The Tesla Model 3 has been in numerous drag races where it has obliterated many superior internal combustion-engined cars without any mercy. This time around, it takes on another legend in its own right – the Nissan GT-R. This Japanese supercar is heavily modded and churns out 1,200 horses in its current spec. But, was it enough to beat the Model 3 Performance in a quarter-mile drag race?

Is the Tesla Model 3 Performance Really Faster than a Nissan GT-R?

The Model 3 and the GT-R went up against each other twice. The difference was that in the first run, the GT-R was running in Street tune and in the second run, in the Race tune. Irrespective of that, the Model 3 sprinted off the line leaving the GT-R far behind. The latter could cover up only after hitting the 110 mph mark. The timings aren’t visible in the video, but the owner of the GT-R posted them in the comments section – “The model 3 ran 11.5 @115 consistently both runs. I ran 10.02 @ 147 the first run and then 10.4 @ 136 the second run.”

The GT-R owner said the car had issues shifting from fourth gear to the fifth in the second run. In fact, it had to get off the strip due to heat issues. However, this Model 3 Performance is said to have completed around 20 runs that night. Quite ironic because EVs are generally more prone to heat issues.

How Are They Spec’d?

This Nissan GT-R has received a mod job that put it to around 1,200 horsepower, but the 2020 model in stock form is powered by a 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V-6 that makes 565 horses. The Model 3 Performance, on the other hand, comes with a two-motor setup – one on each axle – to power all the wheels. It makes around 580 horses and 481 pound-feet of twist that help it gallop to 62 mph from a standstill in just 3.2 seconds and go all the way up to 145 mph.

Final Thoughts

The Model 3’s instant torque helped it fly off the line, but the 1,200-horsepower GT-R would win by quite a margin if the drag strip was longer than a quarter-mile. Not a fair comparison to pit an EV against an internal combustion-engined car, but it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Model 3 continues its dominance over some famed supercars. Drop your thoughts on this race in the comments section below.