490hp AMG CLA 45 v Tesla Model 3 Performance: DRAG RACE

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Thanks to Richard for lending us his Tesla Model 3: @RSEV

Who doesn’t love a petrol vs electric drag race?!

We’ve got Mat in the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S and he’s lining up against a Tesla Model 3 Performance!

Now on the face of it, you might think it’ll be an easy walkover for the Tesla. But trust us, this is going to be much closer than you think. You see, the 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the CLA has had a Stage 1 tune, and as a result, it now puts down 490hp & 660Nm of torque!

As for the Tesla, it’s powered by two electric motors. Combined, they produce exactly the same output as the tuned CLA - 490hp & 660Nm!

So what do you think - does the Mercedes stand a chance against the instant power output from the Tesla? Well, there’s only one way to find out… LET’S RACE!

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[sakshyamindrabudhathoki]

Big shoutout to the guy making v8 noises with his mouth 😩

[tjones]

Matt loses: 'I want to do it again'
Matt wins: 'So then what exactly happened'

[Bigbry]

Try swapping lanes after each stage, especially when it's wet.

[Auditography]

Can't wait for the new RS3 vs the others

[jaydenandrews]

The CLA 45s looks amazing no lie.. well designed.. especially the front🔥🔥🔥

[nathanb]

These daily uploads are amazing 😃👏. It's still amazing that Mercedes was able to squeeze over 400bhp from a 4 cylinder turbo in both A and CLA45 forms. They kinda remind me of the old school Scoobys and EVOs :D

[pierregrobbelaar]

Would love to see this on a dry surface.When that merc gets speed there's no stopping it.Was a great race and gratz to the Tesla driver :D

[kpop]

They should really do leaderboards like top gear with all the race times

[Defiants]

I just realized Matt could seriously have his own standalone show. I actually watch the vids for Matt and not even the cars at this point 😂

[amoghhampiholi]

Kid:-"Mom I want a loud Tesla"
Mom:-"We have a loud Tesla at home"
The loud Tesla at home:-2:34

[thediamondeye]

Mat is really helping me through quarantine love the regular uploads🙏

[whos-your-mate]

What AMG have squeezed from a two litre, four cylinder engine is phenomenal!
Four cylinder engines just sound naff with conventional crank though. I much prefer a cross-plain's warble 👌

[brandonb]

The ambient lighting though on the Mercedes is just so satisfying

[mortenkrogh]

Model 3 has a phenomenal grip. 11, 8 on wet surface is almost the same as on dry surface. And the breaking...awesome 👌

[zanmacarol]

This in dry conditions would be interesting

[UIracing]

Gosh that CLA looks good especially in that colour ❤️‍🔥

[johannel]

The biggest surprise was the brake test. Hopefully the next M3P will also have carbon-wrapped rotors. The need to maintain power at higher speeds to be competitive. However, very few people will ever race over 100 mph on the highway so in all realistic scenarios the Tesla will come out on top.

[jatorner]

Love this! Please more CLA 45 content Matt!

[PaulieMD]

I love that power and torque meter in the Merc, its just so cool

[romania]

Can't wait to see the Plaid, Matt!