These two performance-focused SUVs accomplish their goals very differently but each one has its strong points
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August 27, 2023 at 18:49
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is a wild SUV with an even wilder engine. The Tesla Model Y Performance is still quick but certainly doesn’t sound or look like it belongs in this competition. How they fare in a U-drag against one another might surprise you though.
A U-drag is basically exactly what it sounds like. The two cars start off together from a dig and do a full quarter-mile drag race before having to do a U-turn and head back to the start line as fast as possible. It tests acceleration, cornering, and braking in one neat competition.
In this particular U-drag race, we’re talking about two SUVs that couldn’t be much more diametrically opposed. The Durango comes with 710 hp (529 kW), weighs in at 5,567 pounds, and costs north of $90,000. The Tesla weighs less at 4,419 pounds but only makes 456 hp (340 kW). On the other hand, it’ll only set someone back about $61,000.
More: Kia EV6 GT Vs Dodge Challenger SRT Black Ghost U-Drag Race Result Is Sure To Hurt Feelings
On paper, they don’t seem all that similar and they’re clearly aimed at very different demographics. On the track, they both put on a show. In race one, the SRT gets off of the line quicker and holds a car-length lead through the end of the quarter mile. The Tesla out-brakes it though and the two are head to head going into the turn.
The Model Y Performance is just a tad more composed and manages to exit the corner first and take home the victory. In race two, the electric car is even more dominant as it gets off of the line first, brakes faster, and dusts the Durango on its way to a 2-0 victory.
That’s not to say that the Dodge is a loser though. Its best time in the quarter-mile was faster than the best time set by the Tesla. No doubt it also sounds better and has a lot more personality. Really, the owners of each are the winners since both are wildly quick given their proportions and weight.
