Tesla Cybertruck vs. Porsche 911: Drag Race Rematch Sparks Controversy

After several launch delays, delivery of the Tesla Cybertruck began in November 2023. When it was first unveiled, it attracted attention in many ways, including a body that could block bullets and strong traction. In particular, the video of the winner winning a drag race against the exact vehicle while towing a Porsche 911 was shocking.

However, the surprise was short-lived, and soon, the company faced intense criticism and controversy over manipulation. The suspicion that specific test conditions were hidden was revealed to be true. Following this, a media outlet recently conducted its test with the same vehicle model, and the Cybertruck was defeated, further increasing controversy.

Tesla’s conditions were taken into consideration
911 is the slowest model

Motor Trend, an American automobile media outlet, reported on May 16 the results of the drag race rematch between the Tesla Cybertruck and the Porsche 911. The media experimented with a car with the exact specifications at the Sacramento Raceway Park drag strip, where Tesla filmed the drag race video.

In the case of the Cybertruck, the highest specification Cyberbeast was used. The tri-motor produces a combined total output of 845 horsepower and a maximum torque of 118.4kgf.m. It can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.6 seconds. On the other hand, the Porsche 911 was prepared as the Carrera T with the slowest manual transmission in the lineup. It generates a maximum output of 385 horsepower and a maximum torque of 45.9kgf.m. Based on this, it can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 291 km/h (181 mph).

The 1/4 mile battle results
All six wins went to 911

Motor Trend placed a Porsche 911 on the same trailer that Tesla used in the video. Unlike Tesla’s test, the Porsche 911 being towed was 16 kg (35 lbs) lighter, making the situation more advantageous to the Cybertruck. So, what are the test results like?

First, it started with the 1/4-mile (approximately 400 m) section, which is the most common in drag races. All six races ended in victory for the Porsche 911. While the 911 recorded 12.2 to 12.5 seconds, the Cybertruck stayed at 12.7 to 12.9 seconds. This is a significant gap of at least 0.2 seconds and a maximum of 0.7 seconds. It was when Tesla’s official explanation that it was “faster than a Porsche 911” was broken.

911 dominates in a 1/8 mile race
Cybertruck wins twice

Even in the 1/8 mile (approximately 200 m) section conducted by Tesla, the 911 achieved an overwhelming victory. Six races were held in this section, and the 911 won four times over the Cybertruck, setting records of 7.9 to 8.2 seconds. The Cybertruck beat the 911 by about 0.1 seconds in the remaining two races.

This revealed that Tesla’s advertising video was exaggerated. However, if the 911 on a trailer had been confronted alone without towing it, it would have been difficult for the 911 to defeat the Cybertruck. Even with a tow load weighing 1,918 kg (4,228 lbs), the ability to compete in such a close competition is said to be an outstanding performance.