Ford Focus RS Drag Races Tesla Model S
By Kelly G.
Watch as the Ford Focus RS gives the Tesla Model S a little run for its money.
With all the epic fail videos out there right now of Tesla owners beating up big power muscle cars off the line, a new video has emerged from across the pond that is worth an Art of Gears mention. The video shows the new kid on the block, the Ford Focus RS, drag racing a Tesla Model S, and in my opinion shows that the hot hatch is ready for a fight. Now we need to mention that the Tesla Model it was racing against was the 70D version, (which only produces about 70kWh compared to its bigger brother) but still produces 329HP and has the torque advantage (406 lb-ft) that is found in the rest of the Tesla lineup, resulting in some freakishly fast off-the-line-speed. The Focus RS on the other hand, has the same 2.3 L turbocharged engine that the EcoBoost Mustang runs, so I think it was a pretty fair fight. Both cars are of course all-wheel drive and the RS is only offered with a six speed manual transmission.
Before we check out the video, let’s take a look at the two cars for a little side-by-side comparison:
2016 Tesla Model S 70D
Vehicle type:
Luxury Vehicle
Front-and-rear-motor, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
MSRP: From $76,200
Range: 230 mi battery-only
Curb weight: 4,608 lbs
Horsepower: 329 hp
Torque: 406 lb-ft
Engine: Electric
MPGe: 101 city /102 highway
Battery: 70 kWh lithium-ion
Transmission: 1-speed direct drive
2016 Ford Focus RS
Vehicle type:
Compact car
Front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
MSRP: From $36,605
MPG: 19 city / 25 highway
Curb weight: 3459 lbs
Horsepower: 350 hp
Torque: 350 lb-ft
Engine: 2.3 L 4-cylinder (turbocharged)
MPG: 19 city /25 highway
Transmission: 6-speed manual
More cars: What Don't We Know About The Tesla Model X?
At the end of the day, the video does not really prove much other than a little bragging rights, but I like the fact that we get to see two very popular cars doing battle on the street. It’s also nice to see that even with the Tesla’s reputation as being a drag strip bully, the “little” RS is not afraid to bring the fight to the playground. What do you think about the matchup? Do you think is it a fair fight? Tweet us @ArtofGears and let us know.