The Tesla Roadster returns to the spotlight with old headline numbers that were extraordinary in 2017. But electric hypercar performance has moved on. Rimac’s Nevera R has since posted faster acceleration figures in record-setting runs, giving buyers a useful benchmark for the Roadster’s eventual production specification.
Published figures
| Metric | Tesla Roadster | Rimac Nevera R |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | Tesla lists 1.9 sec | Rimac reported 1.66 sec |
| 0-100 km/h | Tesla lists 2.1 sec | Rimac reported 1.72 sec |
| Top speed | Tesla lists 250+ mph | Reported record: 431 km/h |
| Range | Tesla lists 620 miles | Not directly comparable |
Why this comparison needs context
Tesla’s Roadster numbers are company-listed targets dating back to the original announcement, while Rimac’s figures cited here come from record-setting testing. They are not the same type of evidence. The Roadster also has not yet completed a final production specification and independent road test.
What Tesla needs to clarify
The October reveal should establish whether the 1.9-second 0-60 claim remains the production target, whether the 250-plus-mph top speed survives unchanged and how Tesla intends to achieve the claimed range alongside extreme performance.
FAQ
Is the Roadster still the fastest electric car?
That depends on the metric and whether you mean a claim, production specification or independently recorded result. Tesla’s original 1.9-second claim has been surpassed by later electric hypercar testing.
Does Rimac have a faster published acceleration time?
Yes. Rimac reported a 1.66-second 0-60 mph run for the Nevera R in its record-setting testing.
Sources: Tesla Roadster website; Rimac performance reporting; AutoNext, September 2026.
Related Tesla Roadster coverage: Tesla-listed Roadster specs · October 1 reveal guide · production timeline.
Primary sources: Tesla Roadster and Rimac Nevera R.
