Over 0–100 km/h, e-tron GT quattro wins (4,14 s vs 7,79 s).
Performance comparison
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
Simulation
Calibration
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
| e-tron GT quattro | A4 40 TDI | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,14 s−3,65 s | 7,79 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,36 s−3,41 s | 15,77 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,46 s−5,63 s | 28,09 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 245 km/h+3 km/h | 242 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,95 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,29 kg/hp |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | e-tron GT quattro | A4 40 TDI |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,13 s | 2,16 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,88 s | 3,61 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,08 s | 5,84 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,14 s | 7,79 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,47 s | 10,28 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 9,25 s | 17,57 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 14,74 s | 30,63 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,36 s | 15,77 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,46 s | 28,09 s |
| Top speed | 245 km/h | 242 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 577 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 830 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 280 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 190 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 575 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the e-tron GT quattro hits 100 km/h in 4.14 s versus 7.79 s for the A4 40 TDI. The instant torque of 830 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the e-tron GT quattro leads by 3.65 s and sits roughly 29 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the e-tron GT quattro is doing 149 km/h against 122 km/h for the A4 40 TDI. The gap is 2.48 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the e-tron GT quattro crosses the line in 12.36 s versus 15.77 s. The 3.41 s gap represents roughly 136 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the e-tron GT quattro continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 208 km/h versus 171 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the e-tron GT quattro finishes in 22.46 s versus 28.08 s, with a 5.63 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (245 vs 242 km/h), preventing any comeback.
The e-tron GT quattro features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the A4 40 TDI’s FWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.
Electronically capped at 245 km/h, the e-tron GT quattro 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.
Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 11.76 seconds. The 3.65 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, e-tron GT quattro wins (4,14 s vs 7,79 s).
e-tron GT quattro goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,14 seconds (calibrated simulation).
e-tron GT quattro: 577 hp, ratio 3,95 kg/hp. A4 40 TDI: 190 hp, ratio 8,29 kg/hp.
e-tron GT quattro: 245 km/h. A4 40 TDI: 242 km/h.