Over 0–100 km/h, i3 I01 wins (7,24 s vs 7,48 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | 220i F22 | i3 I01 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.48 s | 7.24 s | 0.24 s · i3 I01 |
| 400 m standing start | 15.53 s | 15.40 s | 0.13 s · i3 I01 |
| 1,000 m standing start | 27.74 s | 29.80 s | 2.06 s · 220i F22 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 229 km/h | 150 km/h | 79 km/h · 220i F22 |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7.32 kg/hp | 7.47 kg/hp | better ratio · 220i F22 |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | 220i F22 | i3 I01 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 2.14 s | 1.88 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3.53 s | 3.14 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.65 s | 5.25 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.48 s | 7.24 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 9.85 s | 9.85 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 16.83 s | - |
| 0–200 km/h | 30.20 s | - |
| 400 m standing start | 15.53 s | 15.40 s · tight gap |
| 1,000 m standing start | 27.74 s | 29.80 s |
| Top speed | 229 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 | 192 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 280 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 405 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed Steptronic with double clutch |
| 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 i3 hits 100 km/h in 7.24 s versus 7.48 s for the 220i. The instant torque of 250 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the i3 leads by 0.24 s and sits roughly 8 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the i3 is doing 122 km/h against 124 km/h for the 220i. The gap is 0.26 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the i3 crosses the line in 15.40 s versus 15.53 s. The 0.13 s gap represents roughly 6 m of track - barely a car length.
Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The i3 maxes out at 150 km/h while the 220i keeps accelerating towards 229 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.27 s.
Around 496 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the 220i overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 79 km/h higher top speed.
At 1,000 metres, the 220i finishes in 27.73 s versus 29.80 s. The 2.06 s delta in favour of the 220i shows that top speed makes a clear difference.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the 220i is capped at 229 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 0.24 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, i3 I01 wins (7,24 s vs 7,48 s).
220i F22 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,48 seconds (calibrated simulation).
220i F22: 192 hp, ratio 7,32 kg/hp. i3 I01: 170 hp, ratio 7,47 kg/hp.
220i F22: 229 km/h. i3 I01: 150 km/h.