Over 0–100 km/h, A4 40 TFSI wins (7,28 s vs 7,44 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 | 420i F32 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.28 s | 7.44 s | 0.16 s · A4 40 TFSI |
| 400 m standing start | 15.36 s | 15.38 s | 0.02 s · A4 40 TFSI |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.08 s | 28.23 s | 0.15 s · A4 40 TFSI |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 232 km/h | 238 km/h | 6 km/h · 420i F32 |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7.97 kg/hp | 8.29 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 | 420i F32 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.67 s | 1.42 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2.79 s | 2.53 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.10 s | 5.09 s · tight gap |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.28 s | 7.44 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 10.10 s | 10.39 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 18.44 s | 19.05 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 34.86 s | 35.17 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15.36 s · tight gap | 15.38 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.08 s | 28.23 s |
| Top speed | 232 km/h | 238 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 | 184 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 300 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 525 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the A4 40 TFSI hits 100 km/h in 7.28 s versus 7.44 s for the 420i. Despite the faster sprint time, the 420i is 3 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 is doing 117 km/h against 119 km/h for the A4 40 TFSI. The gap is 0.06 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the A4 40 TFSI crosses the line in 15.36 s versus 15.38 s. The 0.02 s gap represents roughly 1 m of track
Past 400 metres, the A4 40 TFSI continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 165 km/h versus 163 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A4 40 TFSI finishes in 28.08 s versus 28.23 s, with a 0.15 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (232 vs 238 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Electronically capped at 240 km/h, the 420i 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 8.29 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 12.15 seconds. The 0.16 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 TFSI wins (7,28 s vs 7,44 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. 420i F32: 184 hp, ratio 8,29 kg/hp.
A4 40 TFSI: 232 km/h. 420i F32: 238 km/h.