Tesla Roadster: Which Version to Buy and Why
Choosing a Tesla Roadster from the catalogue data means deciding between two very different generations. The 1 generation, produced from November 2006 through January 2012, offers two Roadster versions named AT, with either 251 hp or 291 hp, both using RWD. The 2 generation, listed from January 2017 with no stop date recorded, has one AT Roadster version with 772 hp and AWD.
Choosing a Tesla Roadster from the catalogue data means deciding between two very different generations. The 1 generation, produced from November 2006 through January 2012, offers two Roadster versions named AT, with either 251 hp or 291 hp, both using RWD. The 2 generation, listed from January 2017 with no stop date recorded, has one AT Roadster version with 772 hp and AWD. Buyers seeking the strongest performance figures should choose the 772 hp AT; those prioritizing a documented kerb weight, torque figure, and ground clearance should consider either 1 generation version, because those measurements are not provided for the newer car.
Tesla Roadster generations compared
The 1 generation ran from November 2006 to January 2012 and used the Roadster body. It contains two versions, both called AT, so they must be distinguished by output: AT (291 hp) and AT (251 hp). Both are Electro models with an Automatic gearbox and RWD. Their listed kerb weight is 1,238 kg and ground clearance is 152 mm.
The 2 generation is listed from January 2017 onward, with no stop date measured in the catalogue data. It also uses the Roadster body but has only one version: AT (772 hp). This Electro version combines an Automatic gearbox with AWD. Compared with the more powerful 1 generation car, it adds 481 hp, reduces the listed 0–100 km/h time by 1.6 seconds, and raises top speed by 199 km/h. Its torque, kerb weight, and ground clearance are not measured, so comparisons involving those figures cannot be made reliably.
Tesla Roadster engine specs and horsepower
All three versions use the database label Electro, meaning there is no engine displacement from which to calculate power per litre. Displacement, cylinder count, cylinder layout, and boost are not measured for any version.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 generation — AT (772 hp) | 772 hp / 568 kW | not measured | not measured | Electro | not measured | not measured | not measured | Automatic | AWD |
| 1 generation — AT (291 hp) | 291 hp / 215 kW | 400 Nm | not measured | Electro | not measured | not measured | not measured | Automatic | RWD |
| 1 generation — AT (251 hp) | 251 hp / 185 kW | 270 Nm | not measured | Electro | not measured | not measured | not measured | Automatic | RWD |
Within the 1 generation, the 291 hp AT provides 40 hp and 30 kW more than the 251 hp AT. Its 400 Nm torque figure is 130 Nm higher than the 270 Nm figure of the 251 hp version. Because both have the same listed kerb weight, the additional output does not carry a documented weight penalty.
The 1,238 kg kerb weight gives the 291 hp AT approximately 4.25 kg per horsepower, while the 251 hp AT has approximately 4.93 kg per horsepower. In other words, the more powerful version has about 0.68 kg less weight for each horsepower. A corresponding calculation for the 772 hp AT is impossible because its kerb weight is not measured.
Power per litre cannot be calculated for any Tesla Roadster version because displacement is not measured. Engine sound, engine-swap suitability, and other conventional engine characteristics are also not measured in the supplied data.
Tesla Roadster performance, top speed, and mpg
| Generation and exact version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 generation — AT (772 hp) | 2.1 seconds | 400 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 1 generation — AT (291 hp) | 3.7 seconds | 201 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 1 generation — AT (251 hp) | 3.9 seconds | 201 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The 772 hp AT has the quickest listed acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 2.1 seconds. It is 1.6 seconds quicker than the 291 hp AT and 1.8 seconds quicker than the 251 hp AT. Its 400 km/h top speed is 199 km/h higher than the 201 km/h figure shared by both 1 generation versions.
Between the two 1 generation choices, the 291 hp AT is 0.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h. Their top speeds are identical at 201 km/h, so the extra 40 hp and 130 Nm improve the listed acceleration without increasing the stated maximum speed.
Tesla Roadster mpg cannot be derived from these records. City, highway, and combined consumption are not measured for all three versions. CO₂ output and ecological class are also not measured, so no economy or emissions ranking can be made from the available figures.
Tesla Roadster dimensions, weight, and ground clearance
| Generation and exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 generation — AT (772 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 1 generation — AT (291 hp) | 1,238 kg | not measured | 152 mm | not measured | not measured |
| 1 generation — AT (251 hp) | 1,238 kg | not measured | 152 mm | not measured | not measured |
The two 1 generation versions are equal on the available physical measurements: both have a kerb weight of 1,238 kg and ground clearance of 152 mm. Gross weight, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured. Length, overall size, dimensions, and weight distribution are not measured either.
For the 2 generation AT, kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, wheel sizes, length, and weight distribution are all not measured. It would therefore be misleading to call either generation lighter, larger, or more practical based on these records.
Tesla Roadster suspension and brakes
Every version has an Independent, spring front suspension and an Independent, spring rear suspension. All three also have Ventilated disc front brakes.
The difference appears at the rear. The 2 generation AT has rear brakes recorded as Disc ventilated, while both 1 generation versions use Disc rear brakes. No braking-distance measurements are provided, so this equipment difference should not be turned into a claim about stopping performance.
Which Tesla Roadster version should you buy?
Choose the 2 generation AT (772 hp) when the decision is driven by the strongest available performance numbers. It has 481 hp more than the 291 hp AT and 521 hp more than the 251 hp AT. Its 2.1-second 0–100 km/h time and 400 km/h top speed are the best figures in the range, while AWD distinguishes it from the RWD layout of both earlier versions. The trade-off is missing comparison data: torque, weight, clearance, consumption, dimensions, and wheel sizes are not measured.
Choose the 1 generation AT (291 hp) for the strongest all-round case among the earlier cars. Against the 251 hp version, it gains 40 hp and 130 Nm, improves the 0–100 km/h time from 3.9 to 3.7 seconds, and retains the same 201 km/h top speed, 1,238 kg kerb weight, 152 mm clearance, Automatic gearbox, and RWD. On the supplied figures, it is the clear choice between the two 1 generation versions unless an unlisted factor such as price changes the decision.
Choose the 1 generation AT (251 hp) only when its lower output suits the buyer or when information outside this dataset establishes another advantage. Its measurable specifications do not outperform the 291 hp version: both weigh 1,238 kg, both reach 201 km/h, and both share the same suspension, brakes, gearbox, and drive labels, while the 251 hp car has 130 Nm less torque and takes 0.2 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h.
Price, release-date forecasts, current sale listings, reliability, common problems, and future model-year specifications are not measured in the catalogue data. Consequently, “what the extra money buys” cannot be evaluated: no price figures are available. Based strictly on measured specifications, the 772 hp AT is the performance choice, while the 291 hp AT is the preferable 1 generation version.