Over 0–100 km/h, M3 Competition xDrive G80 wins (3,52 s vs 3,73 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 5 Sedan | M3 Competition xDrive G80 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,73 s | 3,52 s+0,21 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,78 s | 11,45 s+0,33 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,38 s | 20,83 s+0,55 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,69 kg/hp | 3,43 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 | RS 5 Sedan | M3 Competition xDrive G80 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,01 s | 0,96 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,68 s | 1,59 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,74 s | 2,59 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,73 s | 3,52 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,89 s | 4,56 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 8,03 s | 7,41 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 12,49 s | 11,48 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,78 s | 11,45 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,38 s | 20,83 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 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 | 639 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 825 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 355 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 510 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 650 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 750 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed M Steptronic with Drivelogic |
Off the line, the M3 Competition xDrive hits 100 km/h in 3.52 s versus 3.73 s for the RS 5 Sedan. Despite lacking instant torque, 510 hp of power compensates. At this point, the M3 Competition xDrive leads by 0.21 s and sits roughly 2 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the M3 Competition xDrive is doing 161 km/h against 156 km/h for the RS 5 Sedan. The gap is 0.20 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the M3 Competition xDrive crosses the line in 11.45 s versus 11.77 s. The 0.33 s gap represents roughly 17 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the M3 Competition xDrive continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 224 km/h versus 218 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the M3 Competition xDrive finishes in 20.83 s versus 21.38 s, with a 0.55 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the RS 5 Sedan and the M3 Competition xDrive are governed to 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.
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 5.57 seconds. The 0.21 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, M3 Competition xDrive G80 wins (3,52 s vs 3,73 s).
RS 5 Sedan goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,73 seconds (calibrated simulation).
RS 5 Sedan: 639 hp, ratio 3,69 kg/hp. M3 Competition xDrive G80: 510 hp, ratio 3,43 kg/hp.
RS 5 Sedan: 250 km/h. M3 Competition xDrive G80: 250 km/h.