Tesla Roadster (2008) vs Tesla Roadster 2.5
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| TeslaRoadster (2008) | TeslaRoadster 2.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | February 2008 | July 2010 |
| Performance | ||
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Power | 248 bhp | 288 bhp (better) |
| Engine or motors | The 2008 owner manual, revised in January 2009, specifies an air-cooled AC induction motor rated at 375 V, 14,000 rpm and 248 HP (185 kW) at 5,500–6,800 rpm for the single-speed car. Later Roadster 2 and 2.5 generations are separate entries. | Air-cooled AC induction motor with variable-frequency drive, rated at 375 V and 14,000 rpm. The manual lists 288 HP (215 kW) at 5,000–6,000 rpm for Roadster and 4,400–6,000 rpm for Sport. Updated power-control hardware supports driving in exceptionally hot climates. |
| Torque | Tesla’s September 2008 powertrain announcement lists 286 Nm (211 lb-ft) for the earlier drivetrain and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) for the new single-speed drivetrain. The revised 2008 manual instead lists 277 lb-ft (376 Nm); these documentary differences are retained explicitly. | Standard 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) at 0–5,400 rpm; Sport 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) at 0–5,100 rpm. |
| Gearbox | The first production cars used an interim transmission. During 2008 Tesla introduced a BorgWarner single-speed gearbox and offered earlier owners a free powertrain upgrade. The revised 2008 manual gives an overall ratio of 8.27:1. | Single-speed fixed reduction with an electrically actuated parking lock; overall final-drive ratio 8.27:1. Reverse uses the motor turning in the opposite direction. |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive. | Rear-wheel drive. Independent unequal-length wishbones with coil springs and telescopic dampers; Sport adds adjustable damping and anti-roll bars. Directional forged wheels were introduced in silver or black. |
| Practicality | ||
| Body | Convertible | Convertible |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Length | 3,946 mm | 3,946 mm |
| Weight | From 1,235 kg | From 1,235 kg |
| Towing | Trailer towing is not permitted. | Trailer towing is not permitted. |
| Size | The revised 2008 manual gives width 1,851 mm including mirrors, height 1,126.5 mm at mid-laden weight and wheelbase 2,351 mm. Its 1,235 kg kerb weight excludes occupants and cargo; mid-laden dimensions include two 75 kg occupants. | Width 1,851 mm including mirrors; height 1,127 mm at mid-laden weight; wheelbase 2,351 mm. The manual's 1,235 kg kerb weight excludes occupants and cargo; mid-laden figures include two 75 kg occupants. |
| Release and generation details | Tesla’s 2010 S-1 filing explicitly says its first Roadster was physically delivered in February 2008. Regular production followed in March; the single-speed powertrain update was announced in September 2008. The reviews concern that updated car, before the Roadster 2 cabin and Sport launch in 2009. | Tesla's annual filing states that Roadster 2.5 was released in July 2010 as an upgrade to Roadster 2. The 1 July announcement opened orders and described worldwide store availability as forthcoming, so that announcement day is not presented as the first delivery day. US road tests call it the 2011 model-year car. |
| Range and charging | ||
| Range detail | Tesla’s September 2008 announcement gives 244 miles on the US EPA combined cycle for the new single-speed drivetrain, versus the previously announced 221 miles. The original interim-transmission claim was 0–60 mph in 5.7 seconds; the September announcement gives 3.9 seconds for the new drivetrain. Neither EPA range nor 0–60 mph is entered as WLTP or 0–62 mph. | Tesla's 2011 annual filing quotes 245 miles per charge for the Roadster on the US EPA combined cycle, not WLTP. Consumer Guide describes a 244-mile advertised figure for its exact 2.5 Sport test. Period tests cite Tesla's 0–60 mph claims of 3.9 seconds for standard or 3.7 for Sport; these are not 0–62 mph figures. |
| Charging | The revised 2008 owner manual describes proprietary AC charging and a lithium-ion battery with 6,831 cells. | Proprietary AC charging connection. The exact 2.5 manual lists charge times at 70 A/240 V of 4 hours in Standard mode or 4.5 hours in Range mode; at 13 A/240 V, 18 or 20 hours respectively. The lithium-ion battery contains 6,831 cells. Repeated Range-mode charging reduces cell life, according to the manual. |
| CO2 emissions | No tailpipe emissions. | No tailpipe emissions. |
| Tech and safety | ||
| Infotainment | – | Optional 7-inch touchscreen with reversing camera. Revised seats have larger bolsters and lumbar support; new front-fender liner material reduces cabin noise. |
| Driver assistance | Anti-lock braking and traction control. Unassisted steering, as described in both period single-speed road tests. | Anti-lock braking and traction control; optional reversing camera. Period tests describe unassisted steering. |