Over 0–100 km/h, A3 Sportback wins (8,19 s vs 10,43 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.
| A3 Sportback | 116i F40 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 8,19 s−2,24 s | 10,43 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,96 s−1,40 s | 17,36 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28,99 s−3,14 s | 32,13 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 232 km/h+32 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 9,40 kg/hpbetter ratio | 12,11 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 | A3 Sportback | 116i F40 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,83 s | 1,86 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 3,06 s | 3,30 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5,62 s | 6,88 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 8,19 s | 10,43 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 11,23 s | 15,20 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 20,30 s | 31,28 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 38,18 s | 124,87 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,96 s | 17,36 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28,99 s | 32,13 s |
| Top speed | 232 km/h | 200 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 150 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 360 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 410 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 109 hp | 3 cyl |
| Torque | 190 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 320 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Six-speed manual (seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission) |
Off the line, the A3 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 8.19 s versus 10.43 s for the 116i. At this point, the A3 Sportback leads by 2.24 s and sits roughly 12 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the A3 Sportback is doing 115 km/h against 104 km/h for the 116i. The gap is 0.74 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the A3 Sportback crosses the line in 15.95 s versus 17.36 s. The 1.41 s gap represents roughly 49 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the A3 Sportback continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 161 km/h versus 142 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A3 Sportback finishes in 28.98 s versus 32.13 s, with a 3.14 s lead.
Electronically capped at 200 km/h, the 116i 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.
With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (9.40 kg/hp vs 12.11 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 18.20 seconds. The 2.24 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Swap one of the two models to explore an equivalent duel in the same segment.
Over 0–100 km/h, A3 Sportback wins (8,19 s vs 10,43 s).
A3 Sportback goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,19 seconds (calibrated simulation).
A3 Sportback: 150 hp, ratio 9,40 kg/hp. 116i F40: 109 hp, ratio 12,11 kg/hp.
A3 Sportback: 232 km/h. 116i F40: 200 km/h.