Over 0–100 km/h, Cooper SE FWD wins (7,32 s vs 8,62 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | Cooper SE FWD | 218i F44 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.32 s | 8.62 s | 1.30 s · Cooper SE FWD |
| 400 m standing start | 15.46 s | 16.35 s | 0.89 s · Cooper SE FWD |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29.86 s | 29.76 s | 0.10 s · 218i F44 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 150 km/h | 215 km/h | 65 km/h · 218i F44 |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7.42 kg/hp | 9.64 kg/hp | better ratio · Cooper SE FWD |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | Cooper SE FWD | 218i F44 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 2.03 s | 1.96 s · tight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 3.40 s | 3.27 s · tight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.51 s | 6.05 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.32 s | 8.62 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 9.71 s | 11.94 s |
| 0–160 km/h | - | 22.26 s |
| 0–200 km/h | - | 47.03 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15.46 s | 16.35 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29.86 s | 29.76 s · tight gap |
| Top speed | 150 km/h | 215 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 | 270 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 365 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 140 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 220 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 350 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Six-speed manual (seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission) |
Off the line, the Cooper SE FWD hits 100 km/h in 7.32 s versus 8.62 s for the 218i. The instant torque of 270 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Cooper SE FWD leads by 1.30 s and sits roughly 4 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Cooper SE FWD is doing 124 km/h against 113 km/h for the 218i. The gap is 0.43 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Cooper SE FWD crosses the line in 15.46 s versus 16.35 s. The 0.89 s gap represents roughly 34 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The Cooper SE FWD maxes out at 150 km/h while the 218i keeps accelerating towards 215 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.93 s.
Around 973 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the 218i overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 65 km/h higher top speed.
At 1,000 metres, the 218i finishes in 29.76 s versus 29.86 s. The 0.10 s delta shows an extremely tight race.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Cooper SE FWD is capped at 150 km/h, the 218i at 215 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 13.97 seconds. The 1.30 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Cooper SE FWD wins (7,32 s vs 8,62 s).
Cooper SE FWD goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,32 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Cooper SE FWD: 184 hp, ratio 7,42 kg/hp. 218i F44: 140 hp, ratio 9,64 kg/hp.
Cooper SE FWD: 150 km/h. 218i F44: 215 km/h.