Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Performance wins (2,53 s vs 8,89 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.
| Model S Performance | CLA 180 Saloon | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 2,53 s−6,36 s | 8,89 s |
| 400 m standing start | 10,32 s−6,12 s | 16,44 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 19,02 s−10,93 s | 29,95 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 262 km/h+44 km/h | 218 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2,89 kg/hpbetter ratio | 10,87 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 | Model S Performance | CLA 180 Saloon |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,71 s | 1,75 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,18 s | 3,07 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 1,91 s | 6,05 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 2,53 s | 8,89 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 3,31 s | 12,40 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 5,58 s | 22,81 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 8,76 s | 42,16 s |
| 400 m standing start | 10,32 s | 16,44 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 19,02 s | 29,95 s |
| Top speed | 262 km/h | 218 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 778 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 1139 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 250 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 156 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 280 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 695 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
Off the line, the Model S Performance hits 100 km/h in 2.53 s versus 8.89 s for the CLA 180 Saloon. The instant torque of 1,139 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S Performance leads by 6.36 s and sits roughly 22 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model S Performance is doing 175 km/h against 111 km/h for the CLA 180 Saloon. The gap is 4.03 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model S Performance crosses the line in 10.31 s versus 16.44 s. The 6.13 s gap represents roughly 211 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model S Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 244 km/h versus 155 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S Performance finishes in 19.02 s versus 29.94 s, with a 10.93 s lead.
The Model S Performance features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the CLA 180 Saloon’s FWD. 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 are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S Performance is capped at 262 km/h, the CLA 180 Saloon at 218 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 14.63 seconds. The 6.36 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Performance wins (2,53 s vs 8,89 s).
Model S Performance goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,53 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model S Performance: 778 hp, ratio 2,89 kg/hp. CLA 180 Saloon: 156 hp, ratio 10,87 kg/hp.
Model S Performance: 262 km/h. CLA 180 Saloon: 218 km/h.