Over 0–100 km/h, 520e G30 wins (8,07 s vs 9,36 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 | 218i Active Tourer F44 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 8,07 s−1,29 s | 9,36 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,87 s−1,03 s | 16,90 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,49 s−1,24 s | 30,73 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 213 km/h+8 km/h | 205 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 9,31 kg/hpbetter ratio | 10,07 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 | 218i Active Tourer F44 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,44 s | 2,17 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,58 s | 3,62 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5,37 s | 6,58 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 8,07 s | 9,36 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 11,61 s | 13,00 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 22,82 s | 24,95 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 52,29 s | 66,97 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,87 s | 16,90 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,49 s | 30,73 s |
| Top speed | 213 km/h | 205 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 | 136 hp | 3 cyl |
| Torque | 220 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 370 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual (7-speed Steptronic with double clutch) |
Off the line, the Bmw 520e hits 100 km/h in 8.07 s versus 9.36 s for the Bmw 218i Active Tourer. The instant torque of 350 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Bmw 520e leads by 1.29 s and sits roughly 23 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw 520e is doing 113 km/h against 110 km/h for the Bmw 218i Active Tourer. The gap is 0.93 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw 520e crosses the line in 15.86 s versus 16.89 s. The 1.03 s gap represents roughly 38 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 152 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw 520e finishes in 29.49 s versus 30.73 s, with a 1.24 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (213 vs 205 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw 520e is capped at 218 km/h, the Bmw 218i Active Tourer at 205 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 15.28 seconds. The 1.29 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 9,36 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. 218i Active Tourer F44: 136 hp, ratio 10,07 kg/hp.
520e G30: 213 km/h. 218i Active Tourer F44: 205 km/h.