2023 Porsche Taycan vs. Tesla Comparison
If you're looking for an all-exclusive full-electric performance sedan, two manufacturers at the top of your list are sure to be Porsche and Tesla. Porsche has made a name for themselves building cutting-edge, high-performance sports cars for over seventy years. Tesla, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the car business, but has rapidly built a reputation for building EVs that are both fast and luxurious. So, how do these two models stack up against each other? We'll crunch the numbers, compare the data, and give you everything you need to make an informed, intelligent choice when it comes to your next electric vehicle.
Porsche vs. Tesla
Porsche built their reputation on the racetrack, so they understand better than anyone that competition makes everyone better. Tesla may be a relative newcomer to the industry, but they've made a name for themselves in record time. Like Porsche, Tesla has legions of dedicated fans that appreciate what the brand is doing. Porsche and Tesla both offer impressive performance, but Porsche bests Tesla in a few ways that the raw numbers don't necessarily reflect. Many of these issues can be boiled down to simple growing pains, but when you're spending over $75,000 and up for an electric vehicle, you expect – and deserve – the best.
Charging
One of the Taycan's big advantages comes from its battery architecture. The Taycan uses an 800-volt battery architecture, which is double the voltage of most of the rest of the EVs on the market. What this means is that the Porsche Taycan is able to hit a charging rate of 270 kW, the highest of any EV you can buy. The Tesla Model S, on the other hand, tops out at 200 kW, which translates into longer charging times at DC fast charges. Not only that, but charging wattage changes as the battery reaches full charge, and the Porsche is able to hold a higher wattage until much later in the charging cycle. What this means is that, even when charging at lower wattage fast chargers (many have a maximum of 150 kW), the Taycan will still charge faster using the same charger.
Performance
Recently, the Tesla Model S Plaid received considerable attention for attaining an impressive 0-60 time of just 1.98 seconds. However, further research reveals that time is only attainable on a specially prepared dragstirip surface, with the Model S Plaid undergoing a battery and motor cooling/conditioning regimen to prevent overheating and damage – which takes between 8 and 15 minutes – and the car going into "cheetah stance," which takes around ten seconds. To pull off this little parlor trick, the Tesla Model S Plaid actually needs, at a minimum, just under 8 minutes and 12 seconds, at best, to do its "sub 2-second 0-60" routine1. Meanwhile, Porsche has extensively stress-tested the Taycan, seen tackling the grueling 0-200 km/h (0-124 MPH) run 26 times in a row.
The Porsche Taycan has been lauded for its incredible handling and overall driving dynamics – the sort of sports-car experience you'd expect from a Porsche2. Meanwhile, Tesla engineers are replacing the tried and tested steering wheel with a yoke that makes the Model S more difficult – and potentially less safe – to drive3.
Support & Service
Tesla and Posche both operate nearly 200 stores in the United States. Tesla has famously eschewed the traditional dealership model, which is seen as a benefit by many. After all, many of us have had negative dealership experiences in our lifetimes. However, a luxury car deserves a luxury experience that a good dealership can provide, especially when it comes to after-sales support. Porsche can claim bragging rights there, as their finely-tuned dealer network is well-suited to take care of customers before, during, and after the sale, providing a luxury experience long after your vehicle leaves the showroom floor. Tesla, on the other hand, is struggling with making sure that customers have a good experience after they've purchased their vehicle4.
The Winner — Porsche
It's clear that Porsche knows more about building a sports car – and cars in general – than Tesla. In addition, your Porsche dealer is better equipped to take care of any questions or concerns you may have after you purchase your new Taycan. It's true that Tesla is improving rapidly, but so is Porsche – and it should be clear by now that Porsche isn't the one playing catch-up. If you're looking for an electric car that's delivers typically Porsche performance, a combined with personalized, local dealer support should any issues arise, the Porsche Taycan should be your first and only choice.
1Information taken from MotorTrend – https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-tesla-model-s-plaid-first-test-review/
2Information taken from Car and Driver – https://www.caranddriver.com/porsche/taycan
3Information taken from Slate – https://slate.com/technology/2021/09/tesla-yoke-steering-wheel-safety.html
4Information taken from Business Insider – https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-stores-bad-at-responding-to-customers-unlike-elon-musk-2019-8