It was supposed to be a day of speed and excitement. A Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Stage 1 — the electric rebirth of a legendary muscle car — lined up against a Tesla Model Y Performance at a local dragstrip. But instead of a clear victory for the Mopar machine, the results left many fans scratching their heads.
Charger Daytona R/T vs. Tesla Model Y Performance –
On paper, the Charger Daytona R/T Stage 1 brings some serious numbers: 496 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque. With the PowerShot feature engaged, it gets a temporary boost of 40 extra horses for ten seconds, making launches even more aggressive. But despite its modern tech, all-wheel-drive (AWD), and muscle car roots, the Charger couldn’t quite deliver.
The Tesla Model Y Performance, known more for its practicality than its performance, surprised everyone. It comes equipped with 455 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a dual-motor AWD setup just like the Charger Daytona. This gives it the ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
A Disappointing Outcome for Dodge Fans –
When the lights went green, the Tesla surged ahead. The Charger Daytona R/T fought hard but couldn’t close the gap. When the times came in, the Model Y Performance clocked a quarter-mile in 12.54 seconds @ 111.52 mph (179.48 km/h), while the Charger finished in 12.87 seconds with a trap speed of 111.84 mph (179.92 km/h).
This wasn’t the showing Dodge fans were hoping for. The Charger Daytona R/T’s sleek lines and historic nameplate bring back memories of high-powered V8s and screaming exhausts. But on this day, the new eMuscle car struggled to live up to that legacy.
Price and Weight Comparison –
The price difference between the two vehicles is striking, especially when factoring in the performance loss at the track. The 2025 Dodge Charger R/T Stage 1 carries a hefty base U.S. MSRP of $59,595, reflecting its premium electric muscle car status. This price point is significantly higher than the 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance, which comes in at $42,990. While the Tesla doesn’t carry the same muscle car heritage or aggressive styling, it offers strong performance at a considerably lower price.
Weight also plays a crucial role in the performance comparison. The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Stage 1 tips the scales at 5,698 lbs (2,584 kg), which is heavy for a car trying to position itself as a high-performance machine. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y Performance weighs 4,416 lbs (2,002 kg), a significant 1,282 lbs (582 kg) lighter than the Charger. This difference in weight could be a factor in the Tesla’s quicker launch and overall track performance, making the weight-to-performance ratio a critical consideration in this showdown.
Factory Performance Numbers Comparison –
| Car Model | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 mph | Quarter-Mile Time | Trap Speed | Weight | Base U.S. MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Dodge Charger R/T Stage 1 | 496 | 404 | 4.7 seconds | 12.87 seconds | 111.84 mph | 5,698 lbs | $59,595 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance | 455 | 487 | 3.5 seconds | 12.54 seconds | 111.52 mph | 4,416 lbs | $42,990 |
Source: Wheels YouTube Channel
