Over 0–100 km/h, A290 GTS 192kW wins (5,51 s vs 7,44 s).
Performance comparison
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
Simulation
Calibration
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
| A290 GTS 192kW | 420i F32 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,51 s−1,93 s | 7,44 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,81 s−1,57 s | 15,38 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,18 s−3,05 s | 28,23 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 247 km/h+9 km/h | 238 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,67 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,29 kg/hp |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | A290 GTS 192kW | 420i F32 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,59 s | 1,42 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,66 s | 2,53 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,28 s | 5,09 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,51 s | 7,44 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,13 s | 10,39 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 12,49 s | 19,05 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 22,26 s | 35,17 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,81 s | 15,38 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,18 s | 28,23 s |
| Top speed | 247 km/h | 238 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 261 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 300 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 479 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | single-speed reduction |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 184 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 300 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 525 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the A290 GTS 192kW hits 100 km/h in 5.52 s versus 7.44 s for the 420i. The instant torque of 300 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the A290 GTS 192kW leads by 1.93 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the A290 GTS 192kW is doing 138 km/h against 117 km/h for the 420i. The gap is 0.82 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the A290 GTS 192kW crosses the line in 13.81 s versus 15.38 s. The 1.57 s gap represents roughly 62 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the A290 GTS 192kW continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 185 km/h versus 163 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A290 GTS 192kW finishes in 25.18 s versus 28.23 s, with a 3.05 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (247 vs 238 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Electronically capped at 240 km/h, the 420i 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 12.15 seconds. The 1.93 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, A290 GTS 192kW wins (5,51 s vs 7,44 s).
A290 GTS 192kW goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,51 seconds (calibrated simulation).
A290 GTS 192kW: 261 hp, ratio 5,67 kg/hp. 420i F32: 184 hp, ratio 8,29 kg/hp.
A290 GTS 192kW: 247 km/h. 420i F32: 238 km/h.