Sur 0–100 km/h, RS 3 Sportback gagne (3,88 s vs 3,92 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.
| i4 M50 xDrive G26 | RS 3 Sportback | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,92 s | 3,88 s+0,04 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,01 s−0,07 s | 12,08 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,97 s−0,08 s | 22,05 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 225 km/h | 250 km/h−25 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4,07 kg/hp | 3,91 kg/hpbetter ratio |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | i4 M50 xDrive G26 | RS 3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,13 s | 1,04 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,89 s | 1,74 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,04 s | 2,85 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,92 s | 3,88 stight gap |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,04 s | 5,07 stight gap |
| 0–160 km/h | 8,35 s | 8,84 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 13,16 s | 13,81 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,01 s | 12,08 stight gap |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,97 s | 22,05 stight gap |
| Top speed limited | 225 km/h | 250 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 544 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 795 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 215 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Automatic transmission, single-speed with fixed ratio |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 400 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 500 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 565 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the RS 3 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 3.88 s versus 3.92 s for the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive. Despite lacking instant torque, 400 hp of power compensates. The 0.04 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.
At 200 metres, the RS 3 Sportback is doing 150 km/h against 155 km/h for the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive. The gap is 0.03 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive crosses the line in 12.01 s versus 12.08 s. The 0.07 s gap represents roughly 4 m of track — barely a car length.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 216 km/h versus 211 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive finishes in 21.97 s versus 22.04 s, with a 0.08 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (250 (i.e. 155 mph — industry threshold) km/h), the RS 3 Sportback never recovers its launch deficit.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw i4 M50 xDrive is capped at 225 km/h, the RS 3 Sportback 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 5.79 seconds. The 0.04 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.
Sur 0–100 km/h, RS 3 Sportback gagne (3,88 s vs 3,92 s).
i4 M50 xDrive G26 passe de 0 à 100 km/h en 3,92 secondes (simulation calibrée).
i4 M50 xDrive G26 : 544 hp, ratio 4,07 kg/hp. RS 3 Sportback : 400 hp, ratio 3,91 kg/hp.
i4 M50 xDrive G26 : 225 km/h. RS 3 Sportback : 250 km/h.