by Power vs. Technology: Corvette ZR1 vs Tesla Model S Plaid
The new Corvette ZR1 with its 1,064-horsepower V8 engine and record-breaking turbines has caused a stir among motorsport fans. But will it be able to outrun one of the fastest electric cars—the Tesla Model S Plaid? Recent tests have provided an ambiguous answer.
Both models have over 1,000 horsepower, but their approach to implementing this power is different. The Tesla, thanks to its two electric motors and all-wheel drive, although heavier than the Corvette, demonstrates better results on the drag strip. The manufacturer claims that the Model S Plaid covers a quarter mile in 9.23 seconds, while the ZR1 does it in 9.6.
Race Results
In the first run, the Corvette started faster, but the Tesla quickly caught up and won with a result of 9.243 seconds versus 9.8 for the ZR1. Subsequent attempts only confirmed the electric car’s advantage: in the second run, it showed the same time, while the Corvette slowed down to 10.3 seconds. The third run solidified the result—9.2 versus 10.2 seconds.
These races once again proved that electric cars provide more consistent results compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. At the same time, Chevrolet is already preparing a response—a hybrid version, the ZR1X with all-wheel drive, which, according to the manufacturer, should cover a quarter mile in less than 9 seconds.
Interestingly, despite Tesla’s technical advantage, many viewers in the comments expressed support for the Corvette, emphasizing the emotional aspect of driving a car with an internal combustion engine. Perhaps this very factor will become decisive in future competitions between traditional and electric supercars.
