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ABornBEVvsB218dDiesel
  • MotorwayMotorwayRange and charging
  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • SpecsBorn · 218d

Cupra Born VZ vs BMW 218d F22: which is truly faster?

Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.

compact · 2022 vs 2018 · Methodology
CupraBEVFaster

Born VZ

308 hp · 310 Nm · 1,748 kg · 2022

VS
BMWDiesel

218d F22

150 hp · 350 Nm · 1,445 kg · 2018

Result · 0–100 km/h

ACupra Born VZ

5.73 s

Gap3.12 sin favour of Born VZ
BBMW 218d F22

8.85 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureBorn VZ218d F22Gap
0–100 km/h5.73 s8.85 s3.12 s · Born VZ
400 m standing start13.96 s16.56 s2.60 s · Born VZ
1,000 m standing start27.45 s30.13 s2.68 s · Born VZ
Top speed (electronically limited)160 km/h210 km/h50 km/h · 218d F22
Power-to-weight ratio5.68 kg/hp9.63 kg/hpbetter ratio · Born VZ

Watch the race

Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.

CupraBEVBorn VZ
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWDiesel218d F22
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
100 m
200 m
300 m
400 m
500 m
600 m
700 m
800 m
900 m
1000 m
0m → 1000m
Gap0m

Stage-by-stage comparison

Simulated performance at each stage. Best value in bold.
StageBorn VZ218d F22
0–30 km/h1.67 s2.11 s
0–50 km/h2.79 s3.45 s
0–80 km/h4.50 s6.26 s
0–100 km/h5.73 s8.85 s
0–120 km/h7.31 s12.29 s
0–160 km/h12.29 s23.20 s
0–200 km/h-53.82 s
400 m standing start13.96 s16.56 s
1,000 m standing start27.45 s30.13 s
Top speed160 km/h210 km/h

Parameters and assumptions

Simulation

Start
Standing, straight line
Surface
Dry asphalt, 23°C
Wind
None
Driver
1 person, 75 kg

Calibration

Splits
0–100, 0–200 manufacturer
Power curve
Real measurement (Caralogy)
VMax
Manufacturer limited
Transmission
Losses integrated in model

Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.

Under the bonnet

Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.

Cupra

Born VZ

5,68kg/hpratio better by 3,96 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power308 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque310 Nm
Weight1 748 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

218d F22

9,63kg/hpcompensated by −303 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power150 hp4 cyl
Torque350 Nm
Weight1 445 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
Gearbox6-speed manual (8-speed Steptronic)

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Born VZ hits 100 km/h in 5.73 s versus 8.85 s for the 218d. The instant torque of 310 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Born VZ leads by 3.12 s and sits roughly 17 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Born VZ is doing 138 km/h against 112 km/h for the 218d. The gap is 1.60 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Born VZ crosses the line in 13.96 s versus 16.56 s. The 2.60 s gap represents roughly 97 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Born VZ continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 160 km/h versus 155 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Born VZ finishes in 27.45 s versus 30.12 s, with a 2.67 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (210 km/h), the 218d never recovers its launch deficit.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Born VZ is capped at 160 km/h, the 218d 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 14.40 seconds. The 3.12 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

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Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Born VZ wins (5,73 s vs 8,85 s).

Born VZ goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,73 seconds (calibrated simulation).

Born VZ: 308 hp, ratio 5,68 kg/hp. 218d F22: 150 hp, ratio 9,63 kg/hp.

Born VZ: 160 km/h. 218d F22: 210 km/h.