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Tesla P85D Races a BMW i8 from a Standing and Rolling Start

Just last week we showed you what happens when a BMW i8 races a Tesla P85D. When going for the 62 mph (100 km/h) benchmark speed, the Tesla wins it but double that speed and the i8 will surprise you.
BMW i8 drag racing Tesla Model S 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
This time we’re taking yet another look at what happens when these two cars compete against each other and we’re going about it from two different points of view.

It’s indisputable that there’s a noticeable difference in between racing from a standstill and from a rolling start. Depending on the cars involved in the actual race, the results can vary to quite a high degree.

When dealing with an electric car like the Model S there’s an advantage at play if you’re drag racing from a standstill. That’s because electric motors don’t need to rev up to get to their maximum output both in torque and horsepower.

Couple that with all-wheel drive as found on the P85D and you’ll see all sorts of crazy things happening, even though the Tesla weighs 4,936 lbs (2,239 kg). On the other hand, the i8 is also a special car to take a closer look at.

That’s because it also has an electric motor. However, that’s only to complement the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged internal combustion plant under the bonnet. It’s a motor that makes 131 HP and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, nowhere close to what the Tesla puts down.

The i8 is also all-wheel drive when in Sport mode but if you’re to add up the power outputs you’ll notice the vast differences. The BMW can rely on a maximum output of 362 HP and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. On the other hand, the P85D Tesla has 691 HP and 931 Nm (687 lb-ft) of torque at its disposal. That’s nearly twice as much.

The weight factor works in favor of the i8 as it tips the scale at 3,439 lbs (1,560 kg) and so does the aerodynamic body shape. As a matter of fact, you can easily see this when the two are racing from a rolling start.

Sure, the Tesla pulls away a little at first but as speeds grow, the BMW is able to keep up and even make up some ground. Exciting races, nonetheless.

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