Over 0–100 km/h, John Cooper Works FWD wins (6,21 s vs 6,97 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.
| John Cooper Works FWD | 320d Steptronic G20 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6,21 s−0,76 s | 6,97 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,26 s−0,85 s | 15,11 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,30 s−2,40 s | 27,70 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 251 km/h+14 km/h | 237 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,09 kg/hpbetter ratio | 7,66 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 | John Cooper Works FWD | 320d Steptronic G20 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,85 s | 1,49 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3,09 s | 2,52 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,95 s | 4,85 stight gap |
| 0–100 km/h | 6,21 s | 6,97 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,93 s | 9,73 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 12,59 s | 17,81 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 20,51 s | 32,74 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,26 s | 15,11 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,30 s | 27,70 s |
| Top speed | 251 km/h | 237 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 231 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 320 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 175 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed automatic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 190 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 455 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the John Cooper Works FWD hits 100 km/h in 6.21 s versus 6.97 s for the 320d Steptronic. Despite the faster sprint time, the 320d Steptronic is 6 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.
At 200 metres, the John Cooper Works FWD is doing 137 km/h against 120 km/h for the 320d Steptronic. The gap is 0.18 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the John Cooper Works FWD crosses the line in 14.26 s versus 15.10 s. The 0.84 s gap represents roughly 34 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the John Cooper Works FWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 191 km/h versus 167 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the John Cooper Works FWD finishes in 25.29 s versus 27.70 s, with a 2.41 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (251 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 237 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Electronically capped at 240 km/h, the 320d Steptronic 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.
With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (5.09 kg/hp vs 7.66 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 11.35 seconds. The 0.76 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Swap one of the two models to explore an equivalent duel in the same segment.
Over 0–100 km/h, John Cooper Works FWD wins (6,21 s vs 6,97 s).
John Cooper Works FWD goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,21 seconds (calibrated simulation).
John Cooper Works FWD: 231 hp, ratio 5,09 kg/hp. 320d Steptronic G20: 190 hp, ratio 7,66 kg/hp.
John Cooper Works FWD: 251 km/h. 320d Steptronic G20: 237 km/h.