Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Standard Range Plus wins (5,81 s vs 8,19 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.
| Model 3 Standard Range Plus | A3 Sportback | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,81 s−2,38 s | 8,19 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,27 s−1,69 s | 15,96 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,61 s−2,38 s | 28,99 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 224 km/h | 232 km/h−8 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7,29 kg/hpbetter ratio | 9,40 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 | Model 3 Standard Range Plus | A3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,44 s | 1,83 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,40 s | 3,06 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,14 s | 5,62 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,81 s | 8,19 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 8,01 s | 11,23 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 15,57 s | 20,30 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 32,27 s | 38,18 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,27 s | 15,96 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,61 s | 28,99 s |
| Top speed | 224 km/h | 232 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 227 hp | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 449 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 655 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 150 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 360 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 410 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus hits 100 km/h in 5.81 s versus 8.19 s for the A3 Sportback. The instant torque of 449 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus leads by 2.38 s and sits roughly 18 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus is doing 129 km/h against 115 km/h for the A3 Sportback. The gap is 1.21 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus crosses the line in 14.26 s versus 15.95 s. The 1.69 s gap represents roughly 66 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 171 km/h versus 161 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus finishes in 26.61 s versus 28.98 s, with a 2.37 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (224 vs 232 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Electronically capped at 225 km/h, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus 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 13.06 seconds. The 2.38 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Standard Range Plus wins (5,81 s vs 8,19 s).
Model 3 Standard Range Plus goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,81 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model 3 Standard Range Plus: 227 hp, ratio 7,29 kg/hp. A3 Sportback: 150 hp, ratio 9,40 kg/hp.
Model 3 Standard Range Plus: 224 km/h. A3 Sportback: 232 km/h.