The Tesla Cybertruck Failed to Live up to Early Porsche 911 Comparisons
In 2019 Elon Musk claimed the Cybertruck would be “better” than the Porsche 911. The Cybertruck’s projected specs did seem to best the 911 on paper, but what about on the pavement? As the release of the 2021 Cybertruck approaches the angular Tesla’s performance can be compared to the electric pickup with a bit more accuracy.
Elon Musk’s comparison in perspective
Each of Musk’s claims were about the top-tier 2021 Cybertruck’s estimated performance. The base package pickup can’t compete. Musk compared his truck to the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera T. It’s impressive that any pickup truck, let alone an electric vehicle, could compare to this legendary sports car.
Comparing the most powerful Cybertruck to the least powerful Porsche feels incongruent. The best cybertruck maybe better than the base 911, but so are other 911s which out-perform the Tesla. Can Musk really claim the Cybertruck is a better sports car if it can only top the slowest 911?
Tesla Cybertruck comments caused an online stir
Musk’s comments drew skepticism online. Many pointed out that some of these specs are purely speculation. While the Cybertruck is still in development and changing, it’s unclear exactly what its specs will be. According to Teslarati, the Cybertruck will be three percent smaller than originally projected. This change could easily affect the pickup’s performance.
Some found Elon’s assessment too vague and subjective to mean much. Musk failed to emphasize what made the Cybertruck a better sports car than the beloved Porsche. The Tesla pickup does beat the 911 in several specs, but what makes a sports car?
Similarly, Musk claimed his Cybertruck was a better pickup than the best-selling Ford F-150. Later, Musk went on to say that even if the Cybertruck failed to sell, Tesla could produce a more traditional pickup on the same platform. Tesla’s CEO is known for making bold statements and having absolute confidence in his products.
How the Tesla Cybertruck stacks up against Porsche 911
For many, what makes a sports car great is the precision engineering behind these powerful and fast vehicles. With that in mind, the Cybertruck does top the 911 in both acceleration and brawn. If that’s what makes a better sports car, Musk may be right.
The massive electric pickup truck can’t beat the Porsche’s top speed. The smallest engine package available in the 2019 Porsche 911 is a 3.0-liter turbocharged flat 6. Its top speed is reportedly 182 miles per hour. Tesla’s Cybertruck tops out at 130 miles per hour.
The 2019 Porsche 911 goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over four seconds. The Tri-Motor AWD Cybertruck accelerates to 60 miles per hour in just under three seconds. The least aggressive 911 engine brings 370 hp to the table. The most powerful Porsche 911 boasts 690 hp. The Tri-Motor Cybertruck claims 800 hp.
Is Tesla’s Cybertruck the better sports car?
On paper, a sports car is defined as a low-built car designed for speed and performance. Following that cut-and-dry standard, the Cybertruck doesn’t fit the mold. Musk doesn’t expect anyone looking for an agile and sleek ride to opt for the massive Cybertruck. The innovative CEO is known for his expressive language and hyperbole. It’s likely he purely meant to highlight the engineering that makes the Cybertruck so exciting.
Is the Cybertruck a better sports car than the Porsche 911? No, it’s not. However, it’s an impressive feat of engineering that deserves the kind of appreciation usually reserved for exotic cars.
