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A430iPetrolvsBLeonPHEV
  • MotorwayMotorwayRange and charging
  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • Specs430i · Leon

BMW 430i Convertible G22 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.

saloon · 2021 vs 2023 · Methodology
BMWPetrolFaster

430i Convertible G22

258 hp · 400 Nm · 1,715 kg · 2021

VS
CupraPHEV

Leon VZe

241 hp · 350 Nm · 1,630 kg · 2023

Result · 0–100 km/h

ABMW 430i Convertible G22

6.24 s

Gap1.21 sin favour of 430i Convertible
BCupra Leon VZe

7.45 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
Measure430i Convertible G22Leon VZeGap
0–100 km/h6.24 s7.45 s1.21 s · 430i Convertible G22
400 m standing start14.45 s15.42 s0.97 s · 430i Convertible G22
1,000 m standing start26.31 s27.49 s1.18 s · 430i Convertible G22
Top speed (electronically limited)250 km/h225 km/h25 km/h · 430i Convertible G22
Power-to-weight ratio6.65 kg/hp6.76 kg/hpbetter ratio · 430i Convertible G22

Watch the race

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

BMWPetrol430i Convertible G22
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.
Stage430i Convertible G22Leon VZe
0–30 km/h1.46 s2.08 s
0–50 km/h2.44 s3.48 s
0–80 km/h4.41 s5.63 s
0–100 km/h6.24 s7.45 s
0–120 km/h8.52 s9.63 s
0–160 km/h14.93 s16.26 s
0–200 km/h25.55 s29.27 s
400 m standing start14.45 s15.42 s
1,000 m standing start26.31 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

430i Convertible G22

6,65kg/hpratio better by 0,12 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power258 hp4 cyl
Torque400 Nm
Weight1 715 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
GearboxEight-speed Steptronic transmission
Cupra

Leon VZe

6,76kg/hpcompensated by −85 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 430i Convertible hits 100 km/h in 6.24 s versus 7.45 s for the Leon VZe. Despite lacking instant torque, 258 hp of power compensates. At this point, the 430i Convertible leads by 1.21 s and sits roughly 22 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the 430i Convertible is doing 127 km/h against 126 km/h for the Leon VZe. The gap is 0.92 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the 430i Convertible crosses the line in 14.45 s versus 15.41 s. The 0.96 s gap represents roughly 41 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the 430i Convertible continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 177 km/h versus 174 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 430i Convertible finishes in 26.31 s versus 27.49 s, with a 1.18 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the 430i 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 1.21 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

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Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, 430i Convertible G22 wins (6,24 s vs 7,45 s).

430i Convertible G22 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,24 seconds (calibrated simulation).

430i Convertible G22: 258 hp, ratio 6,65 kg/hp. Leon VZe: 241 hp, ratio 6,76 kg/hp.

430i Convertible G22: 250 km/h. Leon VZe: 225 km/h.