Tesla P100D how does it fair against other performance cars?

[The Seer]

I'm toying with the idea of buying a 2018-2019 Model S P100D with the Ludicrous option. The research I have done so far in respect to how it compares to other sports and super cars usually sees it drag racing its competition.

My question is how does fair on public roads and circuit against its competitors? Obviously a very heavy vehicle at 2200 kgs, I'm wondering if the Tesla's handling leaves a lot to be desired, and obliterated by the competition?

All info welcome, thanks

[phil4]

Probably best to think of it as though it's a big Jag XJ. It's big, it's likely got air suspension, and it'll waft you up and down the motorway nicely.

Sure, it's good at drag racing, but you wouldn't want to hustle it down a B road or take it to a track.

If you want something a bit more B road/track capable and wanted a Tesla/EV a Model 3 Performance or Hyundai 5N would be a better bet. They're not quite as fast 0-60, a few tenths less, but are far more focussed on the twisties, and better able to do track days.

[anonymous-user]

Imagine a 1997 Toyota Carina E but with loads and loads of torque.

[ChocolateFrog]

If you're comparing it's handling characteristics to supercars you're going to be sorely disappointed.

It actually handles pretty well. But that's pretty well for a >2t barge not pretty well for a McLaren.

[Terminator X]

The Seer said:

I'm toying with the idea of buying a 2018-2019 Model S P100D with the Ludicrous option. The research I have done so far in respect to how it compares to other sports and super cars usually sees it drag racing its competition.

My question is how does fair on public roads and circuit against its competitors? Obviously a very heavy vehicle at 2200 kgs, I'm wondering if the Tesla's handling leaves a lot to be desired, and obliterated by the competition?

All info welcome, thanks

Much to my annoyance I kept getting out dragged by one at Rockingham when I was in a B9 RS4

TX.

[Ham_and_Jam]

Exasperated said:

Imagine a 1997 Toyota Carina E but with loads and loads of torque.

Great comparison

[gmaz]

Have a look at the Model 3 Performance. It is about 1800kg and better sized for UK roads, parking spaces, width restrictions etc. 0-60 in 3.1 so still quite nippy.

[jaydeeuk1]

Agree with gmaz, try out a M3 performance, ideally 2021 plate onwards as heat pump and not built in the US

Tesla used to be near the bottom of the reliability surveys as the X and S were poorly built as Tesla learned how to build cars (and the early US built model 3 cars)

The M3 and MY have since pushed Tesla to one of the most reliable manufacturers - the MY according to most recent owner surveys is the most reliable EV money can buy, and the m3 isnt far behind.

I think 2022 onwards got the ryzen media unit which will have longer support, better UI etc

[The Seer]

phil4 said:

Probably best to think of it as though it's a big Jag XJ. It's big, it's likely got air suspension, and it'll waft you up and down the motorway nicely.

Sure, it's good at drag racing, but you wouldn't want to hustle it down a B road or take it to a track.

If you want something a bit more B road/track capable and wanted a Tesla/EV a Model 3 Performance or Hyundai 5N would be a better bet. They're not quite as fast 0-60, a few tenths less, but are far more focussed on the twisties, and better able to do track days.

It’s the crazy 0-60 that’s drawing me to the P100D. Although I like the idea of the Model 3, I don’t believe it quite has that insane acceleration.

Chris Harris seemed to think the P100D wasn’t too bad for its class on B roads https://youtu.be/mHhZ9jk-DrU?si=7LKrWqf7HjS4GGUJ

[The Seer]

gmaz said:

Have a look at the Model 3 Performance. It is about 1800kg and better sized for UK roads, parking spaces, width restrictions etc. 0-60 in 3.1 so still quite nippy.

I’d be buying a P100D as a toy, the practicalities don’t really concern me. I like the idea of the Model 3 but it doesn’t quite hit the mark compared to the P100D s acceleration

Edited by The Seer on Friday 14th February 13:01

[The Seer]

Exasperated said:

Imagine a 1997 Toyota Carina E but with loads and loads of torque.

Can’t say I’ve ever driven a late 90s Carina though I dare say it’s probably a thousand kilos lighter than the Model S or thereabouts

[The Seer]

jaydeeuk1 said:

Agree with gmaz, try out a M3 performance, ideally 2021 plate onwards as heat pump and not built in the US

Tesla used to be near the bottom of the reliability surveys as the X and S were poorly built as Tesla learned how to build cars (and the early US built model 3 cars)

The M3 and MY have since pushed Tesla to one of the most reliable manufacturers - the MY according to most recent owner surveys is the most reliable EV money can buy, and the m3 isnt far behind.

I think 2022 onwards got the ryzen media unit which will have longer support, better UI etc

Reliability is significantly better for Model S from 2016, can’t speak on the other models. One thing that remained an issue was LDU, certainly affects the performance Model S’

[anonymous-user]

The Seer said:

I’d be buying a P100D as a toy, the practicalities don’t really concern me. I like the idea of the Model 3 but it doesn’t quite hit the mark compared to the P100D s acceleration

Edited by The Seer on Friday 14th February 13:01

Joking about Carinas aside, so long as you're buying it on the understanding that it's a one-trick pony—albeit it performs that trick better than anything else—that's fine. Just don't expect it to be particularly thrilling once you're accustomed to its trick.

[thisnameistaken]

Have you tried a test drive in one?

As you say the draw is mainly the 0-60 time but IMHO that gets quite boring quite quickly and in reality you have very limited opportunity to use it outside of just testing it out for the first few times. Once that's gone the Tesla doesn't really offer that much more. If it truly is a toy and about 0-60 then how about a bike or a kit car? Still 0-60 faster than most other things on the road but also an interesting steer when the 0-60 wears off and won't depreciate as much.

Edited to add, many kit cars and bikes will do similar 0-60 but will require a bit of skill to get it rather than pressing a button on the touchscreen which also adds interest.

[The Seer]

Exasperated said:

The Seer said:

I’d be buying a P100D as a toy, the practicalities don’t really concern me. I like the idea of the Model 3 but it doesn’t quite hit the mark compared to the P100D s acceleration

Edited by The Seer on Friday 14th February 13:01

Joking about Carinas aside, so long as you're buying it on the understanding that it's a one-trick pony—albeit it performs that trick better than anything else—that's fine. Just don't expect it to be particularly thrilling once you're accustomed to its trick.

Have you owned a P100D ? Can you compare it to other cars you’ve had? You see from what I’m reading it’s not winning any accolades in the handling department but neither are the critics scathing about its abilities in the corners

[The Seer]

said:

I used to have Westfield SEiW some years ago, it was fun and despite 170 bhp from its tuned Dunnel Zetec it wasn’t outrageously fast. I did consider a road going version of Radical s SR3 but it really was too unconventional for road use. I admire the guys on two wheels but I don’t admire the consequences they endure from high speed accidents…super bikes ain’t for me.

[NDNDNDND]

From what I've heard they keep veering to the right.

[AB]

Taycan is a better option if you want a little bit more ability

[Evanivitch]

Is it worth mentioning that Ludicrous Mode does put significant additional wear on the drivetrain (can't remember the impact to ownership) and I think the nor.al time is 4.1 seconds. So the M3P time is significantly faster day to day.

0-100-0 on P100D is mental though, probably why actual cornering is less of.a concern when you have such big anchors.

[The Seer]

AB said:

Taycan is a better option if you want a little bit more ability

I don’t think I can get a Taycan with a P100D s performance for 30k ?