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Tesla Model S vs Porsche Taycan Turbo S real road race proves mainstream tests were a joke

(Credit: Brooks Weisblat/Instagram)

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The Tesla Model S Performance and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S may not exactly belong to the same segment, but both flagship EVs are bound to be considered as rivals thanks to their equally-impressive specs. Unfortunately, real-world races featuring the two vehicles are incredibly rare, and results from previous mainstream tests have proven questionable. 

On paper, the Tesla Model S Performance and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S’s acceleration and top speed are comparable. The Tesla holds an edge in range and tech, and it costs just over half of the Porsche, but the Taycan leads the Model S in classic build quality and track performance. In a lot of ways, races between the two vehicles should be nail-biting rounds, but so far, this has not been the case. 

The Tesla Model S Performance and Porsche Taycan Turbo S have been raced against each other by mainstream motoring outlets in the past, such as Top Gear and Car and Driver. However, in both cases, the results of the races have been very strange. In Top Gear’s case, for example, the Taycan dominated, but videos of the race showed that the Model S was in Range Mode and launch control was not enabled. The publication also admitted to using old Model S results from a previous test against a Mercedes-AMG E63S. 

Car and Driver’s race results were also a bit strange. The Taycan also soundly beat the Model S, but the publication stated that the Tesla’s 0-60 mph dropped to over 4.0 seconds by the third consecutive race. This was an observation that was contested strongly by some owners of the flagship sedan, several of whom have raced their vehicles consecutively. Fortunately for the electric car community, a real race between the two vehicles has finally been shared online, thanks to the efforts of veteran drag racer Brooks Weisblat of YouTube’s DragTimes

In a recent video, the DragTimes host was able to get his hands on both a Tesla Model S Raven Performance with the latest Cheetah Stance update, as well as a $206,000 Porsche Taycan Turbo S. The two vehicles could not be tested on an actual drag strip due to the ongoing pandemic, but the two flagship EVs were able to lock horns in a series of road races nonetheless. 

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The races between the two vehicles played out precisely as their specs would suggest. In the first round, the Taycan got the jump on the launch, and it beat the Model S. The second race went to the Tesla, with the Model S Performance pulling hard enough to snatch the win. Two rolling races followed, and the results were pretty much the same. Overall, two things became very evident. One, the Porsche Taycan definitely holds an advantage in higher speeds thanks to its two-speed gearbox, and two, the Tesla Model S Performance is not a car that could be toyed around by the German-made EV. 

Ultimately, Weisblat noted that the results of a real Tesla Model S Performance vs. Porsche Taycan Turbo S drag race would likely depend on the capabilities and reaction times of the two vehicles’ drivers. Both cars are insanely quick, and both are definitely at the top of their class. Ultimately, the Tesla Model S Performance and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S’ rivalry may just be beginning, considering the upcoming release of the Plaid Model S, which will be capable of track driving. 

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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Why Tesla’s Q4 performance could shock many after incredible Q3

There is still some residual impact to be felt as we enter Q4, and there is a potential shock coming to many investors as it could be stronger than what many think:

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla reported vehicle deliveries and energy deployments for the third quarter of 2025 today, blowing analyst estimations from Wall Street firms completely out of the water with its strongest three-month performance in company history.

The strong performance, which resulted in nearly half a million vehicle deliveries in the quarter, was largely driven by the momentum of the EV tax credit, which expired at the end of September, marking the end of the $7,500 discount that was previously available.

Tesla hits record vehicle deliveries and energy deployments in Q3 2025

This was a massive contributor to Tesla’s record-high in vehicle deliveries, as consumers rushed to take advantage of the credit.

There is still some residual impact to be felt as we enter Q4, and there is a potential shock coming to many investors as it could be stronger than what many think:

EV Tax Credit Deliveries Will Continue Through Q4

Despite the credit’s expiration, people will still be able to take advantage of it because the IRS changed the rules mid-quarter.

Prospective buyers can utilize the credit after September 30 if they place an order for an EV and make a marginal payment on the car.

Tesla’s $250 order deposit qualified as the marginal payment, so as long as the order was submitted before the end of the day on September 30, they could still take delivery in Q4 or even Q1 and still take advantage of the credit.

Tesla set to win big after IRS adjusts EV tax credit rules

With the Model Y Performance launching in the U.S. on September 30, that undoubtedly contributed to some orders. However, there are likely many people who ordered in the latter portion of Q3 and have not yet taken delivery. These will all contribute to Q4 delivery figures.

