The Tesla Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan are two of the most exquisite examples of sheer performance and ecological sustenance. Both these machines boast incredible technological ingenuity and impeccable engineering cues that make them capable of devouring racetracks globally with style and charisma. Tesla’s awe-inspiring creation leaps ahead of the Taycan in the performance department, with the Model S Plaid taking the coveted baton of the fastest production EV in the world.
The Tesla Model S Palladium, simply known as Plaid, is the performance version of Tesla’s popular five-door liftback, the Model S. The revamped machine boasts a new interior, powertrain, and even an updated suspension set-up to reinforce its agile and quick-paced personality. All these updates add up to create a 1020 hp electric monster that sings the song of speed in perfect harmony, with its exquisite performance dynamics boasting an element of unmatched innovation as expected from a Tesla.
The Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid lead the charge as two of the brightest examples of performance automobiles. Both these monsters are stupendously quick, but it's the Tesla Model S Plaid that reigns supreme in a racetrack environment.
Tesla Model S Plaid Vs Porsche Taycan: Exterior Design
The Plaid sports a similar exterior design to the regular Model S, with a few subtle changes that add up to make a significant difference to its racy persona. The aerodynamic track monster has wider tires and wider wheel arches, with the overall structure of the big four-door performance hatchback boasting wider proportions altogether.
The chrome accents on the exterior are updated with a swankier blacked-out detailing, except for the logos housed on the front and back of the car. The front of the monstrous EV now sports a functionality-driven bigger front splitter, with the rear housing a bigger spoiler that aids in handling. The new fog lights of the Plaid resemble the Model 3 and the Model Y of the Tesla lineup. Overall, the Model S Plaid manages to look the part of a serious performance racer and flawlessly distinguishes itself from the regular Model S.
The Taycan sports a menacing exterior design that has quite a few typical Porsche design characteristics. The front of the high-performance EV houses a matrix LED headlight set-up as well as familiar four-point daytime running LED lights that ooze sophistication. Furthermore, the sloping bonnet only accentuates its breathtaking appearance. The exquisite combination of the Taycan’s multi-purpose exterior flaps, sloping roofline, and a large fixed glass panoramic sunroof help complete its attractive design. Overall, the exterior design language of the mighty Porsche Taycan is a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Tesla Model S Plaid Vs Porsche Taycan: Interior Layout
The Model S Plaid sports a minimalistic interior layout that encompasses an element of theatricality. The cabin sports a massive 17-Inch infotainment screen that takes center stage and a digital display that provides an array of vehicle-related information. The interior also houses various real wood trim pieces spread throughout the cabin, and the uniquely designed steering yolk further accentuates the in-cabin experience for the driver.
The spacious cabin of the Plaid also sports a superior 22-speaker system with active noise cancellation that takes care of entertainment duties, and the multi-device Bluetooth system with wireless and USB-C charging only adds to its versatile personality. The interior of the Plaid manages to look aesthetically appealing despite its minimalistic design layout.
The interior of the Taycan is an exquisite blend of rich materials and sheer technological brilliance. The cabin sports a 16.8-Inch display for its gauges as well as two centrally located touchscreens that cater to the infotainment system. The 8.4-inch touchscreen is compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and overall the interior of this 2+2 seater promotes a premium in-cabin experience for its occupants.
Tesla Model S Plaid Vs Porsche Taycan: Performance Dynamics
The blistering performance of the Model S Plaid is mind-boggling. The performance hatchback houses three independent electric motors with carbon-sleeved rotors as well as an all-wheel-drive set-up with torque vectoring capable of a maximum power output of a colossal 1020 hp.
With the instant performance on offer, the Model S Plaid can demolish the 60 mph mark in just 1.99 seconds, sporting an impressive 396 miles of driving range as well as a top speed of 200 mph. The Tesla Model S Plaid proves to be an impressive all-around track monster displaying a near-perfect blend of practicality and beast-like performance.
The Taycan is no slouch either when it comes to its overall performance. The mighty Porsche houses an 800V electrical architecture giving life to two permanent-magnet synchronous motors that provide the Taycan its combined power output of an impressive 761 hp and a torque figure of 774.44 lb-ft. The 60 mph mark is reached rather quickly in 2.8 seconds, with a respectable 242 miles of driving range on offer along with a top speed of 162 mph.
Tesla Model S Plaid Vs Porsche Taycan: The Ultimate Nurburgring Showdown
The Nurburgring showdown between these machines was undoubtedly electric with the crown of the ultimate high-performance EV on the line. Both these machines boast incredible technological prowess and impeccable engineering cues, but the stupendously quick Tesla Model S Plaid emerged victoriously at the end of the day.
The Porsche Taycan was known globally for setting the electric speed record at the popular Nurburgring racetrack, with a lap time of 7:42.3 minutes in 2019. This record was claimed to be unbeatable by various motoring enthusiasts owing to the superior on-track characteristics of the mighty Porsche.
However, this record was shattered when the Tesla Model S Plaid earned the fastest production EV in the world in 2021. It had a lap time of 7:35.579 minutes. The enormous 12-second lead over the mighty Porsche took the automobile industry by storm and further established the Tesla Model S Plaid as a serious contender in its segment.
The Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid define the high-performance electromobility segment. These machines derive exquisite technological prowess and are capable of humiliating most supercars with their responsive electric powertrains and impeccable engineering ingenuity. The Taycan and Model S Plaid are exceptional performers in their own right, with their overall package demonstrating the immense potential of high-performance electric automobiles.