Alpine A110 Pure 252 vs Cupra Born: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A110 Pure 252 hits 100 km/h in 4.56 s versus 7.23 s for the Born. Despite lacking instant torque, 256 hp of power compensates. At this point, the A110 Pure 252 leads by 2.68 s and sits roughly 19 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A110 Pure 252 is doing 151 km/h against 122 km/h for the Born. The gap is 1.74 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the A110 Pure 252 crosses the line in 12.61 s versus 15.39 s. The 2.78 s gap represents roughly 110 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the A110 Pure 252 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 209 km/h versus 160 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A110 Pure 252 finishes in 22.69 s versus 28.98 s, with a 6.29 s lead.

Electronically capped at 160 km/h, the Born never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 11.41 seconds. The 2.68 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.