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Comment by beachstartup | Hacker News Reader

the model S performance competes against M5, E63 AMG PP, Audi RS5/6/7 and can't beat any of those in 1/4 mile or 0-60 times. i would disagree with "beyond amazing", it's at the rear of the pack in terms of acceleration and handling.

if you've never actually driven a fast car, i'm sure it's very impressive, but objectively, it's not fast compared to its competition.

it appeals to a different crowd, the kind that wants EVs. i bet most people who considered/bought the S perf have never seriously considered an M5, E63, RS, or even Cadillac V (since we're talking American cars here). all of those handily beat the S in every benchmark.

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Performance model is even with the M5: Time M5/Tesla: 0-30 2.0/2.1 0-45 2.9/3.1 0-60 4.5/4.4 0-75 6.4/6.1 1/4M 13.8/12.6

Personally, I don't feel a tenth of a second makes much difference, but it's wrong to say that the Tesla is handily beat in every benchmark.

References: http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/m5/2013/road-test-specs.html http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/track-tests/2013-tesla-mo...

Have you test driven the Model S Performance? It's not just about benchmarks but also about handling and feel.

no i haven't, because driving an electric car does not appeal to me in the slightest.

have you test driven a BMW M5 or AMG E63? or does driving a giant, turbocharged, gas guzzling V8 not interest you?

well that's what interests me. not a battery pack.

I've driven 20+ BMW M3s and Porsche 911s. The Model S spanks them. It's a surreal driving experience. Totally quiet. Instant torque. Amazing handling for a large car.

It's really something you need to experience before you criticize it.

so in other words no M5, no alpina B7, no E63. probably no Caddilac V, no LS7 ZR1, no Audi RS either. in other words, you have no idea about other cars in the Sperf's class, just some bullshit cheapie base-model cars that are about $30k cheaper. but you are a tech dude with money who likes the idea of electric vehicles, so you like the Sperf, because it APPEALS TO YOU. and there's nothing wrong with that.

"instant" torque is cool and all, but no match for "more" torque. which also happens to be "instant" when you move beyond a cheapass 3-series M or base 911 with no balls (try a GT2, when you start wearing big boy pants) or V10 in that price range.

talk about a passive aggressive tone.

I've driven a 911S which I'd say is a pretty respectable car. I've driven also supercharged M3s as well. But you're right, I haven't driven those other cars and I'm not making a judgement call on them.

All I'm saying is that in my opinion based on driving the cars is that I prefer the Model S Performance over the supercharged M3, 911S because of superior handling, torque and feel.

Just my two cents, no need to get offended that a battery car can give a decent ride.

Also, I know there are people who have traded in the M5's for a Model S Performance and have been quite happy.

decent ride, but i'm not rich. when i spend 100k it's a serious expenditure, and i want the best in class.

maybe for bay area millionaires automotive performance is less important than social progressivism when you drop 100k but not for me.

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