Over 0–100 km/h, 120d xDrive F40 wins (7,13 s vs 7,24 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | 120d xDrive F40 | i3 I01 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.13 s | 7.24 s | 0.11 s · 120d xDrive F40 |
| 400 m standing start | 15.21 s | 15.40 s | 0.19 s · 120d xDrive F40 |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.00 s | 29.80 s | 1.80 s · 120d xDrive F40 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 228 km/h | 150 km/h | 78 km/h · 120d xDrive F40 |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7.97 kg/hp | 7.47 kg/hp | better ratio · i3 I01 |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | 120d xDrive F40 | i3 I01 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.50 s | 1.88 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2.54 s | 3.14 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4.93 s | 5.25 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.13 s · tight gap | 7.24 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 9.98 s | 9.85 s · tight gap |
| 0–160 km/h | 18.51 s | - |
| 0–200 km/h | 35.95 s | - |
| 400 m standing start | 15.21 s | 15.40 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.00 s | 29.80 s |
| Top speed | 228 km/h | 150 km/h |
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 190 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 515 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic transmission |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 170 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 250 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 270 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Automatic, single-speed with fixed ratio (9.665:1) |
Off the line, the 120d xDrive hits 100 km/h in 7.13 s versus 7.24 s for the i3. Despite lacking instant torque, 190 hp of power compensates. At this point, the 120d xDrive leads by 0.11 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the 120d xDrive is doing 119 km/h against 122 km/h for the i3. The gap is 0.30 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.
At 400 metres standing start, the 120d xDrive crosses the line in 15.21 s versus 15.40 s. The 0.19 s gap represents roughly 8 m of track - barely a car length.
Past 400 metres, the 120d xDrive continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 164 km/h versus 150 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 120d xDrive finishes in 27.99 s versus 29.80 s, with a 1.80 s lead.
The 120d xDrive features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the i3’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the 120d xDrive is capped at 230 km/h, the i3 at 150 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 11.69 seconds. The 0.11 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, 120d xDrive F40 wins (7,13 s vs 7,24 s).
120d xDrive F40 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,13 seconds (calibrated simulation).
120d xDrive F40: 190 hp, ratio 7,97 kg/hp. i3 I01: 170 hp, ratio 7,47 kg/hp.
120d xDrive F40: 228 km/h. i3 I01: 150 km/h.