The long-running argument between electric performance and American muscle has entered another decisive round. In a recent Tesla Model S Plaid versus Corvette ZR1 drag race organized by Hennessey Performance, these two are pitted against each other to reveal how differently their power translates to real-world speed.
The Model S Plaid relies on a tri-motor electric powertrain producing roughly 1,020 horsepower, delivering instant torque through an all-wheel-drive system. The Tesla’s advantage lies in traction and immediacy, but it carries a significant weight penalty at nearly 4,800 pounds.
The Corvette ZR1 counters with a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 making 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque, sent exclusively to the rear wheels. The Corvette, at around 3,600 pounds, is lighter, more powerful, and engineered for high-speed performance.
From a standing start, the Tesla proved unbeatable. Its all-wheel-drive layout and seamless power delivery allowed it to launch hard and clean, jumping out to an early lead the ZR1 couldn’t overcome. Despite its brute force, the Corvette struggled for traction and watched the Plaid cross the quarter-mile first.
The outcome flipped entirely in the rolling races. Starting at speed minimized traction issues, and although the Tesla initially surged ahead, the ZR1 quickly clawed back ground. Once speeds climbed past 100 mph, the Corvette’s superior top-end power and aerodynamic efficiency took over, pulling decisively away and winning both rolling runs.
