Over 0–100 km/h, 120i F40 wins (6,91 s vs 7,24 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.
| 120i F40 | i3 I01 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6,91 s−0,33 s | 7,24 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,02 s−0,38 s | 15,40 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 27,09 s−2,71 s | 29,80 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 235 km/h+85 km/h | 150 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7,81 kg/hp | 7,47 kg/hpbetter ratio |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | 120i F40 | i3 I01 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,76 s | 1,88 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,94 s | 3,14 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,96 s | 5,25 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6,91 s | 7,24 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 9,21 s | 9,85 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 16,06 s | - |
| 0–200 km/h | 27,89 s | - |
| 400 m standing start | 15,02 s | 15,40 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 27,09 s | 29,80 s |
| Top speed | 235 km/h | 150 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 178 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 280 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 390 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch 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 120i hits 100 km/h in 6.91 s versus 7.24 s for the i3. Despite lacking instant torque, 178 hp of power compensates. At this point, the 120i leads by 0.33 s and sits roughly 5 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the 120i is doing 124 km/h against 122 km/h for the i3. The gap is 0.24 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the 120i crosses the line in 15.02 s versus 15.40 s. The 0.38 s gap represents roughly 16 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the 120i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 150 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 120i finishes in 27.09 s versus 29.80 s, with a 2.71 s lead.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the 120i is capped at 235 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 11.47 seconds. The 0.33 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, 120i F40 wins (6,91 s vs 7,24 s).
120i F40 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,91 seconds (calibrated simulation).
120i F40: 178 hp, ratio 7,81 kg/hp. i3 I01: 170 hp, ratio 7,47 kg/hp.
120i F40: 235 km/h. i3 I01: 150 km/h.