Over 0–100 km/h, Cooper E FWD wins (7,20 s vs 7,62 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe G22 | Cooper E FWD | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.62 s | 7.20 s | 0.42 s · Cooper E FWD |
| 400 m standing start | 15.55 s | 15.37 s | 0.18 s · Cooper E FWD |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.34 s | 28.93 s | 0.59 s · 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe G22 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 236 km/h | 160 km/h | 76 km/h · 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe G22 |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 8.53 kg/hp | 7.58 kg/hp | better ratio · Cooper E FWD |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe G22 | Cooper E FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.65 s | 1.96 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2.79 s | 3.28 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.28 s · tight gap | 5.36 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.62 s | 7.20 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 10.51 s | 9.63 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 19.00 s | 17.59 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 34.76 s | - |
| 400 m standing start | 15.55 s | 15.37 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.34 s | 28.93 s |
| Top speed | 236 km/h | 160 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 | 184 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 270 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 570 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 184 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 290 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 395 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
Off the line, the Cooper E FWD hits 100 km/h in 7.20 s versus 7.62 s for the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe. The instant torque of 290 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe is 6 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.
At 200 metres, the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe is doing 118 km/h against 124 km/h for the Cooper E FWD. The gap is 0.05 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Cooper E FWD crosses the line in 15.37 s versus 15.55 s. The 0.18 s gap represents roughly 7 m of track - barely a car length.
Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The Cooper E FWD maxes out at 160 km/h while the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe keeps accelerating towards 236 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.25 s.
Around 782 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 76 km/h higher top speed.
At 1,000 metres, the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe finishes in 28.34 s versus 28.93 s. The 0.59 s delta in favour of the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe shows that top speed makes a clear difference.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the 420i Steptronic Gran Coupe is capped at 236 km/h, the Cooper E FWD at 160 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 12.25 seconds. The 0.42 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Cooper E FWD wins (7,20 s vs 7,62 s).
420i Steptronic Gran Coupe G22 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,62 seconds (calibrated simulation).
420i Steptronic Gran Coupe G22: 184 hp, ratio 8,53 kg/hp. Cooper E FWD: 184 hp, ratio 7,58 kg/hp.
420i Steptronic Gran Coupe G22: 236 km/h. Cooper E FWD: 160 km/h.