Sur 0–100 km/h, i3 (120 Ah) I01 gagne (7,24 s vs 10,53 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.
| i3 (120 Ah) I01 | 116i F40 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7,24 s−3,29 s | 10,53 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,40 s−2,06 s | 17,46 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,80 s−2,37 s | 32,17 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 150 km/h | 199 km/h−49 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7,47 kg/hpbetter ratio | 12,11 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 | i3 (120 Ah) I01 | 116i F40 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,88 s | 1,94 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 3,14 s | 3,42 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5,25 s | 7,04 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7,24 s | 10,53 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 9,85 s | 15,20 s |
| 0–160 km/h | — | 31,08 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,40 s | 17,46 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,80 s | 32,17 s |
| Top speed | 150 km/h | 199 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 170 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 250 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 270 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Automatic, single-speed with fixed ratio (9.665:1) |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 109 hp | 3 cyl |
| Torque | 190 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 320 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | 116i | |
| Gearbox | Six-speed manual (seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission) |
Off the line, the Bmw i3 (120 Ah) hits 100 km/h in 7.24 s versus 10.53 s for the Bmw 116i. The instant torque of 250 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Bmw i3 (120 Ah) leads by 3.29 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw i3 (120 Ah) is doing 122 km/h against 104 km/h for the Bmw 116i. The gap is 1.14 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw i3 (120 Ah) crosses the line in 15.40 s versus 17.45 s. The 2.05 s gap represents roughly 71 m of track — a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw i3 (120 Ah) continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 150 km/h versus 143 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw i3 (120 Ah) finishes in 29.80 s versus 32.17 s, with a 2.37 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (199 km/h), the Bmw 116i never recovers its launch deficit.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw i3 (120 Ah) is capped at 150 km/h, the Bmw 116i at 200 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 18.13 seconds. The 3.29 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.
Sur 0–100 km/h, i3 (120 Ah) I01 gagne (7,24 s vs 10,53 s).
i3 (120 Ah) I01 passe de 0 à 100 km/h en 7,24 secondes (simulation calibrée).
i3 (120 Ah) I01 : 170 hp, ratio 7,47 kg/hp. 116i F40 : 109 hp, ratio 12,11 kg/hp.
i3 (120 Ah) I01 : 150 km/h. 116i F40 : 199 km/h.