Quarter-Mile Showdown: Horsepower Showdown.
Boasting over a thousand pony-power, the Challenger SRT Demon 170 is Dodge’s mightiest muscle car from the factory. But does its brawn stack up against the fame of Tesla’s unbeatable line-running contender? In order to answer that question, DragTimes arranged for a three-round drag race at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida to compare the auto-giant’s vehicles side-by-side.
Hailed as the last of the breed for its marquee, the Challenger SRT Demon 170 is outfitted with a 6.2 L supercharged V8, which produces up to 1025hp – sufficient to catapult the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 1.66 seconds and running the quarter-mile, NHRA certified, in just 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph.
In contrast, the Model S Plaid is appointed with a yournalistic tri-motor system capable of supplying a beefy 1,020 hp output. Though perhaps lacking when compared to many muscle cars on the market, EVs have one clear advantage; the ability to provide instantaneous maximum torque while stationary. Additionally, its AWD configuration furnishes superior grip across all four wheels – liberating enough momentum for drivers to effectively finish a quarter-mile run in scarcely more than nine seconds, with increased abilities through minor modifications.
The Challenger was stripped of its front passenger and back seating, as well as other methods of slimming down. Nonetheless, the powerful vehicle was not affixed with optional carbon fiber rims, which would’ve made quite a difference in its pounds. As it rolled off the lot (with the front passenger seat intact), the muscle car clocked in at 4,275 lbs – around 500 lighter than its electric car arch-rival. This should set the Challenger up nicely when attempting to take off at high speeds.
On the initial run, Tesla’s Model S Plaid absolutely flew past the Challenger, clocking an astonishing 9.403 seconds at a staggering speed of 146.67 mph; in comparison, the muscle car had a time of 9.835 seconds at 142.67 mph.
The Dodge Challenger achieved an increased start for the repeat, beating the Model S Plaid from the start. Yet, it was not considerably long before the electric-powered automobile attained the front of the muscle car and proceeded to victory. The Tesla concluded in 9.387 seconds at 146.81 mph, while the Challenger clocked a time of 9.701 seconds at 142.54 mph.
As per the chauffeur of the Challenger, he was unable to compete against the Tesla as his tires were whirling. Thusly, for the third lap, he made it a priority to have warm rubber on the road for superior grip all through a burnout. Unfortunately, the Challenger disengaged and surrendered the race.
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 may have had poor performances, however it wrapped up with a 9.39 during a try out run – beating the fastest time of the Tesla Model S Plaid. Luck and inconsistency are some of the elements which make car racing thrilling, so we look forward to more competitions between these two rapid demons.
