Over 0–100 km/h, i3s (120 Ah) I01 wins (6,81 s vs 6,91 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.
| i3s (120 Ah) I01 | 120i F40 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6,81 s−0,10 s | 6,91 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,05 s | 15,02 s+0,03 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28,59 s | 27,09 s+1,50 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 160 km/h | 235 km/h−75 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7,01 kg/hpbetter ratio | 7,81 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 | i3s (120 Ah) I01 | 120i F40 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,77 s | 1,76 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,96 s | 2,94 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,95 s | 4,96 stight gap |
| 0–100 km/h | 6,81 s | 6,91 stight gap |
| 0–120 km/h | 9,25 s | 9,21 stight gap |
| 0–160 km/h | 16,98 s | 16,06 s |
| 0–200 km/h | - | 27,89 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,05 s | 15,02 stight gap |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28,59 s | 27,09 s |
| Top speed | 160 km/h | 235 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 184 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 270 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 290 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Automatic, single-speed with fixed ratio (9.665:1) |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 178 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 280 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 390 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission |
Off the line, the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) hits 100 km/h in 6.81 s versus 6.91 s for the Bmw 120i. The instant torque of 270 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.10 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.
At 200 metres, the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) is doing 124 km/h against 124 km/h for the Bmw 120i. The gap is 0.01 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw 120i crosses the line in 15.02 s versus 15.05 s. The 0.03 s gap represents roughly 1 m of track
Past 400 metres, the Bmw 120i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 160 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw 120i finishes in 27.09 s versus 28.59 s, with a 1.50 s lead.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) is capped at 160 km/h, the Bmw 120i at 235 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 10.76 seconds. The 0.10 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, i3s (120 Ah) I01 wins (6,81 s vs 6,91 s).
i3s (120 Ah) I01 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,81 seconds (calibrated simulation).
i3s (120 Ah) I01: 184 hp, ratio 7,01 kg/hp. 120i F40: 178 hp, ratio 7,81 kg/hp.
i3s (120 Ah) I01: 160 km/h. 120i F40: 235 km/h.