10 Cheap Electric Vehicles That Can Keep Up With The Porsche 911 (2024)

When it comes to performance, names like Corvette, Mustang, and Ferrari are instantaneously called to mind, and perhaps there’s no greater visual of the quintessential performance coupe than the Porsche 911 – a legend in looks, capability, and reputation. To put things into perspective, the Porsche 911 Carrera is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat six-cylinder mill that churns out 379 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of oomph. Courtesy of this, it can sprint to 60 mph from rest in just four seconds and on to a top speed of 182 mph. However, it starts at $114,400.

But, all those names represent the past of car performance, and the automotive world isn’t going that way. It’s speeding down a road that’s demarcated by charging stations and populated with electric cars. And, though EVs are known for their reduced emissions and energy efficiency, they also produce gobs of power and instantaneous take-offs to rival classic muscle cars and the performance cars of yesteryear. As these EVs prove, they can more than keep up with a Porsche 911 Carrera.

1 Tesla Model 3 Performance – $53,990

0–60 MPH: 3.1 Seconds

The comparison between the Tesla Model 3 Performance and the Porsche 911 Carrera is not a new one, as both models are considered leaders in automotive innovation. The first EV to sell a million units, the Model 3 is perhaps the purveyor of things to come in performance cars, whereas the Porsche is the classic example of dynamic performance.

Performance Specifications

There’s no getting away from the Tesla Model 3’s instantaneous torque that makes for a quicker 0-60 time than that of the 911, and it’s today’s most efficient compact EV. On the other hand, you don’t get the visceral experience of driving a Porsche, with its balanced handling and lovely engine note.

Pros

• Instant torque
• Advanced technology
• Lower operating costs

Cons

• Driving experience
• Interior craftsmanship
• Driving range

2 Tesla Model Y Performance: $54,990

0–60 mph: 3.5 Seconds

The Tesla Model Y and Porsche 911 Carrera are at two ends of the driving spectrum, with the Model Y offering the modern technology, innovation , and sustainability that is inherent in an EV, and the 911 countering with classic looks, premium ambiance, and legendary performance.

Performance Specifications

The differences couldn’t be more stark between these two, with the Tesla offering state-of-the-art technology and, as the most efficient electric mid-sized SUV, the ability to go where the Porsche won’t. But then again, the Tesla is far removed from the Porsche’s heritage and on-road driving dynamics.

Pros

• Off-pavement ability
• State-of-the-art technology
• Cheaper to buy and run

Cons

• Teutonic interior
• On-road dynamics

3 Kia EV6 GT: $62,695

0–60 mph: 3.4 Seconds

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Who would ever think we’d be comparing a Kia to a Porsche, but here we are, with the Kia EV6 outwitting even a Ferrari on flat-out acceleration, albeit that’s probably about it. The EV6 is an obvious choice, if you want year-round practicality and sure-footing. The Porsche gets the nod in pretty much every other category.

Performance Specifications

The Kia EV6 GT’s power outputs are far and above what the Porsche offers from its turbocharged flat-six, and are completely responsible for the EV6’s challenge against the Porsche’s claimed 4.0-second 0-60 mph sprint. And although it may get down a straight stretch of road more quickly, it won’t touch the 911 through the twisties.

Pros

• Flat-out launch
• Interior comfort
• Go-anywhere ability

Cons

• Bland dynamic performance
• Econobox interior

4 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: $66,100

0–60 mph: 3.4 Seconds

The Ioniq 5 N is the designated performance version of the new Hyundai electric SUV model, and though it won’t be a consideration to the Porsche 911 in terms of presentation and cachet, it does have the chops to challenge the Porsche on straight-line acceleration. It’s also the cheapest, most potent EV outside of Tesla.

Performance Specifications

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will outsprint the Porsche to 60 mph, by half a second at least, and that may be enough to keep it ahead, until it gets to the technical part of the race circuit. Then, the Porsche’s top speed and dynamic prowess take over, and there’s the visceral quotient with blipping throttles and a wailing turbo-six.

Pros

• 0-60 sprint speed
• Customizable driving modes
• Decent handling

Cons

• Heavy
• Modern but plasticky interior
• Lower range than most EVs

5 BMW i4 M50: $67,300

0–60 mph: 3.7 seconds

If there’s an EV that can maybe hold a performance candle to a Porsche 911 (outside of a Taycan, of course) it’s a BMW M model, and the BMW i4 M50 stands ready to take up the challenge with acceleration power to match the 911, and the added benefits of more cabin space and arguably more opulence.

