BMW M240i F44 vs Audi S3 Sedan: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S3 Sedan hits 100 km/h in 4.63 s versus 4.67 s for the Bmw M240i. The 0.04 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the Bmw M240i is doing 147 km/h against 138 km/h for the S3 Sedan. The gap is 0.08 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw M240i crosses the line in 12.78 s versus 13.08 s. The 0.30 s gap represents roughly 15 m of track — two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the Bmw M240i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 205 km/h versus 198 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw M240i finishes in 23.03 s versus 23.69 s, with a 0.66 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 Bmw M240i combines 340 hp, 500 Nm and 1,525 kg — a clear theoretical edge over the S3 Sedan. Yet the S3 Sedan 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 Sedan 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.

The S3 Sedan features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Bmw M240i’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the Bmw M240i and the S3 Sedan 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 7.68 seconds. The 0.04 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.