Over 0–100 km/h, Golf 8 GTE wins (6,81 s vs 10,58 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.
| Golf 8 GTE | 116d F20LCI | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6,81 s−3,77 s | 10,58 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,97 s−2,81 s | 17,78 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,93 s−5,06 s | 31,99 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 225 km/h+25 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 6,60 kg/hpbetter ratio | 11,77 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 | Golf 8 GTE | 116d F20LCI |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,94 s | 2,64 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3,23 s | 4,33 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5,14 s | 7,52 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6,81 s | 10,58 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 8,94 s | 14,62 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 15,32 s | 27,94 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 28,18 s | 76,30 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,97 s | 17,78 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,93 s | 31,99 s |
| Top speed | 225 km/h | 200 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 245 hp | Inline-4 Turbo TSI |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 617 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | DSG 6-speed |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 116 hp | 3 cyl |
| Torque | 270 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 365 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual (8-speed Steptronic) |
Off the line, the Golf 8 GTE hits 100 km/h in 6.81 s versus 10.58 s for the Bmw 116d. The instant torque of 400 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Golf 8 GTE leads by 3.77 s and sits roughly 26 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Golf 8 GTE is doing 128 km/h against 107 km/h for the Bmw 116d. The gap is 1.82 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Golf 8 GTE crosses the line in 14.96 s versus 17.78 s. The 2.81 s gap represents roughly 99 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Golf 8 GTE continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 176 km/h versus 148 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Golf 8 GTE finishes in 26.92 s versus 31.98 s, with a 5.06 s lead.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Golf 8 GTE is capped at 225 km/h, the Bmw 116d at 200 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 17.16 seconds. The 3.77 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Golf 8 GTE wins (6,81 s vs 10,58 s).
Golf 8 GTE goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,81 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Golf 8 GTE: 245 hp, ratio 6,60 kg/hp. 116d F20LCI: 116 hp, ratio 11,77 kg/hp.
Golf 8 GTE: 225 km/h. 116d F20LCI: 200 km/h.