Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Performance wins (3,04 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.
| Model 3 Performance | S4 TDI | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,04 s−1,79 s | 4,83 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,13 s−1,99 s | 13,12 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,49 s−3,37 s | 23,86 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 261 km/h+11 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,62 kg/hpbetter ratio | 5,10 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 3 Performance | S4 TDI |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,82 s | 1,27 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,37 s | 2,06 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,26 s | 3,50 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,04 s | 4,83 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,03 s | 6,50 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 6,97 s | 11,04 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 11,20 s | 17,95 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,13 s | 13,12 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,49 s | 23,86 s |
| Top speed limited | 261 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 | 510 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 769 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 844 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 354 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 700 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 805 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic |
Off the line, the Model 3 Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.04 s versus 4.84 s for the S4 TDI. The instant torque of 769 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 1.80 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 162 km/h against 140 km/h for the S4 TDI. The gap is 1.40 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Performance crosses the line in 11.12 s versus 13.12 s. The 2.00 s gap represents roughly 93 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 224 km/h versus 195 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 20.48 s versus 23.86 s, with a 3.37 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (261 vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Performance is capped at 261 km/h, the S4 TDI 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 7.47 seconds. The 1.80 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 Performance wins (3,04 s vs 4,83 s).
Model 3 Performance goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,04 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model 3 Performance: 510 hp, ratio 3,62 kg/hp. S4 TDI: 354 hp, ratio 5,10 kg/hp.
Model 3 Performance: 261 km/h. S4 TDI: 250 km/h.