Over 0–100 km/h, 118d F40 wins (8,65 s vs 9,82 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.
| 118d F40 | A3 Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 8,65 s−1,17 s | 9,82 s |
| 400 m standing start | 16,41 s−0,80 s | 17,21 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,83 s−1,32 s | 31,15 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 218 km/h+3 km/h | 215 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 9,37 kg/hpbetter ratio | 11,34 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 | 118d F40 | A3 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 2,07 s | 2,30 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3,39 s | 3,83 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 6,08 s | 6,89 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 8,65 s | 9,82 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 11,98 s | 13,69 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 22,37 s | 25,77 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 47,11 s | 56,66 s |
| 400 m standing start | 16,41 s | 17,21 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,83 s | 31,15 s |
| Top speed | 218 km/h | 215 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 150 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 350 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 405 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Six-speed manual (8-speed Steptronic transmission) |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 116 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 220 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 315 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the 118d hits 100 km/h in 8.65 s versus 9.82 s for the A3 Sedan. At this point, the 118d leads by 1.17 s and sits roughly 12 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the 118d is doing 113 km/h against 108 km/h for the A3 Sedan. The gap is 0.55 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the 118d crosses the line in 16.41 s versus 17.21 s. The 0.80 s gap represents roughly 30 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the 118d continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 157 km/h versus 151 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 118d finishes in 29.82 s versus 31.15 s, with a 1.32 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (218 vs 215 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Electronically capped at 218 km/h, the 118d 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.
With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (9.37 kg/hp vs 11.34 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 16.05 seconds. The 1.17 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, 118d F40 wins (8,65 s vs 9,82 s).
118d F40 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,65 seconds (calibrated simulation).
118d F40: 150 hp, ratio 9,37 kg/hp. A3 Sedan: 116 hp, ratio 11,34 kg/hp.
118d F40: 218 km/h. A3 Sedan: 215 km/h.