Over 0–100 km/h, 520e G30 wins (8,07 s vs 9,87 s).
Performance comparison
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
Simulation
Calibration
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
| 520e G30 | A3 Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 8,07 s−1,80 s | 9,87 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,87 s−1,34 s | 17,21 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,49 s−1,75 s | 31,24 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 213 km/h | 215 km/h−2 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 9,31 kg/hpbetter ratio | 11,68 kg/hp |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | 520e G30 | A3 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,44 s | 2,22 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,58 s | 3,75 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5,37 s | 6,86 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 8,07 s | 9,87 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 11,61 s | 13,82 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 22,82 s | 26,28 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 52,29 s | 58,04 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,87 s | 17,21 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,49 s | 31,24 s |
| Top speed | 213 km/h | 215 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 204 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 350 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 900 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 116 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 300 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 355 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual gearbox |
Off the line, the Bmw 520e hits 100 km/h in 8.07 s versus 9.87 s for the A3 Sedan. The instant torque of 350 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Bmw 520e leads by 1.80 s and sits roughly 26 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw 520e is doing 113 km/h against 108 km/h for the A3 Sedan. The gap is 1.12 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw 520e crosses the line in 15.86 s versus 17.21 s. The 1.34 s gap represents roughly 49 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw 520e continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 154 km/h versus 150 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw 520e finishes in 29.49 s versus 31.24 s, with a 1.75 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (213 vs 215 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Electronically capped at 218 km/h, the Bmw 520e never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.
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 16.25 seconds. The 1.80 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Swap one of the two models to explore an equivalent duel in the same segment.
Over 0–100 km/h, 520e G30 wins (8,07 s vs 9,87 s).
520e G30 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,07 seconds (calibrated simulation).
520e G30: 204 hp, ratio 9,31 kg/hp. A3 Sedan: 116 hp, ratio 11,68 kg/hp.
520e G30: 213 km/h. A3 Sedan: 215 km/h.