Over 0–100 km/h, M3 Sedan G80 wins (4,18 s vs 4,53 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.
| M3 Sedan G80 | S5 Avant | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,18 s−0,35 s | 4,53 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,26 s−0,58 s | 12,84 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,95 s−1,54 s | 23,49 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,55 kg/hpbetter ratio | 5,35 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 | M3 Sedan G80 | S5 Avant |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,20 s | 1,11 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,01 s | 1,85 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,29 s | 3,23 stight gap |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,18 s | 4,53 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,53 s | 6,15 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 8,71 s | 10,55 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 13,11 s | 17,29 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,26 s | 12,84 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,95 s | 23,49 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 | 480 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 550 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 705 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Six-speed manual |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 367 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 550 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 965 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the Bmw M3 Sedan hits 100 km/h in 4.18 s versus 4.53 s for the S5 Avant. Despite the faster sprint time, the S5 Avant is 2 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.
At 200 metres, the Bmw M3 Sedan is doing 154 km/h against 142 km/h for the S5 Avant. The gap is 0.22 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw M3 Sedan crosses the line in 12.25 s versus 12.83 s. The 0.58 s gap represents roughly 28 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw M3 Sedan continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 216 km/h versus 197 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw M3 Sedan finishes in 21.95 s versus 23.49 s, with a 1.54 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 Bmw M3 Sedan and the S5 Avant 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.
With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (3.55 kg/hp vs 5.35 kg/hp) and transmission (Manual vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 7.09 seconds. The 0.35 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 Sedan G80 wins (4,18 s vs 4,53 s).
M3 Sedan G80 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,18 seconds (calibrated simulation).
M3 Sedan G80: 480 hp, ratio 3,55 kg/hp. S5 Avant: 367 hp, ratio 5,35 kg/hp.
M3 Sedan G80: 250 km/h. S5 Avant: 250 km/h.