Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Performance wins (3,36 s vs 4,43 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.
| M4 Competition Convertible F82 | Model 3 Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,43 s | 3,36 s+1,07 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,51 s | 11,58 s+0,93 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,55 s | 21,36 s+1,19 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 261 km/h−11 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,98 kg/hpbetter ratio | 4,08 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 | M4 Competition Convertible F82 | Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,16 s | 0,89 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,94 s | 1,49 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,25 s | 2,47 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,43 s | 3,36 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,80 s | 4,49 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 9,41 s | 7,86 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 14,54 s | 12,81 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,51 s | 11,58 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,55 s | 21,36 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 261 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 450 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 550 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 790 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual (7-speed M Steptronic with double clutch and Drivelogic) |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 450 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 713 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 836 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
Off the line, the Model 3 Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.36 s versus 4.43 s for the Bmw M4 Competition Convertible. The instant torque of 713 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 1.07 s and sits roughly 11 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 156 km/h against 148 km/h for the Bmw M4 Competition Convertible. The gap is 0.78 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Performance crosses the line in 11.57 s versus 12.51 s. The 0.93 s gap represents roughly 47 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 215 km/h versus 209 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 21.35 s versus 22.55 s, with a 1.20 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 261 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Bmw M4 Competition Convertible is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model 3 Performance at 261 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 6.52 seconds. The 1.07 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, Model 3 Performance wins (3,36 s vs 4,43 s).
M4 Competition Convertible F82 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,43 seconds (calibrated simulation).
M4 Competition Convertible F82: 450 hp, ratio 3,98 kg/hp. Model 3 Performance: 450 hp, ratio 4,08 kg/hp.
M4 Competition Convertible F82: 250 km/h. Model 3 Performance: 261 km/h.