Hoonicorn picks a fight with a Tesla Model S Plaid to make a case for internal-combustion enginesHoonigan’s YouTube channel returns with another “Hoonicorn versus the world” episode and this time it’s all on the line because the mighty Hoonicorn goes up against a Tesla Model S Plaid – the bane of many high-performance, combustion-powered vehicles. So far the Lia Block – Ken Block’s, 14-year old daughter - has been crushing it, losing only to a 2,000 horsepower Nissan GT-R. Will Tesla take another scalp or will the Hoonicorn finally put it in its place?

Ken Block’s Hoonicorn

We know you are probably familiar with the Hoonicorn, but we have to do this. Ken Block’s signature ride is based on a 1965 Ford Mustang notchback. It’s powered by a 410 cubic-inch (6.7-liter) Roush-tuned V-8 with twin-turbos. The powertrain is good for 1,400 horsepower and 1,250 pound-feet (1,695 Nm) which hare sent to all four wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox from Sadev. The Hoonicorn also weighs a featherweight 2,998 pounds (1,360 kg).

Tesla Model S Plaid

Tesla has hurt the egos of many supercars. It’s powered by three electric motors – two for each rear wheel and one for the front axle – for a combined output of 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet (1,423 Nm). The Tesla also weighs more, at 4,766 pounds (2,162 kg). Despite having a worse power-to-weight ratio, however, Tesla is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 1.9 seconds.

The Races

It’s best out of three and the first race is heads up, at 1,000 feet. From a dig, the instant torque of the EV helps it rocket ahead. However, almost immediately, the Hoonicorn catches up and by the finish line, it’s a couple of car lengths ahead.

Round two might prove a challenge for Lia and the Hoonicorn, because the Tesla gets a car length. The distance is also shortened, from 1,000 to only 500 feet. Tesla actually has a better reaction time and although the Hoonicorn was closing in, 500 feet is just too short of a distance. Tesla wins by a one and a half car length.

Round three is the decisive one. It’s a head-to-head race, at 500 feet. This time, both cars left at the same time. Like in the first race, the Tesla Model S pulled ahead in the first couple of feet. Lia and the Hoonicorn quickly closed in and, by the 500-feet mark, beat the Tesla by a quarter of a car. A win for the tried and tested internal combustion engine and a crushing defeat for “the future”. Well, not that crushing, Tesla still performed exceptionally well, despite being less powerful and much heavier. Meanwhile, the driver enjoyed the full comfort of the Model S Plaid interior.