Heavily Modified S2000 Takes On Tesla Model S Plaid

Daunting Task

Since the Tesla Model S Plaid was revealed a few months ago, it has quite literally taken the world by storm for one very good reason - it immediately became the quickest production car on sale at the time. With over 1,000 horsepower on tap from three electric motors, no transmission, and all-wheel-drive, the Plaid is capable of ripping off sub-2.0 second 0-60 runs and a sub-10 second quarter-mile. But in this video from Sam CarLegion, we get to see how it stacks up against a 1,000 horsepower S2000.

Power to Weight

On paper, it would seem that the S2000 at least has a power-to-weight advantage in this particular race, given the fact that the Tesla tips the scales at nearly 5,000 pounds thanks to its hefty battery pack. However, the EV does have the traction advantage thanks to its AWD system, while the S2000 makes do with RWD while trying to put its four-digit power to the ground.

>>Join the conversation about this battle between the Tesla and the S2000 right here at S2Ki.com.

Disadvantages

The S2000 has a fully-built F22, according to its owner, which makes around 900 horsepower at the wheels. It's connected to a traditional manual transmission, which doesn't help its case here, as well as a rear differential from a 350Z. It's also a pretty cold day at the track, making this circuit-oriented Honda with a giant wing and aero a bit tough to hook, too.

>>Join the conversation about this battle between the Tesla and the S2000 right here at S2Ki.com.

Walking Away

Regardless, the two decide to do a roll race from 50 kilometers per hour, or around 31 mph, which should theoretically even the playing field a bit since the Tesla is capable of hooking on pretty much any kind of surface with no problem. That ultimately doesn't matter, however, as the Tesla simply walks away from the Honda, as we've seen time and time again.

>>Join the conversation about this battle between the Tesla and the S2000 right here at S2Ki.com.

Terrifying?

The group runs a couple more races to see if they can get a different result, but alas, that isn't the case, as the Tesla is just too quick. Our host calls it "absolutely terrifying," which is pretty funny given the fact that it's so easy to drive fast - you simply plant your right foot and hang on.

>>Join the conversation about this battle between the Tesla and the S2000 right here at S2Ki.com.

Traction Issues

The S2000, on the other hand, requires a bit of skill to go fast, particularly since it has a manual transmission. There's also the matter of traction, which on this day proves to be the difference between winning and losing by bus lengths.

>>Join the conversation about this battle between the Tesla and the S2000 right here at S2Ki.com.

Repeatable Performance

Of course, none of this matters to bonafide gearheads, who find electric cars to be soulless appliances. However, it is interesting to put into perspective just how quick the Model S Plaid truly is, and it's capable of ripping off insane passes on any kind of surface, in any kind of conditions.