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A218iPetrolvsBZoeBEV
  • MotorwayMotorwayRange and charging
  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • Specs218i · Zoe

BMW 218i F44 vs Renault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50: which is truly faster?

Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.

compact · 2020 vs 2020 · Methodology
BMWPetrolFaster

218i F44

136 hp · 220 Nm · 1,415 kg · 2020

VS
RenaultBEV

Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50

136 hp · 245 Nm · 1,502 kg · 2020

Result · 0–100 km/h

ABMW 218i F44

8.95 s

Gap0.49 sin favour of 218i
BRenault Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50

9.44 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
Measure218i F44Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50Gap
0–100 km/h8.95 s9.44 s0.49 s · 218i F44
400 m standing start16.53 s17.08 s0.55 s · 218i F44
1,000 m standing start30.07 s32.54 s2.47 s · 218i F44
Top speed (electronically limited)210 km/h140 km/h70 km/h · 218i F44
Power-to-weight ratio10.40 kg/hp11.04 kg/hpbetter ratio · 218i F44

Watch the race

Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.

BMWPetrol218i F44
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
RenaultBEVZoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
100 m
200 m
300 m
400 m
500 m
600 m
700 m
800 m
900 m
1000 m
0m → 1000m
Gap0m

Stage-by-stage comparison

Simulated performance at each stage. Best value in bold.
Stage218i F44Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50
0–30 km/h1.96 s2.38 s
0–50 km/h3.28 s3.99 s
0–80 km/h6.30 s6.76 s
0–100 km/h8.95 s9.44 s
0–120 km/h12.34 s13.10 s
0–160 km/h23.03 s-
0–200 km/h48.47 s-
400 m standing start16.53 s17.08 s
1,000 m standing start30.07 s32.54 s
Top speed210 km/h140 km/h

Parameters and assumptions

Simulation

Start
Standing, straight line
Surface
Dry asphalt, 23°C
Wind
None
Driver
1 person, 75 kg

Calibration

Splits
0–100, 0–200 manufacturer
Power curve
Real measurement (Caralogy)
VMax
Manufacturer limited
Transmission
Losses integrated in model

Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.

Under the bonnet

Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.

BMW

218i F44

10,40kg/hpratio better by 0,64 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power136 hpPending
Torque220 Nm
Weight1 415 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
Gearbox6-speed manual (8-speed Steptronic transmission)
Renault

Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50

11,04kg/hpcompensated by −87 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power136 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (R135)
Torque245 Nm
Weight1 502 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainTraction
GearboxSingle-speed fixed reducer (BEV)

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the 218i hits 100 km/h in 8.95 s versus 9.44 s for the Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50. Despite lacking instant torque, 136 hp of power compensates. At this point, the 218i leads by 0.49 s and sits roughly 13 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the 218i is doing 112 km/h against 111 km/h for the Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50. The gap is 0.47 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the 218i crosses the line in 16.53 s versus 17.08 s. The 0.55 s gap represents roughly 21 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the 218i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 155 km/h versus 140 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 218i finishes in 30.06 s versus 32.53 s, with a 2.47 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the 218i is capped at 210 km/h, the Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50 at 140 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 15.57 seconds. The 0.49 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

Other duels you might be interested in

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A3 allstreet vs 218i

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e-208 136 Phase 2 vs Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50

AudiVSBMW

A3 allstreet vs 218i

PeugeotVSRenault

e-208 156 Phase 2 vs Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, 218i F44 wins (8,95 s vs 9,44 s).

218i F44 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,95 seconds (calibrated simulation).

218i F44: 136 hp, ratio 10,40 kg/hp. Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50: 136 hp, ratio 11,04 kg/hp.

218i F44: 210 km/h. Zoe R135 E-Tech Z.E.50: 140 km/h.