Winged Tesla S Plaid races a Mustang GT and the ending hurts
- You think you’d predict the outcome of a race between a Tesla and a Mustang
- The Tesla Model S Plaid even had performance upgrades
- It seemed that the overpowered EV snatched defeat from the jaws of victory
Published on May 05, 2025 at 4:04 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on May 05, 2025 at 4:04 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
You’d think that in a race between a winged Tesla S Plaid and a Mustang GT you’d know what the outcome would be.
The Mustang GT had no performance upgrades on it, but the Tesla Model S has the Plaid track mode, which enhances the vehicle’s performance on the track.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is a technical powerhouse and managed a decent quarter mile, however, it let itself down in the grand scheme of things.
There are many reasons the Tesla lost out in the contest, but one thing is certain, the Mustang ensured that it was a one-horse race.
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When a winged Tesla S Plaid races a Mustang GT…
There’s nothing like a good drag car race, but it seems almost cruel to a stock Mustang GT to pit it against a winged Tesla Model S Plaid.
In this particular race, the Mustang GT had everything to prove, and it seemed as though the souped-up EV had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Thanks to this brilliant YouTube video from Wheels, you can see both cars take their places and zoom off, but the Mustang clearly has a far better launch and acceleration, which embarrasses the Tesla.
All these performance upgrades and still embarrassed
The Tesla Model S Plaid is a technical powerhouse with upgrades that are meant to optimize track performance and make it more aerodynamic.
However, the upgrades may have caused the Tesla’s downfall.
The EV itself might be more aerodynamic, but the aftermarket aero package might have increased downforce, which, while beneficial for handling, can reduce straight-line speed.
The Tesla Model S Plaid clocked in with a quarter-mile of 9.25 seconds, whereas the Mustang came out of nowhere with a 9.17 quarter mile, proving that the Mustang really put the horse in one-horse race.
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
