Base Model 3 and M2 Drag Race Is a Reminder of How Great the Little BMW Is

With a single motor driving only the rear wheels, this entry-level Tesla is no match for the dual-motor performance versions, but how does it stack up compared to a gas-powered sports car? Well, the 283 hp and 330 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque coming out of that single motor can push the sedan to 60 mph (97 kph) in a very respectable time of 5.6 seconds, but is that enough to trump a BMW M2?

Before ever pitting the two on the road we have the official figures to ruminate over, and according to those the answer is 'no'. The manual version of the tiniest of the M family - like the one you'll see in the clip - will reach 62 mph (100 kph) in just 4.2 seconds, leaving the Tesla no chance.

And that's from a standstill. A rolling start should make things even trickier for the electric sedan since it negates (well, diminishes) its most important advantage - the instant torque and clever traction control system that prevents wheelspin. Come to think of it, maybe that doesn't apply so much against an M2 which is also prone to losing grip under hard acceleration.

So, what the hell happens in this video then? Where is that second and a half the BMW M2 has over the Model 3's 0-60 mph acceleration? No idea, but if I were to guess, I'd put it down to the driver and that three honk start that's so silly and random it just needs to stop.

Watching the clip, though, despite coming up as the winner, the Model 3 kind of took the back seat for me and allowed the M2 at the wheel. The little BMW is simply one of the last driver's cars out there, with its short-throw shifter, rear-wheel-drive architecture, great straight-six engine with a raspy, metallic sound, and that ridiculously thick steering wheel that you just never wish to let go. The Model 3 is great, but so is selecting the gear for yourself every once in a while with the help of a clutch pedal, a stick, and some knowledge. Make that 'skill'.

(7:40 is where the racing takes place)