10 Fastest Accelerating Electric Cars vs. 10 Fastest Petrol Cars (0–60 mph)
There’s a specific kind of silence just before a launch. In a Tesla Model S Plaid, it’s eerie—like someone muted the world—and then, bang, the horizon just sprints at you. I’ve felt it at a drag strip on a cool evening, tires warm, battery topped, and honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. Could anything with license plates feel this telepathic? That’s the new arms race: the fastest accelerating electric cars taking on the fastest petrol cars in the 0–60 mph game. Numbers matter, sure. But the way each gets there tells the real story.
Electric Pioneers: The Top 10 Fastest Accelerating Electric Cars
Electric cars used to be the quiet kids at the back of the class. Now they’re the ones borrowing your lunch money. With instant torque and clever traction, the fastest accelerating electric cars are redefining what “quick” feels like on real roads.
- Aspark Owl – 0–60 mph in 1.69 seconds (claimed, launch-control heroics required)
- Rimac C_Two (Nevera prototype) – 0–60 mph in 1.85 seconds
- Pininfarina Battista – 0–60 mph in 1.79 seconds (claimed)
- Tesla Model S Plaid – 0–60 mph in 1.99 seconds
- Porsche Taycan Turbo S – 0–60 mph in 2.4 seconds
- NIO EP9 – 0–60 mph in 2.7 seconds
- Tesla Model X Plaid – 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds
- Lucid Air Dream Edition – 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds
- Porsche Taycan Turbo – 0–60 mph in 3.0 seconds
- Rimac Concept_One – 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds
Petrol Powerhouses: The Top 10 Fastest Accelerating Petrol Cars
While EVs deliver the quiet punch, the quickest petrol cars bring theater—noise, gears, and a sense of occasion that makes every launch feel like a moment. I’ve had a few owners tell me their favorite part isn’t the number; it’s the goosebumps.
- Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ – 0–60 mph in 2.3 seconds (claimed)
- Hennessey Venom F5 – 0–60 mph in 2.6 seconds (claimed)
- Bugatti Divo – 0–60 mph in 2.4 seconds (claimed)
- Bugatti La Voiture Noire – 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds (claimed)
- Porsche 911 Turbo S – 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds
- McLaren 765LT – 0–60 mph in 2.7 seconds
- Ferrari SF90 Stradale – 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds
- Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica – 0–60 mph in 2.8 seconds (approx.)
- Nissan GT-R Nismo – 0–60 mph in 2.5–2.9 seconds (conditions vary)
- Aston Martin Valkyrie – around 2.5–2.6 seconds (estimate)
Electric vs. Petrol: The Showdown
Off the line, EVs usually take it. All-wheel traction plus instant torque equals a catapult effect. The fastest accelerating electric cars can make supercar drivers blink twice at a stoplight. But petrol heroes fight back with lighter curb weights, longer legs at speed, and that emotional punch—gearshifts, intake roar, the whole soundtrack. On a back road, I’ve found the lighter, grippier petrol cars often feel more alive past 60. On a city launch? EVs are like driving in slippers—effortless, undramatic, brutally effective.
Quick Stats: EV vs. Petrol 0–60 (Top Performers)
| Category | Car | 0–60 mph | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV | Aspark Owl | 1.69 s | Claimed, hypercar spec |
| EV | Rimac C_Two (Nevera) | 1.85 s | Record-grade traction control |
| EV | Tesla Model S Plaid | 1.99 s | Repeatability depends on battery temp/SoC |
| Petrol | Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ | 2.3 s | Monumental power, AWD |
| Petrol | Porsche 911 Turbo S | 2.5 s | Launch control legend |
Why EVs rocket off the line
- Instant torque from 0 rpm
- Fine-tuned traction control across multiple motors
- No gearshifts to interrupt acceleration
Why petrol cars still thrill
- Lighter weight (often), sharper at higher speeds
- Engaging transmissions and dramatic engine sound
- Thermal stamina on long, repeated runs (depending on setup)
The Future of Acceleration: Why the Fastest Accelerating Electric Cars Have Momentum
Battery tech and software get better every year. The fastest accelerating electric cars already own the first 60 feet, and as energy density improves (and weight drops), they’ll keep pressing advantages. Petrol’s counterpunch? Emotion and endurance. Honestly, I love that both exist. It gives us two flavors of ridiculous speed: silent sledgehammer or operatic thunder.
The Perfect Interior Accessory: Floor Mats That Survive Real Life
Between track days and family duty, your cabin takes a beating—sand from the beach, coffee from a bumpy commute, whatever the kids “accidentally” smuggle in. That’s where good floor mats earn their keep. I’ve used sets that slide, curl, and generally annoy me; the good ones just disappear into daily life.
For premium interior accessories, including properly tailored floor mats, I’ve had readers point me to AutoWin. At the AutoWin e-shop, you’ll find mats cut to fit the cars above—from EV rockets to petrol icons—so your 0–60 bragging rights don’t come with 0–6,000 crumbs ground into the carpet.
Why Choose AutoWin
- Perfect fit: AutoWin mats are patterned to your specific model, so they don’t bunch under pedals or leave gaps.
- Premium materials: Built to handle daily wear, wet shoes, and the occasional post-gym disaster.
- Real protection: Raised edges and robust backing help trap grit, spills, and snowmelt.
- Personal style: Colors and stitching options to match your build—subtle or shouty.
- Support that answers: In my experience (and a few owners mentioned this too), their team actually emails back like humans.
Bottom Line: Off-the-Line Kings, Two Very Different Stories
If you want the headline numbers, the fastest accelerating electric cars are the current off-the-line champions. They’re devastatingly quick and almost comically easy to launch. Petrol supercars, though, deliver that rich, mechanical theater that keeps you grinning long after the run is over. Either way, pick your poison—and maybe a nice set of mats—then enjoy every mile.
FAQ
Are 0–60 mph times directly comparable between EVs and petrol cars?
Mostly, but watch for rollout, surface prep, and temperature. EVs are more sensitive to battery temperature and state of charge; petrol cars can vary with launch technique and tire choice.
Why do EVs feel faster in the city?
Instant torque and no shifting. They leap ahead at low speeds where traction and response matter more than peak horsepower.
Do EVs slow down after repeated launches?
They can. Heat management and battery temps will dial back power to protect components. Many petrol cars also fade when heat-soaked.
Which is better for track days?
Depends. Petrol cars often manage heat better over long sessions and offer more driver engagement through gears and sound. Some modern EVs are getting very capable with advanced cooling and braking—but they’re heavy.
What’s the best way to improve 0–60 at home?
Good tires, correct pressures, clean surface, and practice. On EVs, keep the battery warm and well charged; on petrol cars, learn your car’s launch-control routine. And leave the heroics for safe, legal spaces.
