Over 0–100 km/h, 230i F44 wins (5,66 s vs 6,27 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | 128ti F40 | 230i F44 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6.27 s | 5.66 s | 0.61 s · 230i F44 |
| 400 m standing start | 14.44 s | 13.90 s | 0.54 s · 230i F44 |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25.87 s | 25.36 s | 0.51 s · 230i F44 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h | Same |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5.45 kg/hp | 5.81 kg/hp | better ratio · 128ti F40 |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | 128ti F40 | 230i F44 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.81 s | 1.33 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3.01 s | 2.23 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4.76 s | 4.00 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.27 s | 5.66 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 8.20 s | 7.65 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 13.63 s | 13.24 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 22.97 s | 22.53 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14.44 s | 13.90 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25.87 s | 25.36 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 250 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 | 265 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 445 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 252 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 350 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 465 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission |
Off the line, the 230i hits 100 km/h in 5.66 s versus 6.27 s for the 128ti. At this point, the 230i leads by 0.61 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the 230i is doing 132 km/h against 132 km/h for the 128ti. The gap is 0.57 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the 230i crosses the line in 13.90 s versus 14.44 s. The 0.54 s gap represents roughly 25 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the 230i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 183 km/h versus 184 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 230i finishes in 25.35 s versus 25.86 s, with a 0.51 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.
On paper, the 128ti combines 265 hp, 400 Nm and 1,445 kg - a clear theoretical edge over the 230i. Yet the 230i launches quicker. At standstill, both motors deliver peak torque from 0 rpm: the decisive factor is no longer raw power, but available grip. If the 230i has a better traction coefficient (tyres, weight distribution, traction control calibration), it puts down more force despite inferior specs - exactly what the simulation reflects, calibrated on manufacturer 0-100 km/h times.
Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the 128ti and the 230i 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 (5.45 kg/hp vs 5.81 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 9.33 seconds. The 0.61 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, 230i F44 wins (5,66 s vs 6,27 s).
128ti F40 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,27 seconds (calibrated simulation).
128ti F40: 265 hp, ratio 5,45 kg/hp. 230i F44: 252 hp, ratio 5,81 kg/hp.
128ti F40: 250 km/h. 230i F44: 250 km/h.