If you haven’t already heard of Tesla’s “Ludicrous Mode” of acceleration, do a quick YouTube search and you’ll see hundreds of videos of Tesla Model S P90D owners basically blasting off into the stratosphere. While using the Ludicrous Mode launch control system, the Model S P90D is capable of 0-60 mph in under three seconds, acceleration typically reserved for hypercars. By contrast, the BMW M4 is capable of o-60 mph in around 3.9 seconds, with the DCT gearbox and launch control.
So, in a drag race, you’d expect the BMW M4 to get its lunch money stolen and stuffed in a locker. But what about in a rolling start drag race? A rolling drag race actually poses quite a different dynamic than the standard drag race, as launch control is negated. So will the Tesla P90D have the same ferocious acceleration while it’s already moving, or does it need the clever software of the launch control to beat the M4?
Well, Nick Murray and a friend of his have decided to find out and the answer is no.
However, whereas the BMW M4 would get destroyed in a standard drag race against the P90D, it actually holds up in a rolling drag race, thanks to its turbocharged engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. While the Tesla actually ends up being faster, being that it has 762 hp compared to the M4’s 425, the race is actually much closer than we previously expected. The BMW M4 really hangs on and is neck-and-neck through some parts of the race. This is likely because of the lighter weight of the M4 makes a big difference, as the Model S is actually quite a porker.
The BMW M4 still ends up losing, but it is interesting to see just how close the two were throughout the entire race, despite the M4 being significantly down on power.
