Over 0–100 km/h, Focus ST 280 wins (5,68 s vs 8,05 s).
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.
| Focus ST 280 | Leaf 40kWh ZE1 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,68 s−2,37 s | 8,05 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,80 s−2,24 s | 16,04 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 24,64 s−6,41 s | 31,05 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 264 km/h+120 km/h | 144 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,11 kg/hpbetter ratio | 10,53 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 | Focus ST 280 | Leaf 40kWh ZE1 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,66 s | 1,90 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,77 s | 3,17 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,37 s | 5,65 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,68 s | 8,05 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,28 s | 11,27 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 11,78 s | - |
| 0–200 km/h | 19,05 s | - |
| 400 m standing start | 13,80 s | 16,04 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 24,64 s | 31,05 s |
| Top speed | 264 km/h | 144 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 280 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 420 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 431 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 150 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 320 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 579 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | single-speed reduction |
Off the line, the Focus ST 280 hits 100 km/h in 5.68 s versus 8.05 s for the Leaf 40kWh ZE1. Despite lacking instant torque, 280 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Focus ST 280 leads by 2.37 s and sits roughly 13 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Focus ST 280 is doing 139 km/h against 116 km/h for the Leaf 40kWh ZE1. The gap is 1.23 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Focus ST 280 crosses the line in 13.79 s versus 16.03 s. The 2.24 s gap represents roughly 85 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Focus ST 280 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 194 km/h versus 144 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Focus ST 280 finishes in 24.63 s versus 31.05 s, with a 6.41 s lead.
Electronically capped at 144 km/h, the Leaf 40kWh ZE1 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 13.39 seconds. The 2.37 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Focus ST 280 wins (5,68 s vs 8,05 s).
Focus ST 280 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,68 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Focus ST 280: 280 hp, ratio 5,11 kg/hp. Leaf 40kWh ZE1: 150 hp, ratio 10,53 kg/hp.
Focus ST 280: 264 km/h. Leaf 40kWh ZE1: 144 km/h.