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Tesla Model S vs Porsche Taycan: Top Gear pits a tech titan against a true driver’s car

(Credit: Top Gear/YouTube)

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The Tesla Model S Performance and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S are destined to be benchmarked against each other, and if a recent Top Gear segment is any indication, what could very well be the most extensive test of the two vehicles to date has just been conducted. The results of the motoring media agency’s tests are interesting to say the least, as the veteran tech titan finally meets its greatest challenge yet — a true electric driver’s car. 

Top Gear appropriately tested a Raven Model S Performance against the Taycan Turbo S. Performance-wise, the two are comparable, with the Taycan Turbo S having a little bit more torque and the Model S Performance having a bit more horsepower. The two vehicles do have a gap in terms of price and range, as the Taycan Turbo S is far more expensive than the Model S while offering about 100 miles less range.

First off in the motoring media agency’s tests was a drag race, something that the Model S usually dominates. The Silicon Valley-made electric sedan did beat the Taycan in the first parts of the race, though in the final dash to the quarter-mile mark, the German-made EV was able to overtake the Tesla. Strangely, the Model S clocked a 0-60 mph time of 2.68 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 11.08 seconds in the quarter-mile run — times that are less impressive than informal tests conducted by regular Tesla owners

The rest of the comparisons between the two vehicles covered the Model S Performance and Taycan Turbo S’ features and behavior on the road. Top Gear deputy editor Jack Rix noted that the Taycan drives better as it provides a more intimate connection with its driver, but the Model S is still the gold standard when it comes to convenience. Tesla’s vast Supercharger Network, coupled with V10’s entertainment features such as Tesla Theater, as well as the Model S’ large interior space and trunk capacity, make the sedan a great vehicle for long drives with passengers. 

The Taycan, on the other hand, provides a far more basic experience when it comes to driving. It drives excellently in true Porsche tradition, much better than the Model S, but it does not offer much in the way of comfort. The rear seats are notably cramped compared to the Model S, and its frunk and trunk capacity are far less than those in the Silicon Valley-made vehicle. The Taycan’s software and entertainment features are also a step down from the Model S. It does have Apple CarPlay, which the Model S does not have, but its infotainment system is basic compared to Tesla’s. 

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Overall, Top Gear‘s conclusions are pretty perfect for the two cars. For customers who want a quick daily driver that’s comfortable, capable of hauling people and luggage on long trips while being supported by a robust fast-charging network, it’s hard to go wrong with the Model S Performance. For drivers who wish to have a real connection with their vehicle and have an almost emotional experience while driving, there is no reason to skip the Taycan Turbo S. The Tesla Model S Performance and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S are different cars for different people, and they are both excellent in doing what they aim to do. 

Check out Top Gear‘s comparison of the Tesla Model S Performance and Porsche Taycan Turbo S in the video below. 

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla Cybertruck takes a bump from epic failing Dodge Charger

The Cybertruck seemed unharmed by the charging Charger.

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Credit: Hammer_of_something/Reddit

There comes a time in a driver’s life when one is faced with one’s limitations. For the driver of a Dodge Charger, this time came when he lost control and crashed into a Tesla Cybertruck–an absolute epic fail. 

A video of the rather unfortunate incident was shared on the r/TeslaLounge subreddit.

Charging Charger Fails

As could be seen in the video, which was posted on the subreddit by Model Y owner u/Hammer_of_something, a group of teens in a Dodge Charger decided to do some burnouts at a Tesla Supercharger. Unfortunately, the driver of the Charger failed in his burnout or donut attempt, resulting in the mopar sedan going over a curb and bumping a charging Cybertruck.

Ironically, the Dodge Charger seemed to have been parked at a Supercharger stall before its driver decided to perform the failed stunt. This suggests that the vehicle was likely ICE-ing a charging stall before it had its epic fail moment. Amusingly enough, the subreddit member noted that the Cybertruck did not seem like it took any damage at all despite its bump. The Charger, however, seemed like it ran into some trouble after crashing into the truck.

Alleged Aftermath

As per the the r/TeslaLounge subreddit member, the Cybertruck owner came rushing out to his vehicle after the Dodge Charger crashed into it. The Model Y owner then sent over the full video of the incident, which clearly showed the Charger attempting a burnout, failing, and bumping into the Cybertruck. The Cybertruck owner likely appreciated the video, in part because it showed the driver of the Dodge Charger absolutely freaking out after the incident.

