Over 0–100 km/h, RS 3 Sportback wins (3,88 s vs 5,75 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.
| RS 3 Sportback | Model S 85 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,88 s−1,87 s | 5,75 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,08 s−1,86 s | 13,94 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,05 s−3,12 s | 25,17 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h+49 km/h | 201 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,91 kg/hpbetter ratio | 5,82 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 | RS 3 Sportback | Model S 85 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,04 s | 1,67 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,74 s | 2,78 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,85 s | 4,46 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,88 s | 5,75 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,07 s | 7,39 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 8,84 s | 12,43 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 13,81 s | 20,22 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,08 s | 13,94 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,05 s | 25,17 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 201 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| 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 |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 362 hp | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 599 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 108 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
Off the line, the RS 3 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 3.88 s versus 5.75 s for the Model S 85. Despite lacking instant torque, 400 hp of power compensates. At this point, the RS 3 Sportback leads by 1.87 s and sits roughly 21 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the RS 3 Sportback is doing 150 km/h against 137 km/h for the Model S 85. The gap is 1.42 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the RS 3 Sportback crosses the line in 12.08 s versus 13.94 s. The 1.86 s gap represents roughly 84 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the RS 3 Sportback continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 211 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the RS 3 Sportback finishes in 22.04 s versus 25.17 s, with a 3.12 s lead.
The RS 3 Sportback features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Model S 85’s RWD. 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.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the RS 3 Sportback is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model S 85 at 201 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 8.41 seconds. The 1.87 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, RS 3 Sportback wins (3,88 s vs 5,75 s).
RS 3 Sportback goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,88 seconds (calibrated simulation).
RS 3 Sportback: 400 hp, ratio 3,91 kg/hp. Model S 85: 362 hp, ratio 5,82 kg/hp.
RS 3 Sportback: 250 km/h. Model S 85: 201 km/h.