Over 0–100 km/h, A4 40 TDI wins (7,79 s vs 8,14 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 | 420i Convertible G22 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.79 s | 8.14 s | 0.35 s · A4 40 TDI |
| 400 m standing start | 15.77 s | 15.97 s | 0.20 s · A4 40 TDI |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.09 s | 28.97 s | 0.88 s · A4 40 TDI |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 242 km/h | 236 km/h | 6 km/h · A4 40 TDI |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 8.29 kg/hp | 9.18 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 | 420i Convertible G22 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 2.16 s | 1.81 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3.61 s | 3.07 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.84 s | 5.69 s · tight gap |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.79 s | 8.14 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 10.28 s | 11.24 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 17.57 s | 20.26 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 30.63 s | 36.93 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15.77 s | 15.97 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.09 s | 28.97 s |
| Top speed | 242 km/h | 236 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 | 184 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 300 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 690 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the A4 40 TDI hits 100 km/h in 7.79 s versus 8.14 s for the 420i Convertible. Despite the faster sprint time, the 420i Convertible is 7 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.
At 200 metres, the 420i Convertible is doing 115 km/h against 122 km/h for the A4 40 TDI. The gap is 0.11 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 15.96 s. The 0.20 s gap represents roughly 8 m of track - barely a car length.
Past 400 metres, the A4 40 TDI continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 171 km/h versus 161 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A4 40 TDI finishes in 28.08 s versus 28.97 s, with a 0.88 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (242 vs 236 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Electronically capped at 236 km/h, the 420i 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 9.18 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 13.10 seconds. The 0.35 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 8,14 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. 420i Convertible G22: 184 hp, ratio 9,18 kg/hp.
A4 40 TDI: 242 km/h. 420i Convertible G22: 236 km/h.