Over 0–100 km/h, Cooper E FWD wins (7,20 s vs 8,96 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | Cooper E FWD | 218i F44 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.20 s | 8.96 s | 1.76 s · Cooper E FWD |
| 400 m standing start | 15.37 s | 16.54 s | 1.17 s · Cooper E FWD |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.93 s | 30.07 s | 1.14 s · Cooper E FWD |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 160 km/h | 210 km/h | 50 km/h · 218i F44 |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7.58 kg/hp | 10.40 kg/hp | better ratio · Cooper E FWD |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | Cooper E FWD | 218i F44 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.96 s · tight gap | 1.96 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3.28 s · tight gap | 3.29 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.36 s | 6.30 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.20 s | 8.96 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 9.63 s | 12.35 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 17.59 s | 23.05 s |
| 0–200 km/h | - | 48.54 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15.37 s | 16.54 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28.93 s | 30.07 s |
| Top speed | 160 km/h | 210 km/h |
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 184 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 290 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 395 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 136 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 220 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 415 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual |
Off the line, the Cooper E FWD hits 100 km/h in 7.20 s versus 8.96 s for the 218i. The instant torque of 290 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Cooper E FWD leads by 1.76 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Cooper E FWD is doing 124 km/h against 112 km/h for the 218i. The gap is 0.63 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Cooper E FWD crosses the line in 15.37 s versus 16.53 s. The 1.16 s gap represents roughly 44 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Cooper E FWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 160 km/h versus 155 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Cooper E FWD finishes in 28.93 s versus 30.07 s, with a 1.14 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (210 km/h), the 218i never recovers its launch deficit.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Cooper E FWD is capped at 160 km/h, the 218i 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 14.55 seconds. The 1.76 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Cooper E FWD wins (7,20 s vs 8,96 s).
Cooper E FWD goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,20 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Cooper E FWD: 184 hp, ratio 7,58 kg/hp. 218i F44: 136 hp, ratio 10,40 kg/hp.
Cooper E FWD: 160 km/h. 218i F44: 210 km/h.