Performance Specifications

With four doors and a roomier cabin, the BMW i4 M50 challenges the M3 for BMW internal sports sedan bragging rights, but its inflated bulk makes it a less definitive success against the Porsche 911 than some of the others on this list.

Pros

• Quick acceleration
• Cutting-edge technology
• Roomy cabin

Cons

• Bland luxury-sedan experience
• Interior presentation
• Not great driving range

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6 Genesis GV60 Performance: $67,500

0–60 mph: 3.7 Seconds

The Genesis GV60 offers a better comparison to maybe a Porsche Macan, but that’s not what this list is about. In terms of flat-out acceleration, the Genesis’s instant-on torque beats the Porsche 911 out of the box, but not overwhelmingly. It also merits comparison against the 911 for year-round dependability.

Performance Specifications

The Genesis GV60 and Porsche 911 are night-and-day in just about every facet, A plusher version of the Kia and Hyundai you read about earlier, the GV60 gains the upper hand on the Porsche in cabin roominess and sprint to 60 mph, but it can’t deliver the captivating driving experience of the 911, which naturally isn’t as technologically advanced.

Pros

• Stunning good looks
• Advance technology
• Sustainable performance

Cons

• Modern nameplate has no heritage
• Uninspiring driving dynamics

7 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition: $69,995

0–60 mph: 3.5 seconds

There was a lot of skepticism that the Mustang Mach-E was simply trying to play on buyer nostalgia by offering a Mustang in name only, but the reality is that its performance can not only keep up with a Porsche 911 Carrera, it can also make you forget all about having a V-8 under the hood.

Performance Specifications

All the cars on this list can keep up with the Porsche 911 Carrera on acceleration, but the Mustang Mach-E is special as one of the few that can keep up in handling. It’s by no means equal to the Porsche, but then very few cars are, electric or otherwise. Neither one is better, though, offering distinct driving experiences.

Pros

• Muscle-car acceleration
• Driving assistance aids
• Brand perception

Cons

• Performance depletes energy quickly
• Prestige

8 Rivian R1T/R1S: $73,000/$78,000

0–60 mph in 3.0 seconds

The Rivian trucks could be treated separately, and both are equally dominant in acceleration over the Porsche 911 Carrera, but it’s precisely their performance and efficiency identicalities that make the only difference essentially just the body style. Both Rivians are quick, but their performance is stoked in off-road capability.

Performance Specifications

There are two iterations each of Rivian R1T and R1S, with the peak being the quad-motor units that divert those 835 horses to motors at all four wheels, and they’re at their best when they are vectoring torque to gain grip in various slip conditions. It’s quite different from the purist performance the Porsche 911 delivers.

Pros

• Off-road capability
• Storage versatility
• Quick acceleration for a truck

Cons

• Availability
• High prices
• Software limitations

9 Lucid Air Pure: $87,400

0–60 mph: 3.8 Seconds

While the Porsche 911 Carrera remains the benchmark for classic performance, the Lucid Air aims to deliver a more modern take on performance, most notably from a sport sedan perspective. It has the luxury chops and modern technology to pull it off, and is notably the most efficient full-sized EV in the segment.

Performance Specifications

The Lucid Air Pure is the equivalent of those large sports sedans from BMW M, Cadillac V, or Mercedes-AMG, delivering massive power that belies its physical stature. Unlike the others, though, it does it seamlessly and quietly, in contrast to the whirlwind of activity going on behind the cabin of the Porsche 911 Carrera.

Pros

• Impressive range
• Luxurious cabin appointments
• Cutting-edge looks

Cons

• Prohibitive cost
• Long wait times
• Lacking luxury standards

10 Tesla Model S Dual Motor AWD: $89,990

0–60 mph in 3.1 Seconds

One of the oldest electric vehicles on the market is also one of the better sports sedans on the market, with a 0-60 time that is almost a full second faster than the Porsche 911 Carrera. Naturally, the Tesla makes its name on advanced technology and cutting-edge performance, which endears it to nerdy enthusiasts.

Performance Specifications

The Tesla Model S caters to a different kind of enthusiast, with instant-on, seamless acceleration that rivals a Bugatti Veyron, but without the visceral sound and vibration explosion of the Porsche 911 Carrera. The Model S may still be the best EV, in straight-line speed and technological sophistication at least, but lacks the pure driving magic of a 911.

Pros

• Lightning quick acceleration
• Long-distance range
• Advanced technology

Cons

• High price
• Lackluster interior
• Lack of a steering wheel