Tesla Model S 60 kWh vs Tesla Model S 85 kWh Performance

June 30th, 2013

While we’ve done quite a few tests with the 2012 and 2013 Tesla Model S 85 Performance, we recently had some seat time in Tesla’s base model, the Model S 60 kWh.  The base Model S with the 60 kWh battery is rated at 302 HP (225 kW) and 317 ft-lbs of torque.   Tesla claims a 0-60 MPH time of 5.9 seconds and a 1/4 mile of 14.2 but as we’ve seen in the past with the high end Model S 85 performance, Tesla seems under rate their cars, so we decided to bring out the VBOX and test it out.

This Model S was equipped with the 19″ wheels, technology package,  no panoramic roof and was painted in what we think is not the best color for the Model S, BROWN.  We charged up the Model S 60 to it’s full capacity (208 EPA rated miles) and headed out for a few runs.   The Model S 60 was amazing consistent running 3 consecutive 0-60 MPH runs in just 5.1 seconds with 0-100 MPH coming in at 12.8 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 13.7 @ 102.8 MPH.  This is significantly  quicker and faster than what Tesla quotes and actually beats Tesla’s numbers for the Tesla Model S 85 Non-Performance. View our world record run for the Model S Performance.

We noticed that the while on full throttle, the Tesla Model S 60 was showing a peak power of 240 kW on the digital dash display, this is a little higher than what Tesla lists on their website, 225 kW.   So maybe they are sending out these base models with a bit more power.   The Model S 85 is rated at 270 kW (362HP) and the 85 Performance at 310 kW (416 HP).

We put together two videos, one of just the Model S 60 and another that shows the Model S 60 vs the 85 Performance digital dashes side by side from 0-114 MPH.   Both runs were done on the same road but at different times, enjoy!

 

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