Performance Review: Tesla Model S 85 kWh - [2012]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Tesla Model S Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Tesla Model S 85 kWh is the 1 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2012. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse and the 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder 4.6 V8.This particular Tesla Model S has a 0cc - Electric powerplant with 0 cylinders in a - formation.

Alternative Electric -0's includes the 2021 McMurtry Speirling Goodwood

The Model S shares its Electric -0 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 McMurtry Speirling Goodwood and the 2019 Pininfarina Battista 1900. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Model S's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 2108 kgs (4647 lbs) this makes the Tesla Model S 85 kWh in the same weight category as the 2020 BMW X4 M40d 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Tesla Model S shares the same bhp with the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged (395 bhp)

In terms of power the 0cc 0V -0 engine produces 416 bhp (310 kW) @ 5000 rpm similar to the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged (395 bhp) or the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (395 bhp).

The - -0 throws out 443 lb-ft (600.6 Nm) @ 5100 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (418 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Tesla Model S you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2002 Jaguar S Type 4.2 V8 R Auto (222.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Tesla Model S.

The Tesla Model S has a Power to weight ratio of 197.3 bhp per ton and 210.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2012 Model S competing with the 2002 Jaguar S Type 4.2 V8 R Auto (222.2 bhp per ton) or the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS 3.3 V12 (222.2 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Tesla Model S generating around 210.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2017 BMW X6 M 4.4 V8 Turbo F86 (235.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 2014 Bentley Continental GT3-R 4.0 V8 Turbo (235.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.40 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.5 secs, this made the Tesla Model S 85 kWh as fast as the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe S 4.0 V8 Turbo (4.40 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (4.40 secs) the 2020 Audi A4 S4 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.40 secs) the or the 2020 Bentley Bentayga 4.0 V8 Turbo (4.40 secs). This Tesla Model S 85 kWh is also faster than the 2022 BMW i7 xDrive60 (4.50 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs) the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge 6.6 V12 Twin turbo (4.50 secs) the and the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive Cabrio 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Model S and the 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 DSG

When talking about the performance of the Tesla Model S on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.14 secs @ 96.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 DSG (14.07 secs), the 2003 Nissan 350Z 300 GT Coupe (14.08 secs), and the 2003 Mercedes CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet (14.08 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2012 version of the Tesla Model S 85 kWh has a maximum speed of 130mph.

Top Speed of the 2012 Model S equals the 2010 Audi A1 A1 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic (141 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2012 Tesla Model S 85 kWh then how about the 2010 Audi A1 A1 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic (141 mph), the 2009 Renault Clio 2.0 RenaultSport III 200 Cup (141 mph), or the 2006 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 210 (141 mph).

Related Links:

2012 Model S Rivals List.

A Brief History of Tesla

Car Comparison