Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Performance wins (2,53 s vs 3,46 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.
| Model S Performance | RS6 Performance Avant | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 2,53 s−0,93 s | 3,46 s |
| 400 m standing start | 10,32 s−0,99 s | 11,31 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 19,02 s−1,35 s | 20,37 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 262 km/h | 346 km/h−84 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2,89 kg/hpbetter ratio | 3,45 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 | Model S Performance | RS6 Performance Avant |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,71 s | 0,99 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,18 s | 1,65 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 1,91 s | 2,63 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 2,53 s | 3,46 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 3,31 s | 4,45 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 5,58 s | 7,06 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 8,76 s | 10,72 s |
| 400 m standing start | 10,32 s | 11,31 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 19,02 s | 20,37 s |
| Top speed | 262 km/h | 346 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 778 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 1139 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 250 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 630 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 850 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 175 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic |
Off the line, the Model S Performance hits 100 km/h in 2.53 s versus 3.46 s for the RS6 Performance Avant. The instant torque of 1,139 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S Performance leads by 0.93 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model S Performance is doing 175 km/h against 165 km/h for the RS6 Performance Avant. The gap is 0.79 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model S Performance crosses the line in 10.31 s versus 11.30 s. The 0.99 s gap represents roughly 55 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model S Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 244 km/h versus 231 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S Performance finishes in 19.02 s versus 20.37 s, with a 1.35 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (346 km/h), the RS6 Performance Avant never recovers its launch deficit.
Electronically capped at 262 km/h, the Model S Performance 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 5.02 seconds. The 0.93 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Performance wins (2,53 s vs 3,46 s).
Model S Performance goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,53 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model S Performance: 778 hp, ratio 2,89 kg/hp. RS6 Performance Avant: 630 hp, ratio 3,45 kg/hp.
Model S Performance: 262 km/h. RS6 Performance Avant: 346 km/h.