Seasonal Holiday Boost

Tesla traditionally has its strongest quarters in Q4, as the company typically introduces initiatives such as price cuts, incentives, and other offers to close out the year strong.

Car buyers are more likely to jump at these offers as well, as gifts for either themselves or others. What Tesla does in the final quarter of the year is usually boosted by whatever types of offers it can make.

Affordable Model Production Ramp

Tesla is likely preparing for the launch of its affordable model, which is essentially a stripped-down Model Y.

Some rumors have been circulating within the community, indicating that the company is nearing the sale of this vehicle, which is coded within Tesla’s website as the “Model Y Standard.”

If Tesla is able to lock in some good pricing on its affordable model, Tesla could see its quarterly figures return to QoQ growth, something that the company has not had in a few years.

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Tesla hits record vehicle deliveries and energy deployments in Q3 2025

As per Tesla’s Q3 2025 vehicle delivery and production report, the bulk of the company’s numbers came from its mass-market lineup.

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Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) reported record-breaking results for the third quarter of 2025, producing 447,450 vehicles and delivering 497,099 units worldwide. 

The company also deployed 12.5 GWh of energy storage products, setting a new record in its fast-growing energy business.

Model 3/Y domination

As per Tesla’s Q3 2025 vehicle delivery and production report, the bulk of the company’s numbers came from its mass-market lineup. The Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover accounted for 435,826 units produced and 481,166 delivered in the quarter. This is quite impressive considering that both the Model 3 and Model Y are still premium-priced vehicles with numerous competitors that are significantly more affordable.

Other models, including the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck, contributed 11,624 vehicles produced and 15,933 delivered. Beyond vehicles, Tesla’s energy business posted its best quarter to date, deploying 12.5 GWh of storage systems.

Credit: Tesla

Q3 2025 earnings call date

Tesla’s third-quarter results are extremely impressive, and they exceed Wall Street’s estimates by a significant margin. As per Benchmark analyst Mickey Legg, who had a delivery estimate of 442,000 vehicles in Q3, Wall Street consensus was at 448,000 units. Even more optimistic analysts estimated that Tesla would only post deliveries in the mid-460,000s.

Investors will gain further insight later this month when Tesla reports full financials for the quarter. The company will release Q3 2025 earnings after market close on October 22, followed by a Q&A webcast at 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

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Elon Musk

Elon Musk is halfway towards becoming the world’s first trillionaire

Musk’s fortune remains heavily tied to Tesla, which has rallied nearly 100% since April.

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Credit: Tesla Manufacturing/X

Elon Musk has reached a new milestone by becoming the first individual in history to achieve a net worth of $500 billion. ForbesReal-Time Billionaires tracker confirmed the record Wednesday afternoon after Tesla stock gained nearly 4%, adding an estimated $9.3 billion to Musk’s net worth in a single day. 

He now sits more than $150 billion ahead of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, whose net worth also stands at a very impressive $350 billion.

Tesla stock leads wealth surge

Musk’s fortune remains heavily tied to Tesla, which has rallied nearly 100% since April, when the CEO announced he would step back from outside roles to focus more on the EV maker. The company’s market capitalization is back within 10% of its all-time peak, lifting the value of Musk’s 12% stake to about $191 billion. 

Beyond this, his 2018 compensation package, which was rescinded by a Delaware judge last year but is still under appeal, could unlock additional stock worth more than $130 billion if reinstated, Forbes noted. Investors see Musk’s refocused leadership as a stabilizing force for Tesla as it pursues ambitious global growth. Tesla has also proposed a new compensation plan for Musk that could bring the company’s market cap to $8.5 trillion and add an additional $900 billion to the CEO’s net worth. 

SpaceX and xAI boost portfolio value

While Tesla drives much of his wealth, Musk’s stakes in SpaceX and xAI have added significant upside to his net worth. SpaceX, his private rocket company, recently hit a $400 billion valuation in a private tender offer, valuing Musk’s 42% stake at $168 billion. Meanwhile, xAI Holdings, which merged with social platform X earlier this year, is worth an estimated $113 billion, giving Musk another $60 billion on paper. 

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These ventures, combined with Tesla’s resurgence, have pushed Musk’s net worth past the half-trillion-dollar mark and highlighted his reach across multiple industries, from clean energy to space, artificial intelligence, brain implants, and tunneling.

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