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A230iPetrolvsBLeonPHEV
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  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • Specs230i · Leon

BMW 230i Convertible F22 vs Cupra Leon VZe: 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 · 2018 vs 2023 · Methodology
BMWPetrolFaster

230i Convertible F22

252 hp · 350 Nm · 1,575 kg · 2018

VS
CupraPHEV

Leon VZe

241 hp · 350 Nm · 1,630 kg · 2023

Result · 0–100 km/h

ABMW 230i Convertible F22

5.86 s

Gap1.59 sin favour of 230i Convertible
BCupra Leon VZe

7.45 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
Measure230i Convertible F22Leon VZeGap
0–100 km/h5.86 s7.45 s1.59 s · 230i Convertible F22
400 m standing start14.21 s15.42 s1.21 s · 230i Convertible F22
1,000 m standing start26.01 s27.49 s1.48 s · 230i Convertible F22
Top speed (electronically limited)250 km/h225 km/h25 km/h · 230i Convertible F22
Power-to-weight ratio6.25 kg/hp6.76 kg/hpbetter ratio · 230i Convertible F22

Watch the race

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

BMWPetrol230i Convertible F22
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
CupraPHEVLeon VZe
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.
Stage230i Convertible F22Leon VZe
0–30 km/h1.38 s2.08 s
0–50 km/h2.29 s3.48 s
0–80 km/h4.18 s5.63 s
0–100 km/h5.86 s7.45 s
0–120 km/h8.10 s9.63 s
0–160 km/h14.44 s16.26 s
0–200 km/h24.93 s29.27 s
400 m standing start14.21 s15.42 s
1,000 m standing start26.01 s27.49 s
Top speed limited250 km/h225 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

230i Convertible F22

6,25kg/hpratio better by 0,51 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power252 hp4 cyl
Torque350 Nm
Weight1 575 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
Gearbox8-speed Steptronic
Cupra

Leon VZe

6,76kg/hpcompensated by −55 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power241 hpPending
Torque350 Nm
Weight1 630 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainTraction
Gearbox6-speed DSG

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the 230i Convertible hits 100 km/h in 5.86 s versus 7.45 s for the Leon VZe. Despite lacking instant torque, 252 hp of power compensates. At this point, the 230i Convertible leads by 1.59 s and sits roughly 24 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the 230i Convertible is doing 129 km/h against 126 km/h for the Leon VZe. The gap is 1.11 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the 230i Convertible crosses the line in 14.21 s versus 15.41 s. The 1.20 s gap represents roughly 51 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the 230i Convertible continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 178 km/h versus 174 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 230i Convertible finishes in 26.01 s versus 27.49 s, with a 1.48 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the 230i Convertible is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Leon VZe at 225 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 10.94 seconds. The 1.59 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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AudiVSBMW

S3 Sedan vs 230i Convertible

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, 230i Convertible F22 wins (5,86 s vs 7,45 s).

230i Convertible F22 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,86 seconds (calibrated simulation).

230i Convertible F22: 252 hp, ratio 6,25 kg/hp. Leon VZe: 241 hp, ratio 6,76 kg/hp.

230i Convertible F22: 250 km/h. Leon VZe: 225 km/h.