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The Cybertruck is not an impregnable vehicle, but it can take bumps pretty well thanks to its thick stainless steel body. Based on this video, it appears that the Cybertruck can even take bumps from a charging Charger, all while chilling and charging at a Supercharger. As for the teens in the Dodge, they likely had to provide a long explanation to authorities after the incident, since the cops were called to the location.

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Anti-Elon Musk group crushes Tesla Model 3 with Sherman tank–with unexpected results

Ironically enough, the group’s video ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

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Credit: Led By Donkeys/X

Anti-Elon Musk protesters and critics tend to show their disdain for the CEO in various ways, but a recent video from political action group Led By Donkeys definitely takes the cake when it comes to creativity.

Ironially enough, the group’s video also ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

Tank vs. Tesla

In its video, Led By Donkeys featured Ken Turner, a 98-year-old veteran who served in the British army during World War II. The veteran stated that Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is “using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe, and his money comes from Tesla cars.” 

He also noted that he had a message for the Tesla CEO: “We’ve crushed fascism before and we’ll crush it again.” To emphasize his point, the veteran proceeded to drive a Sherman tank over a blue Tesla Model 3 sedan, which, of course, had a plate that read “Fascism.” 

The heavy tank crushed the Model 3’s glass roof and windows, much to the delight of Led By Donkeys’ commenters on its official YouTube channel. But at the end of it all, the aftermath of the anti-Elon Musk demonstration ended up showcasing something positive for the electric vehicle maker.

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Tesla Model 3 Tanks the Tank?

As could be seen from the wreckage of the Tesla Model 3 after its Sherman encounter, only the glass roof and windows of the all-electric sedan were crushed. Looking at the wreckage of the Model 3, it seemed like its doors could still be opened, and everything on its lower section looked intact.

Considering that a standard M4 Sherman weighs about 66,800 to 84,000 pounds, the Model 3 actually weathered the tank’s assault really well. Granted, the vehicle’s suspension height before the political action group’s demonstration suggests that the Model 3’s high voltage battery had been removed beforehand. But even if it hadn’t been taken off, it seemed like the vehicle’s battery would have survived the heavy ordeal without much incident.

This was highlighted in comments from users on social media platform X, many of whom noted that a person in the Model 3 could very well have survived the ordeal with the Sherman. And that, ultimately, just speaks to the safety of Tesla’s vehicles. There is a reason why Teslas consistently rank among the safest cars on the road, after all.

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Tesla Model 3 driver is using FSD to travel to Mt. Everest Base Camp

The ambitious, nearly 4,000-kilometer (2,485-mile) Tesla FSD journey is being livestreamed on Chinese social media.

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Credit: Douyin 老高懂电车

Count on Tesla drivers in China to push Full Self Driving (FSD) as far as it could go. As could be seen in videos posted on Chinese social media, a brave Model 3 owner is currently going on an epic journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest on FSD.

Recent posts from the Model 3 driver suggest that the ambitious destination may be within reach.

Epic FSD Journey

As noted by Tesla owner-enthusiast Aaron Li, the journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest spans almost 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). The journey itself is epic, with stunning vistas and roads that require some drivers to bring oxygen canisters with them. The fact that it is being done using FSD makes it extra impressive. 

Based on the videos that have been recently shared, the Model 3 running FSD seems to be nearing the Everest Base Camp. There seems to be a good chance that the Tesla Model 3 may reach its destination this Friday.

Previous Everest Trips

This is not the first time that a Tesla has driven to Mt. Everest’s base camp.  That would be a Model 3 that was driven in September 2020. That vehicle, which went on a long 5,500 km (3,400-mile) journey, was manually driven to its destination. 

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In April 2021, Tesla China announced that it has completed the buildout of 11 Supercharger stations in the picturesque route from Chengdu to Tingri. This route would allow drivers to reach the base camp of Mt. Everest. Sure enough, in July 2022, Tesla China shared a video of two Teslas—a Model X and Model Y—reaching the Everest base camp without any issues. Numerous other Tesla drivers have since taken on the long, picturesque journey.

Check out this Tesla Model Y’s journey to the Mt. Everest base camp in the video below.

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