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AA3PetrolvsBBornBEV
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  • SpecsA3 · Born

Audi A3 allstreet vs Cupra Born: which is truly faster?

Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.

compact · 2026 vs 2021 · Methodology
AudiPetrolFaster

A3 allstreet

204 hp · 320 Nm · 1,475 kg · 2026

VS
CupraBEV

Born

201 hp · 310 Nm · 1,710 kg · 2021

Result · 0–100 km/h

AAudi A3 allstreet

6.33 s

Gap0.90 sin favour of A3 allstreet
BCupra Born

7.23 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureA3 allstreetBornGap
0–100 km/h6.33 s7.23 s0.90 s · A3 allstreet
400 m standing start14.84 s15.39 s0.55 s · A3 allstreet
1,000 m standing start27.40 s28.98 s1.58 s · A3 allstreet
Top speed (electronically limited)238 km/h160 km/h78 km/h · A3 allstreet
Power-to-weight ratio7.23 kg/hp8.51 kg/hpbetter ratio · A3 allstreet

Watch the race

Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.

AudiPetrolA3 allstreet
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
CupraBEVBorn
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
100 m
200 m
300 m
400 m
500 m
600 m
700 m
800 m
900 m
1000 m
0m → 1000m
Gap0m

Stage-by-stage comparison

Simulated performance at each stage. Best value in bold.
StageA3 allstreetBorn
0–30 km/h1.27 s1.88 s
0–50 km/h2.18 s3.15 s
0–80 km/h4.34 s5.26 s
0–100 km/h6.33 s7.23 s
0–120 km/h9.67 s · tight gap9.79 s
0–160 km/h17.59 s18.15 s
0–200 km/h31.55 s-
400 m standing start14.84 s15.39 s
1,000 m standing start27.40 s28.98 s
Top speed238 km/h160 km/h

Parameters and assumptions

Simulation

Start
Standing, straight line
Surface
Dry asphalt, 23°C
Wind
None
Driver
1 person, 75 kg

Calibration

Splits
0–100, 0–200 manufacturer
Power curve
Real measurement (Caralogy)
VMax
Manufacturer limited
Transmission
Losses integrated in model

Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.

Under the bonnet

Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.

Audi

A3 allstreet

7,23kg/hpratio better by 1,28 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power204 hpPending
Torque320 Nm
Weight1 475 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
Gearbox7-speed S tronic
Cupra

Born

8,51kg/hpcompensated by −235 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power201 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque310 Nm
Weight1 710 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the A3 allstreet hits 100 km/h in 6.33 s versus 7.23 s for the Born. Despite lacking instant torque, 204 hp of power compensates. At this point, the A3 allstreet leads by 0.90 s and sits roughly 19 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the A3 allstreet is doing 119 km/h against 122 km/h for the Born. The gap is 0.69 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the A3 allstreet crosses the line in 14.84 s versus 15.39 s. The 0.55 s gap represents roughly 23 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the A3 allstreet continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 167 km/h versus 160 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A3 allstreet finishes in 27.40 s versus 28.98 s, with a 1.58 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

The A3 allstreet features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Born’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

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 11.49 seconds. The 0.90 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

Other duels you might be interested in

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A3 allstreet vs 220i

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A3 allstreet vs 120i

BMWVSAudi

125i vs A3 allstreet

AudiVSBMW

A3 allstreet vs 220i

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, A3 allstreet wins (6,33 s vs 7,23 s).

A3 allstreet goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,33 seconds (calibrated simulation).

A3 allstreet: 204 hp, ratio 7,23 kg/hp. Born: 201 hp, ratio 8,51 kg/hp.

A3 allstreet: 238 km/h. Born: 160 km/h.