[MikeyCVolt]

UPDATE: Added data for the Tesla Model 3 (long range version)...

Given that testing shows the Volt can reach 30 MPH a little faster than the Bolt but the Bolt is quite a bit faster above 30 MPH, I got curious as to when the Bolt would pass the Volt in a drag race. Both sets of data came from Motor Trend testing and I used regression fitting to plot values between those listed. Given how electric motors perform, the regression was quite smooth (reasonably accurate).

I've attached some charts and the Excel spreadsheet for those interested. Given the test results, I believe I can play out the scenario of the two cars together in this "paper race":

- Bolt and Volt lined up, light turns green and both take off
- At 1.3 seconds: the Volt passes the 20 ft mark doing 20 MPH. Bolt is at 14 ft, 6 feet behind going 15 MPH.
- At 2.1 seconds: the Volt passes the 50 ft mark doing 30 MPH. Bolt is at 36 ft, 14 feet behind going 25 MPH.
- At 3.1 seconds: the Volt passes the 100 ft mark doing 38 MPH. Bolt is at 80 ft, 20 feet behind going 35 MPH.
- At 4.1 seconds: the Volt passes the 160 ft mark doing 45 MPH. Bolt is at 140 ft, 20 feet behind going 45 MPH.
- At 4.2 seconds: the Bolt starts closing the gap as it is now going faster than the Volt (both cars get to 45 in 4.1s).
- At 6.4 seconds: The Volt passes the 330 ft mark doing 57 MPH. Bolt is at 320 ft, 10 feet behind doing 60 MPH.
- At 8.3 seconds: The Volt and Bolt both pass the 500 ft mark dead even.
- At 9.8 seconds: the Bolt passes the 1/8 mile mark doing 77 MPH. Volt is at 650 ft, 10 feet behind doing 70 MPH.

So... the Bolt wins the 1/8 mile by about 10 feet. Some things of interest:

• 0-45 MPH on both cars is the same.
• It takes the Bolt 500 feet to catch the Volt when starting from a dead stop.
• Bolt out accelerates the Volt above 25 MPH so start above 25 MPH and the Volt loses every race (at least up to 93 MPH).
• Despite the numbers, the whole 1/8 mile race is close. The Bolt never drops back more than about 20 feet (a little more than one car length) and the Volt only loses the 1/8 mile by a little more than a fender.

So that's my geeking out for the day. Just having fun. Take with a grain of salt. My observation is that both cars look quick enough to have fun.

Mike

 

[edk-austin]

Thanks. Always wondered about the crossover distance. Interesting. 500 ft.

Now you just have to add gen 1 and some other quick cars.

 

[sosmerc]

Very interesting. When I first drove the Bolt (on the same day I was waiting for my new Volt to be prepped for delivery) I felt the Bolt was quicker and livelier by "seat of the pants". I was impressed with the Bolt, but it's range of 238 was about 50 miles shy of what I would have required to make my monthly trip to Yakima over White Pass......especially during Winter. Glad I got the Volt...no range anxiety AND I love the ACC that the Bolt still does not offer.

 

[MikeyCVolt]

Thanks. Always wondered about the crossover distance. Interesting. 500 ft.

Now you just have to add gen 1 and some other quick cars.

Just updated the OP with data for the long range Model 3 (not dual motor). Data down at really low speeds might be suspect due to traction, etc. but it looks like the Volt can keep up with the Model 3 for the first 100 feet or so and might even pull ahead a few feet before that. After that, it's all over. By the 500 foot mark, the Model 3 is almost 100 feet ahead of the Volt and Bolt. I suspect some of that is due to the Model 3's challenge of putting power down off the line.

Mike

 

[KenC]

- Bolt and Volt lined up, light turns green and both take off
- At 1.3 seconds: the Volt passes the 20 ft mark doing 20 MPH. Bolt is at 14 ft, 6 feet behind going 15 MPH.
- At 2.1 seconds: the Volt passes the 50 ft mark doing 30 MPH. Bolt is at 36 ft, 14 feet behind going 25 MPH.
- At 3.1 seconds: the Volt passes the 100 ft mark doing 38 MPH. Bolt is at 80 ft, 20 feet behind going 35 MPH.
- At 4.1 seconds: the Volt passes the 160 ft mark doing 45 MPH. Bolt is at 140 ft, 20 feet behind going 45 MPH.
- At 4.2 seconds: the Bolt starts closing the gap as it is now going faster than the Volt (both cars get to 45 in 4.1s).

Thanks, very interesting, but something seems off between the 3.1s and 4.1s times. At 3.1s, the Volt is going 38mph, and at 4.1s, it's going 45mph. The Bolt was going 35mph, also speeding up to 45mph. However, the distance gap remains 20ft. Shouldn't the Volt still be increasing the gap to the Bolt, until the crossover point, ie 45mph, then the Bolt slowly closes the gap. How does the gap remain the same?

