Over 0–100 km/h, 420d F32 wins (7,04 s vs 7,28 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 TFSI | 420d F32 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.28 s | 7.04 s | 0.24 s · 420d F32 |
| 400 m standing start | 15.36 s | 15.11 s | 0.25 s · 420d F32 |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.08 s | 27.78 s | 0.30 s · 420d F32 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 232 km/h | 240 km/h | 8 km/h · 420d F32 |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7.97 kg/hp | 8.45 kg/hp | better ratio · A4 40 TFSI |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | A4 40 TFSI | 420d F32 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.67 s | 1.37 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2.79 s | 2.40 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.10 s | 4.80 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.28 s | 7.04 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 10.10 s | 9.85 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 18.44 s | 18.13 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 34.86 s | 33.30 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15.36 s | 15.11 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.08 s | 27.78 s |
| Top speed | 232 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 | 320 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 515 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 7.28 s for the A4 40 TFSI. At this point, the 420d leads by 0.24 s and sits roughly 8 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the 420d is doing 119 km/h against 119 km/h for the A4 40 TFSI. The gap is 0.27 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the 420d crosses the line in 15.10 s versus 15.36 s. The 0.26 s gap represents roughly 10 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the 420d continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 166 km/h versus 165 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 420d finishes in 27.77 s versus 28.08 s, with a 0.30 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (232 vs 240 km/h), preventing any comeback.
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 (7.97 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 11.78 seconds. The 0.24 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, 420d F32 wins (7,04 s vs 7,28 s).
A4 40 TFSI goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,28 seconds (calibrated simulation).
A4 40 TFSI: 190 hp, ratio 7,97 kg/hp. 420d F32: 190 hp, ratio 8,45 kg/hp.
A4 40 TFSI: 232 km/h. 420d F32: 240 km/h.