Over 0–100 km/h, M240i F44 and S3 Sportback are neck and neck (4,64 s vs 4,67 s, no significant gap).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | M240i F44 | S3 Sportback | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4.67 s | 4.64 s | 0.03 s · S3 Sportback |
| 400 m standing start | 12.78 s | 13.09 s | 0.31 s · M240i F44 |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23.04 s | 23.72 s | 0.68 s · M240i F44 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h | Same |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4.49 kg/hp | 4.61 kg/hp | better ratio · M240i F44 |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | M240i F44 | S3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.33 s | 1.23 s · tight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2.21 s | 2.05 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3.53 s | 3.41 s · tight gap |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.67 s | 4.64 s · tight gap |
| 0–120 km/h | 6.03 s | 6.63 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 9.80 s | 10.91 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 15.53 s | 17.45 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12.78 s | 13.09 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23.04 s | 23.72 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 340 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 500 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 525 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 333 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 420 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 535 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the S3 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 4.64 s versus 4.67 s for the M240i. The 0.03 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.
At 200 metres, the M240i is doing 147 km/h against 139 km/h for the S3 Sportback. The gap is 0.09 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.
At 400 metres standing start, the M240i crosses the line in 12.78 s versus 13.08 s. The 0.31 s gap represents roughly 15 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the M240i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 205 km/h versus 197 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the M240i finishes in 23.03 s versus 23.72 s, with a 0.68 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.
On paper, the M240i combines 340 hp, 500 Nm and 1,525 kg - a clear theoretical edge over the S3 Sportback. Yet the S3 Sportback launches quicker. At standstill, both motors deliver peak torque from 0 rpm: the decisive factor is no longer raw power, but available grip. If the S3 Sportback has a better traction coefficient (tyres, weight distribution, traction control calibration), it puts down more force despite inferior specs - exactly what the simulation reflects, calibrated on manufacturer 0-100 km/h times.
Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the M240i and the S3 Sportback are governed to 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.
With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (4.49 kg/hp vs 4.61 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 7.65 seconds. The 0.03 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, M240i F44 and S3 Sportback are neck and neck (4,64 s vs 4,67 s, no significant gap).
M240i F44 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,67 seconds (calibrated simulation).
M240i F44: 340 hp, ratio 4,49 kg/hp. S3 Sportback: 333 hp, ratio 4,61 kg/hp.
M240i F44: 250 km/h. S3 Sportback: 250 km/h.