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Drag Racing Model 3 Model 3 Performance Reviews

Watch an epic Tesla Model 3 vs. Polestar 2 drag race battle

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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 PerformancePolestar 2
Price (MSRP)$54,990$59,900 + $5000 Performance Package
Range 315 miles (506 km)233 miles (375 km)
DrivetrainAll Wheel Drive (AWD)Dual-Motor AWD
Power365 kW (490 hp)300 kW (408 hp)
Torque486 lb-ft487 lb-ft
Curb Weight1,847 kg (4,702 lbs)No info
Acceleration (060 mph)3.1 secs4.7 secs
Top Speed162 mph (261 km/h)130 mph (210 km/h)
CO 2 EmissionsZero (Tesla Sustainability Report 2019)Zero
Full Self-Driving (optional)YesWhat?
Over-the-air software updatesYesWhat?
Track ModeYesCome on, that’s too much.
Table: Tesla Model 3 Performance vs. Polestar 2 performance specs comparison. Data Sources: Tesla Inc. / Polestar USA.
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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.

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Video: Tesla Model 3 vs. Polestar – Electric Car Showdown

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By Iqtidar Ali

Iqtidar has been writing about Tesla, Elon Musk, and EVs for more than 3 years on XAutoWorld.com, many of his articles have been republished on CleanTechnica and InsideEVs, maintains a healthy relationship with the Tesla community across the Social Media sphere. You can reach him on Twitter @IqtidarAlii