The Edmunds U-Drag pits two electric performance giants against each other: the brand-new 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack EV and the formidable 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. This showdown isn’t just about raw power; it’s a comprehensive test of acceleration, braking, and handling, revealing which EV truly dominates on the track.
Dodge Charger EV vs. Tesla Model 3 Performance: The Ultimate EV Battle
In the world of high-performance electric vehicles, few matchups generate as much excitement as a classic muscle car nameplate going head-to-head with an established EV powerhouse. Our recent Edmunds U-Drag video showcased exactly this, pitting the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack against the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance.
This isn’t your average drag race; the U-Drag challenges every aspect of a car’s performance, from its initial launch to its ability to corner and brake effectively. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle is crucial, as the results reveal more than just who can go fastest in a straight line.
Meet the Contenders: Power and Precision
Both the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack EV and the Tesla Model 3 Performance represent the pinnacle of electric performance, yet they approach it with distinct philosophies. The specifications alone tell part of the story, but the real test comes on the asphalt.
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack enters the arena as a heavy hitter, designed to blend traditional muscle car aesthetics with cutting-edge electric propulsion.
- Horsepower: 670 hp
- Torque: 627 lb-ft
- Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3s
- Weight: Almost 6,000 lbs (a significant factor in handling)
Imagine commanding a vehicle with this much power, feeling the immediate surge of electric torque. However, that immense weight presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to braking and navigating tight turns.
On the other side, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance brings its well-honed electric architecture and proven track record to the competition. It’s renowned for its immediate response and agile dynamics.
- Horsepower: 510 hp
- Torque: 546 lb-ft
- Tires: Pirelli P Zero Elects
- 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds
- Quarter Mile: 11.3 seconds at 122.1 mph
While the Tesla boasts slightly less raw power than the Charger, its lighter build and finely tuned electric motors hint at a different kind of performance advantage. This difference often translates into better agility and responsiveness.
What is an Edmunds U-Drag? More Than Just a Straight Line
The Edmunds U-Drag is a unique test designed to evaluate a vehicle’s all-around performance, not just its straight-line speed. It’s a true measure of how a car performs under varied, high-stress conditions.
The format includes a quarter-mile drag race, followed by heavy braking into a 180-degree turn, and then a full-throttle sprint back to the start/finish line. This sequence tests acceleration, braking efficiency, cornering grip, and the car’s ability to put power down coming out of a turn.
It’s one thing to accelerate quickly, but quite another to manage that speed through a sharp corner and then accelerate again. This setup perfectly highlights the nuances of vehicle dynamics, making it an excellent benchmark for performance EVs.
Track Mode vs. Insane Mode: Choosing the Right Strategy
A crucial aspect discussed in the video was the choice of driving mode for the Tesla Model 3 Performance. While many comments suggested “Insane Mode” for maximum speed, testing revealed an important distinction for the U-Drag.
Edmunds found that with a full battery, the 0-60 mph and quarter-mile times were identical in both “Track Mode” and “Insane Mode.” Insane Mode only showed a difference when the battery started to degrade, which isn’t ideal for peak performance scenarios.
However, for a course involving braking and cornering, “Track Mode” proved superior. It optimizes not just straight-line acceleration but also chassis control, stability management, and braking performance for dynamic driving. Imagine trying to navigate a sharp turn with raw, untamed power; Track Mode provides the necessary finesse.
Launch Control and Driving Impressions: The On-Track Experience
Both drivers provided fascinating insights into the immediate feel of each car. Reese Counts, driving the Dodge Charger EV, found its launch control to be incredibly straightforward, delivering all 670 horsepower instantly.
Despite this massive power, the Tesla Model 3 Performance consistently got a better jump off the line. This immediate advantage suggests superior power delivery and traction management, which is critical in a drag race.
Alistair Weaver, driving the Tesla, highlighted its impressive ability to just “boot the right pedal” and let the electronics do their work. This seamless power delivery is a hallmark of Tesla’s engineering, allowing for incredibly consistent and fast launches.
Navigating the Corners: Weight and Balance
The cornering section of the U-Drag revealed significant differences in handling characteristics, primarily influenced by the immense weight of the Charger EV. Reese described the Charger as feeling like a “pig” due to its nearly 6,000-pound curb weight.
This substantial mass made itself known under braking and during turns, causing the car to push or “understeer” if too much speed was carried into the corner. Alistair found a very fine line where the Charger would start to understeer, making it challenging to maintain a neutral balance through the bend.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 Performance, with its lighter build and expertly tuned all-wheel-drive system, exhibited much more neutral handling. Reese noted that with all-wheel drive, the Tesla just “hooks up,” even when getting on the power early.
Imagine pushing a shopping cart versus a fully loaded freight trolley; the difference in maneuverability is stark. The Tesla’s motor tuning allows for precise torque distribution, helping it maintain grip and composure through the corner exit.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Official Results
After two intense runs, swapping drivers and lanes, the official numbers confirmed what the drivers felt on the track. The Tesla Model 3 Performance emerged as the clear winner of this Edmunds U-Drag. These hard facts paint a compelling picture of performance:
- 0-60 mph: Tesla Model 3 Performance at 3.1 seconds (wins)
- Quarter Mile: Tesla Model 3 Performance at 11.3 seconds at 122.1 mph (wins)
- Max Cornering: Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack at 1.19 Gs (wins)
- U-Drag Win Time: Tesla Model 3 Performance at 33.3 seconds at 131.2 mph (wins overall)
Despite the Charger pulling impressive Gs in max cornering, the Tesla’s overall efficiency in combining acceleration, braking, and turning ultimately secured its victory. The Model 3 Performance’s consistency across all segments of the U-Drag demonstrates its well-rounded capability.
Performance vs. Personality: The Value Proposition
The final takeaway from the Edmunds U-Drag is stark: the Tesla Model 3 Performance not only beat the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack but did so while being significantly less expensive. Alistair even noted it was “what, 20 grand cheaper,” highlighting a major value difference.
While the Dodge Charger EV undeniably possesses a captivating personality and looks “very cool,” as both presenters agreed, its raw power didn’t translate into a win against the Tesla’s refined performance. This outcome raises questions about how much “oomph” you get for your dollar in the burgeoning EV performance market.
For enthusiasts prioritizing pure, unadulterated performance and track efficiency, the Tesla Model 3 Performance stands as a formidable contender. However, for those who value a unique aesthetic, a sense of occasion, and the revival of an iconic nameplate in the EV era, the Dodge Charger EV offers a different kind of appeal. The contest between the Dodge Charger EV vs. Tesla Model 3 Performance is a classic example of modern engineering facing off against brand heritage, with compelling results for both sides of the coin.
Unpacking the U-DRAGS: Your EV Performance & Handling Questions
What electric cars are compared in this article?
This article compares the new 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack EV and the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance in an Edmunds U-Drag race.
What is an Edmunds U-Drag test?
The Edmunds U-Drag is a special test that evaluates a car’s all-around performance, including acceleration, braking, and handling, not just how fast it goes in a straight line.
Which electric car won the Edmunds U-Drag comparison?
The Tesla Model 3 Performance was the overall winner of the Edmunds U-Drag, demonstrating superior combined performance in acceleration, braking, and turning.
What was a key difference between the two cars in performance?
The Dodge Charger EV had more raw horsepower but was much heavier, which made it challenging to handle in corners. The Tesla Model 3 Performance, being lighter and more agile, performed better in the all-around test.