Tesla’s popular Model 3 electric sedan faced the BYD Seal in an electric drag race showdown organized by UK-based automotive review firm Carwow.
This thrilling drag race aims to determine which of the two leading electric vehicle models in the industry is better regarding sheer performance, potentially affecting buyer preferences in the market.
Models background
Tesla originally launched the Model 3 in 2017. Since then, the all-electric sedan continued to gain traction in the market. It even advanced to become the top-selling EV in the United States just the following year, beating the Chevy Bolt EV.
It also dominated the global EV sales ranking from 2018 to 2019 until its sibling, Tesla Model Y, snatched the title, Electrek reports. In 2023, it got in the top 10 most popular cars worldwide, surpassing its gas-powered counterparts.
On the other hand, BYD launched the low-cost Seal EV to directly compete with the Tesla Model 3. The Chinese car undercuts the Tesla Model 3 in the Chinese market with a base price of 189,800 yuan ($27,500). Of that price, it offers a CLTC-estimated battery range of up to 550 km (342 miles).
Comparison
In Europe, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range has a driving range of up to 421 miles from its 75 kWh battery pack. Its two electric motors generate an estimated output of 490 horsepower and 490 nm of torque. It is not heavy, with a weight of 1,840 kg (4,050 pounds).
Meanwhile, the BYD Seal’s dual e-motors generate an output of 530 horsepower and 670 nm torque. However, it is heavier than the Model 3 at 2,055 kg (4,500 lbs).
| Horsepower | Torque (nm) | Powertrain | Weight | Price (UK) | |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 490 | 490 | Dual electric | 1,840 kg (4,050 lbs) | £49,990 ($63,000) |
| BYD Seal | 530 | 670 | Dual electric | 2,055 kg (4,500 lbs) | £48,695 ($61,500) |
Notably, both of them support all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. So, which of them will dominate in a drag race?
The battle
In the first race, Carwow testers put the Tesla Model 3 and the BYD Seal “Eco” or “Chill” mode to limit their performance. Tesla Model 3 beat the Seal with 15.8 seconds over 16.4 seconds, largely due to the latter’s continuous nagging/alarms. According to autoevolution, it kept on scolding the driver when he surpassed 50 mph (80 kph).
Then, they put both the models in “Sport mode” to test their full ability. The two models completed the standard quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds, indicating a tie.
Carwow’s team also initiated a couple of 1/2-mile roll races, where the Tesla Model 3 won both times. It reached its limit at 126 mph (203 kph), while the BYD Seal had a 117 mph (188 kph) limiter.
The Tesla Model 3 indeed lags behind BYD Seal in terms of power and torque. However, its lighter weight substantially aided its performance in beating the more powerful Chinese EV.
You can watch the full drag race showdown between the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal below:
