Audi e-tron GT quattro vs Audi S3 Sedan: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the e-tron GT quattro hits 100 km/h in 4.14 s versus 4.63 s for the S3 Sedan. The instant torque of 830 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the e-tron GT quattro leads by 0.49 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the e-tron GT quattro is doing 149 km/h against 138 km/h for the S3 Sedan. The gap is 0.46 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the e-tron GT quattro crosses the line in 12.36 s versus 13.08 s. The 0.72 s gap represents roughly 35 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 198 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the e-tron GT quattro finishes in 22.46 s versus 23.69 s, with a 1.23 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (245 vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the e-tron GT quattro is capped at 245 km/h, the S3 Sedan at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.

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 7.68 seconds. The 0.49 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.