Okay, I'm going to say, it's rounding. The gap is larger, but only a little, so that when you round it to whole feet, it comes out the same.

 

[MikeyCVolt]

Thanks, very interesting, but something seems off between the 3.1s and 4.1s times. At 3.1s, the Volt is going 38mph, and at 4.1s, it's going 45mph. The Bolt was going 35mph, also speeding up to 45mph. However, the distance gap remains 20ft. Shouldn't the Volt still be increasing the gap to the Bolt, until the crossover point, ie 45mph, then the Bolt slowly closes the gap. How does the gap remain the same?

Okay, I'm going to say, it's rounding. The gap is larger, but only a little, so that when you round it to whole feet, it comes out the same.

Yeah, I just rounded to ~20 as it didn't change more than a foot or two. Some of the data points don't line up exactly with the same timestamp either and I didn't take the time to "interpolate" between the data points to make it that accurate.

Mike

 

[Blastphemy]

I'm surprised that the 2019 Volt didn't improve on acceleration. (I also can't believe Chevrolet still lets the tires peel out instead of utilizing traction control to achieve the fastest possible acceleration while under control.)

In Sport Mode, does the Volt accelerate any faster than Chevy's claimed 8.4 seconds? How about when the battery has been depleted and the engine is running - any additional assist there (like in the Cadillac ELR)?

 

[MikeyCVolt]

I'm surprised that the 2019 Volt didn't improve on acceleration. (I also can't believe Chevrolet still lets the tires peel out instead of utilizing traction control to achieve the fastest possible acceleration while under control.)

In Sport Mode, does the Volt accelerate any faster than Chevy's claimed 8.4 seconds? How about when the battery has been depleted and the engine is running - any additional assist there (like in the Cadillac ELR)?

It does utilize traction control. It'll let the tires spin a little but then it'll pull back the power. Motor Trend got 7.1 0-60 in a 2016 Volt and the slowest time I've seen from the car magazines was 7.6. I consistently get 7.4 to 7.5. The difference between EV mode and gas+EV is about 1/10 of a second so really no difference.

I found no real difference in 0-60 between modes:

https://youtu.be/8RJM5c2wrMs

Mike

 

[Blastphemy]

It'll let the tires spin a little but then it'll pull back the power.

A little? Not on my test drive! If it had been raining, that Volt would have been all over the place hydroplaning.

I wonder if there are "stickier" tires that might alleviate this (with the realization that it would probably reduce overall EV range a bit)?

My 2016 ELR never peeled out, even under the most forceful acceleration.

 

[Sheldon]

... I consistently get 7.4 to 7.5. The difference between EV mode and gas+EV is about 1/10 of a second so really no difference.

I found no real difference in 0-60 between modes:
https://youtu.be/8RJM5c2wrMs

cool video I usually put the pedal to the floor more gradually to minimize tire spin; rather than mash the pedal to the floor. I assume results for acceleration are similar.

Car and driver saw some improvement for the 50-70mph using the gas engine; 5.2sec vs 4.3sec on battery. Actually, 5.2sec passing gear is acceptable; the Prius is 7.1sec and the Mazda3 with 2.0L is 5.4sec; Mazda3 with 2.5L is 4.9sec. The Volt takes advantage of instantaneous torque at all speeds.

 

[MikeyCVolt]

cool video I usually put the pedal to the floor more gradually to minimize tire spin; rather than mash the pedal to the floor. I assume results for acceleration are similar.

I do too. On dry pavement in a straight line, I can turn off TC and feather the throttle and get it to hook quickly without spinning. Doing that I might be able to shave off a tenth or two but for this test, I was trying to see if there was a difference between normal, sport, and hold so I figured I'd remove my foot as a variable thinking that the TC was probably more consistent and would remove a variable in the timing.

Mike

 

[gbergman14]

I don't understand how you were able to make those measurements. I have both cars, but when I try to accelerate hard from a standstill on either asphalt or pavement, the front wheels slip. To outrun anyone next to me (which I like to do), I have learned to start a bit slower before hitting it hard. So, any measurement I may take (which I haven't) would be dependent on driving skill. Perhaps in a few years, I'll get better tires than what came with the cars. (I'll be sure to check this forum as the time approaches.) My Bolt is a lease, so that ain't gonna happen.

 

[MikeyCVolt]

Added a sporty hatchback: Honda Civic R (passes the Volt at the 200 ft mark)...

Mike

 

[MikeyCVolt]

Added a sporty hatchback to the mix: Civic Type R (passes the Volt at the 200 ft mark).

Mike