Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Long Range AWD wins (4,44 s vs 4,83 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.
| S4 TDI | Model 3 Long Range AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,83 s | 4,44 s+0,40 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,12 s | 12,80 s+0,32 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,86 s | 23,49 s+0,37 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h+17 km/h | 233 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,10 kg/hpbetter ratio | 5,34 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 | S4 TDI | Model 3 Long Range AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,27 s | 1,18 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,06 s | 1,97 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,50 s | 3,26 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,83 s | 4,44 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 6,50 s | 5,93 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 11,04 s | 10,48 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 17,95 s | 17,45 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,12 s | 12,80 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,86 s | 23,49 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 233 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 354 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 700 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 805 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 346 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 605 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 847 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 4.44 s versus 4.84 s for the S4 TDI. The instant torque of 605 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range AWD leads by 0.40 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD is doing 143 km/h against 140 km/h for the S4 TDI. The gap is 0.26 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range AWD crosses the line in 12.80 s versus 13.12 s. The 0.32 s gap represents roughly 15 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 196 km/h versus 195 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD finishes in 23.49 s versus 23.86 s, with a 0.37 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), the S4 TDI never recovers its launch deficit.
On paper, the S4 TDI combines 354 hp, 700 Nm and 1,805 kg - a clear theoretical edge over the Model 3 Long Range AWD. Yet the Model 3 Long Range AWD launches quicker. At standstill, both motors deliver peak torque from 0 rpm: the decisive factor is no longer raw power, but available grip. If the Model 3 Long Range AWD has a better traction coefficient (tyres, weight distribution, traction control calibration), it puts down more force despite inferior specs - exactly what the simulation reflects, calibrated on manufacturer 0-100 km/h times.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the S4 TDI is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model 3 Long Range AWD at 233 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 7.47 seconds. The 0.40 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, Model 3 Long Range AWD wins (4,44 s vs 4,83 s).
S4 TDI goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,83 seconds (calibrated simulation).
S4 TDI: 354 hp, ratio 5,10 kg/hp. Model 3 Long Range AWD: 346 hp, ratio 5,34 kg/hp.
S4 TDI: 250 km/h. Model 3 Long Range AWD: 233 km/h.