Over 0–100 km/h, i3s (120 Ah) I01 wins (6,81 s vs 8,95 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 | 218i F44 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6,81 s−2,14 s | 8,95 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,05 s−1,48 s | 16,53 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28,59 s−1,48 s | 30,07 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 160 km/h | 210 km/h−50 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7,01 kg/hpbetter ratio | 10,40 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 | 218i F44 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,77 s | 1,96 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,96 s | 3,28 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,95 s | 6,30 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 6,81 s | 8,95 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 9,25 s | 12,34 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 16,98 s | 23,03 s |
| 0–200 km/h | - | 48,47 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,05 s | 16,53 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28,59 s | 30,07 s |
| Top speed | 160 km/h | 210 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 | 136 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 220 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 415 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual (8-speed Steptronic transmission) |
Off the line, the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) hits 100 km/h in 6.81 s versus 8.95 s for the Bmw 218i. The instant torque of 270 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) leads by 2.14 s and sits roughly 13 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) is doing 124 km/h against 112 km/h for the Bmw 218i. The gap is 0.93 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) crosses the line in 15.05 s versus 16.53 s. The 1.48 s gap represents roughly 56 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 160 km/h versus 155 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) finishes in 28.59 s versus 30.06 s, with a 1.47 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (210 km/h), the Bmw 218i never recovers its launch deficit.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw i3s (120 Ah) is capped at 160 km/h, the Bmw 218i at 210 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 14.54 seconds. The 2.14 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, i3s (120 Ah) I01 wins (6,81 s vs 8,95 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. 218i F44: 136 hp, ratio 10,40 kg/hp.
i3s (120 Ah) I01: 160 km/h. 218i F44: 210 km/h.