Drag Race: Tesla Model 3 vs. electric snowmobile on a frozen lake

This drag race is not car against a car or an electric vs. internal combustion drivetrain. No, this drag race is between a Tesla Model 3 Performance and an electric snowmobile on a frozen lake in Finland — Tesla evangelist Bjorn Nyland arranged this race using his Model 3 which he calls 'MC Hammer'.

Above: Tesla Model 3 Performance and eSled electric snowmobile just before drag racing (Source: Bjorn Nyland / YouTube)

The electric snowmobile in this race is called the 'eSled' with a top speed of 95 km/h (59 mph). The eSled has around 100 hp and a total weight including the driver of around 350 kilograms (771 lbs). In contrast, Tesla's Model 3 Performance is packed with around 490 horsepower and a total weight with the driver of around 1900 kilograms (4188 lbs). Interestingly, the power to weight ratio in both vehicles is nearly the same.

Above: An introduction to the eSled electric snowmobile (YouTube: eSled)

As the creators explain in the video above, the electric sled is purposefully built to perform on icy and snowy terrains. The eSled (being electric) also comes with benefits like low noise pollution and zero-emissions. It was built for eco-friendliness without compromising its performance and agility. Let's see how it performs against Bjorn's Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Above: Tesla Model 3 vs. eSled electric snowmobile drag race (YouTube: Bjorn Nyland).

Not surprisingly, the snowmobile won all the drag race attempts. Yes, it's possible that a Tesla's performance may be compromised in such low temperatures — the battery may not warm up enough to provide full power in these conditions. That said, the eSled has skis instead of tires which clearly enables it to move faster on an icy surface.

Sure, Bjorn's Tesla Model 3 Performance is equipped with snow tires. Perhaps if Bjorn had also utilized Model 3 snow chains, the results might have been a little different. But I still think the winner would be the electric snowmobile — that thing is a beast. And, I have to admit, it looks like a lot of fun.

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Written by: Iqtidar Ali. An earlier version of this article was originally published on X Auto.