Tesla Drag Race: 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Beats Model X [Watch]

To the 2019 Tesla Model X 100D (without Ludicrous mode), the current base version of the Model X, "You can't win them all." To the seven year old 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo that beat this brand new Tesla SUV, "How on Earth did it do that?"

It's rare a production Tesla electric vehicle (EV) loses a drag race -- any drag race -- to gasoline powered sports cars, SUVs or sedans at any altitude because of the instantaneous torque available to EVs coming off the line. But this was one of those few times.

The battle of these vehicles took place at a high altitude, which should have been a disadvantage for the Cayenne since the rarefied air reduces the combustion engine’s capability to generate maximum power. The site for these two races was the IMI Motorsports Complex in Dacono, Colorado that stands over 5,000 feet above sea level. This Cayenne was also seven years old with 120,000 miles behind it.

The brand new Tesla Model X also had disadvantages. It didn't have the Ludicrous mode upgrade that would have allowed it to zoom from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds, which is faster than some Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The driver of the Model X was also 70 lbs. heavier than the Cayenne's driver.

As for specs, the Cayenne can scramble from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It runs on a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8 engine packing 500 horsepower and a massive 516 pound-feet (700 Newton-meters). The Model X 100D is powered by a pair of electric motors that can accelerate this machine from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds -- but in the lowest suspension setting. The Model X is estimated to pack 500 hp. This means both SUVs had similar acceleration times and power output.

This Cayenne carries a price tag of $22,000 versus the 100D's $87,000.

The Cayenne Turbo and the Ludicrous-less 100D ran two races, which organizers, TheFastLane, billed as "The Past vs. the Future."

The first drag race (from 5:19 minutes on the video) has the Model X at its regular height and the battery nearly full. It saw the Cayenne Turbo quicker off the line and win after completing the 0 to 60 mph run in 5.64 seconds. The second race (from 7:30) had the Model X in the lowest suspension setup, which makes this EV more aerodynamic. This setting allowed the 100D to maintain the pace right after the start and ultimately take the win.

Watch both Tesla drag races below: