Courtesy Of The Motor Trend Archives Writer How to Outrun a Tesla Plaid in the Quarter Mile In math class, you learned that 500 rwhp in a 3,000-pound car will bag you a 10.50 second e.t at about 125 mph. For each additional 100 horsepower, you go roughly 1 second quicker. For each 100-pound reduction in weight, you go 0.10 quicker. All of this assumes 100-percent traction. The Tesla propaganda claims the electric motors combined make 1,020 hp (we're assuming this is at the motors' output shafts) and weighspounds yet it runs 9.25. The instant torque peak (1,050 lb-ft) is the reason for this difference. The more power you have, the more torque is applied earlier in the power band, making the car accelerate faster. Instant torque cheats this process. A stripped-down, lightweight Tesla Plaid would be a seriously fast car. Don't worry, you can beat a $130,000 Tesla with knowhow. First, spot the Plaid by looking for the small badge on the passenger rear of the Model S, the yolk steering wheel, and the eager driver wanting to race. Second, don't race on the street. You will lose, and go to jail. Instead, invite the Plaid owner to race on a drag strip. It's only about $20 and you will have time to either strip 1,000 pounds off your car or add several 15 pound bottles of nitrous in order to win. Next, tell him or her that you only race two out of three and you have to run all three or forfeit. That way, when the Tesla breaks the 9.99 e.t., it will get banned from further passes and you win. Finally, the Plaid requires almost 10 seconds to "spool" at the line. If the starter doesn't know this, you can stage quickly and leave before the Tesla is ready. Let's review. Install a nitrous fogger with 750hp jets, strip everything off your car, and cheat by having your opponent disqualified. You're welcome. See All 17 Photos