FYI: A head-to-head battle between the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N reveals surprising insights into the dynamic interplay between horsepower, weight, and real-world driving conditions.
Tesla Model 3 Performance vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Surprising Results in Real-World Drag Race
Car enthusiasts often rely on specs to declare performance winners, but real-world tests can tell a different story. This Carwow race dramatically showcases this truth, pitting the Tesla Model 3 Performance against the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Despite the vastly different power ratings—460 hp for the Tesla and 601 hp for the Hyundai—the results are far from straightforward.
The Latest in Performance EVs
Hyundai has stormed the performance EV realm with its track-focused Ioniq 5 N, while Tesla has revamped the Model 3 Performance to deliver a more refined driving experience. Both cars, tuned for the U.K. market, offer distinct advantages and challenges.
Weight Class Difference
One of the crucial differentiators is weight. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N hefts an impressive 4,861 lbs, compared to the Tesla’s lighter 4,200 lbs. This, combined with differing tire compounds, launch control settings, and electrical architectures, puts them in unique categories.
Variations in Horsepower
Another point of interest is the horsepower discrepancy between U.K. and U.S. versions of the Model 3 Performance. The U.K. version churns out 460 hp compared to 510 hp for its American counterpart. Consequently, the U.K. Tesla hits 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds, trailing the U.S. model by 0.2 seconds.
Real-World Drag Race Insights
When it comes to launching off the line, the Tesla consistently outpaces the Hyundai in all three attempts, even winning one of the quarter-mile races outright. The subsequent two races see Hyundai’s power advantage come to the fore in the latter half of the race, ultimately outpacing the Tesla. The rolling race similarly benefits the Hyundai, thanks to its higher power output.
However, Hyundai’s slower starts raise questions about its launch control and weight. Factors such as less effective launch control tuning and the potential lack of N Grin Boost activation—which temporarily ups the power to 641 hp—could explain this. Despite this, the Hyundai demonstrates superior handling and drift capability compared to the Tesla.
Innovative Driving Features
Hyundai’s N Grin Shift feature deserves a notable mention for mimicking an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, bringing a new dimension to the EV driving experience. However, this also means dialing back some of its inherent power, creating a "power band" that resonates more with enthusiasts of traditional combustion engines.
Rolling Race Findings
To understand the impact of this feature, Carwow performed rolling races with the N Grin technology both enabled and disabled. The differences in performance make it a must-watch part of their video.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the race invites a larger question: Is a marginally slower experience worth it for a car that offers more character and engagement? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
