Kia Stinger Vs Telsa Model S - Can Less Weight And More Power Overrule The Torque Of An EV?

On paper, the Kia Stinger and Tesla Model S 75D have fairly similar power figures, which means it should make for an interesting contest in a short drag race. Yet the result is just another example of how important torque can be when trying to show off.

In Top Gear’s latest drag race, they pit a 370 horsepower Kia Stinger with 376 lb-ft of torque against a Tesla Model S 75D with around 367 hp and a whopping 486 lb-ft of torque. It’s also worth noting the Kia is about 440 pounds lighter than the Model S.

 

SanJoseDriver - 12/14/2018 1:33:14 PM

-3 Boost

It's hard to beat that much AWD torque. The S is also more aerodynamic and the weight is in all the right places.

If the S driver was experienced he could have shaved another quarter second by holding the brake and flooring the accelerator. This energizes the motors but prevents acceleration. When it's go time you just lift your foot off the brake and the car launches at full power. Less reaction time than moving your foot from brake to gas.

MDarringer - 12/15/2018 1:16:59 PM

0 Boost

:...and the weight is in all the right places..." Weight is the enemy of performance.

Are you similarly magnanimous vis a vis fat chicks?

SanJoseDriver - 12/27/2018 3:00:37 PM

+1 Boost

An aerodynamic car will beat out a less aerodynamic one of equal weight, so weight isn't the only variable. The Model S is one of the heaviest cars on the market, doesn't have the most horsepower, yet is still the quickest.

Truthy - 12/14/2018 6:39:53 PM

+2 Boost

There is a lot more to a car than torque and 0 -60 acceleration. The Stinger is about 1/2 the price, better steering feel and better built.

MDarringer - 12/14/2018 7:27:34 PM

+1 Boost

apples to oranges

I love my Stinger GT, but no one shopping for a Model S (double to triple the cost) would consider a Stinger.

Someone wanting an RWD performance coupesedan wouldn't choose a Model S, because for the price of the Model S there are FAR BETTER choices.

CarCrazedinCali - 12/14/2018 8:12:40 PM

+4 Boost

stupid test

MDarringer - 12/14/2018 9:25:51 PM

0 Boost

Based on the KKK mentality of those defending it here, I would say yes.

PUGPROUD - 12/14/2018 8:35:06 PM

0 Boost

Torque rules especially in day to day driving and short drag races. Torque gets you going fast and quick versus horsepower which wins at top speed over longer differences. One of the light cars I once loved owning in the late 1980's was the BMW 325e that had more torque than horsepower...the only time I'm aware of that happening in a street car.

MDarringer - 12/14/2018 9:28:08 PM

0 Boost

Unfortunately in a Tesla, acceleration does not sound inviting.

PUGPROUD - 12/14/2018 8:36:10 PM

0 Boost

Make that distances not differences. Sometime the mind wanders!

MDarringer - 12/14/2018 9:55:11 PM

0 Boost

You might want to investigate this " REPLY TO THIS COMMENT" option and click on it.

PUGPROUD - 12/15/2018 5:52:51 AM

0 Boost

Thanks for suggestion.

cidflekken - 12/15/2018 12:47:15 PM

+2 Boost

Might have been closer if the Stinger was AWD. Still, pretty impressive considering the AWD and torque-immediate nature of the Model S. And, the price of the Stinger is significantly lower.