162 mph (261 km/h) | 130 mph (210 km/h) |
| CO 2 Emissions | Zero (Tesla Sustainability Report 2019) | Zero |
| Full Self-Driving (optional) | Yes | What? |
| Over-the-air software updates | Yes | What? |
| Track Mode | Yes | Come on, that’s too much. |
Tesla Model 3 Performance won both the forward drag races, only lost the reverse drag race. The above race video clip is actually from AutoTrader’s Model 3 vs. Polestar 2 review video (below) which proved that Tesla Model 3 is better in almost every way be it design, range, OTA updates, acceleration, etc.
In a short period of its lifespan, all of the Polestar 2 EVs are recalled by the automaker for a software glitch that will be fixed at the company’s dealerships/service centers. The severity of the glitch is so much that it can shut down the car unexpectedly.
In a 21st century car, this should’ve been fixed via over-the-air software updates, just like Tesla, however.
Earlier this month, my co-author Ian Pavelko got a chance for an exclusive look at the Polestar 2 at his office with the help of a friend. He also gave a fantastic first-look review of the car in comparison to his Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Video: Tesla Model 3 vs. Polestar – Electric Car Showdown
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More Tesla Drag Racing:
- Tesla Semi and the Cybertruck engage in a friendly drag race outside Giga Texas (video)
- Tesla Model X Plaid goes drag racing against the fastest ICE SUVs — Urus Performante, Cayenne Turbo GT, BMW X5M, AMG GLE 63 S
- Unplugged Tesla Model S Plaid faces Ferrari Enzo in a drag racing challenge
- Tesla Model S Plaid faces its fiercest drag racing opponent, the Lucid Air Sapphire
- An odd but interesting drag race: Tesla Model 3 Performance vs. Rivian R1T electric pickup truck
- Tesla Model S Plaid goes drag racing against a 26 times more expensive Bugatti Chiron
