Over 0–100 km/h, 420d G22 wins (7,04 s vs 7,79 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 | 420d G22 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.79 s | 7.04 s | 0.75 s · 420d G22 |
| 400 m standing start | 15.77 s | 15.11 s | 0.66 s · 420d G22 |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.09 s | 27.78 s | 0.31 s · 420d G22 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 242 km/h | 240 km/h | 2 km/h · A4 40 TDI |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 8.29 kg/hp | 8.45 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 | 420d G22 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 2.16 s | 1.37 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3.61 s | 2.40 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.84 s | 4.80 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.79 s | 7.04 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 10.28 s | 9.85 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 17.57 s | 18.13 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 30.63 s | 33.30 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15.77 s | 15.11 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.09 s | 27.78 s |
| Top speed | 242 km/h | 240 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 | 190 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 605 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the 420d hits 100 km/h in 7.04 s versus 7.79 s for the A4 40 TDI. At this point, the 420d leads by 0.75 s and sits roughly 23 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the 420d is doing 119 km/h against 122 km/h for the A4 40 TDI. The gap is 0.81 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the 420d crosses the line in 15.10 s versus 15.77 s. The 0.67 s gap represents roughly 28 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the gap narrows.
At 1,000 metres, the 420d finishes in 27.77 s versus 28.08 s, with just 0.31 s to spare. The A4 40 TDI fails to fully close the launch gap.
Electronically capped at 240 km/h, the 420d 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 8.45 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 11.76 seconds. The 0.75 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, 420d G22 wins (7,04 s vs 7,79 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. 420d G22: 190 hp, ratio 8,45 kg/hp.
A4 40 TDI: 242 km/h. 420d G22: 240 km/h.