Over 0–100 km/h, A4 40 TDI wins (7,79 s vs 9,12 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | A4 40 TDI | 218d Convertible F22 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.79 s | 9.12 s | 1.33 s · A4 40 TDI |
| 400 m standing start | 15.77 s | 16.65 s | 0.88 s · A4 40 TDI |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.09 s | 30.48 s | 2.39 s · A4 40 TDI |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 242 km/h | 208 km/h | 34 km/h · A4 40 TDI |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 8.29 kg/hp | 10.43 kg/hp | better ratio · A4 40 TDI |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | A4 40 TDI | 218d Convertible F22 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 2.16 s | 1.81 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3.61 s | 3.17 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.84 s | 6.35 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.79 s | 9.12 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 10.28 s | 12.95 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 17.57 s | 24.66 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 30.63 s | 57.98 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15.77 s | 16.65 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.09 s | 30.48 s |
| Top speed | 242 km/h | 208 km/h |
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 190 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 575 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 150 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 320 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 565 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual (8-speed Steptronic) |
Off the line, the A4 40 TDI hits 100 km/h in 7.79 s versus 9.12 s for the 218d Convertible. Despite the faster sprint time, the 218d Convertible is 1 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.
At 200 metres, the A4 40 TDI is doing 122 km/h against 109 km/h for the 218d Convertible. The gap is 0.26 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the A4 40 TDI crosses the line in 15.77 s versus 16.65 s. The 0.88 s gap represents roughly 33 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the A4 40 TDI continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 171 km/h versus 152 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A4 40 TDI finishes in 28.08 s versus 30.48 s, with a 2.40 s lead.
Electronically capped at 208 km/h, the 218d Convertible 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 (8.29 kg/hp vs 10.43 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 15.20 seconds. The 1.33 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, A4 40 TDI wins (7,79 s vs 9,12 s).
A4 40 TDI goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,79 seconds (calibrated simulation).
A4 40 TDI: 190 hp, ratio 8,29 kg/hp. 218d Convertible F22: 150 hp, ratio 10,43 kg/hp.
A4 40 TDI: 242 km/h. 218d Convertible F22: 208 km/h.