BYD Seal 313 2WD vs Ford Focus ST 280: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Focus ST 280 hits 100 km/h in 5.68 s versus 6.00 s for the Seal 313 2WD. Despite lacking instant torque, 280 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Focus ST 280 leads by 0.32 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Focus ST 280 is doing 139 km/h against 135 km/h for the Seal 313 2WD. The gap is 0.23 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the Focus ST 280 crosses the line in 13.79 s versus 14.21 s. The 0.41 s gap represents roughly 19 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the Focus ST 280 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 194 km/h versus 180 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Focus ST 280 finishes in 24.63 s versus 26.31 s, with a 1.68 s lead.

Electronically capped at 180 km/h, the Seal 313 2WD never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

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 8.80 seconds. The 0.32 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.