Over 0–100 km/h, Cayman GT4 981 wins (3,95 s vs 4,54 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.
| Cayman GT4 981 | Z4 M40i G29 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,95 s−0,59 s | 4,54 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,90 s−0,80 s | 12,70 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,60 s−1,35 s | 22,95 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 295 km/h+45 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,48 kg/hpbetter ratio | 4,51 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 | Cayman GT4 981 | Z4 M40i G29 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,98 s | 1,27 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,63 s | 2,12 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,98 s | 3,42 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,95 s | 4,54 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,99 s | 5,95 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 8,18 s | 9,74 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 12,74 s | 15,46 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,90 s | 12,70 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,60 s | 22,95 s |
| Top speed limited | 295 km/h | 250 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 385 hp | B6 |
| Torque | 419 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 340 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | MANUAL |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 340 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 500 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 535 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the Cayman GT4 hits 100 km/h in 3.95 s versus 4.54 s for the Z4 M40i. At this point, the Cayman GT4 leads by 0.59 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Cayman GT4 is doing 155 km/h against 147 km/h for the Z4 M40i. The gap is 0.57 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the Cayman GT4 crosses the line in 11.90 s versus 12.70 s. The 0.80 s gap represents roughly 40 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Cayman GT4 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 218 km/h versus 205 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Cayman GT4 finishes in 21.59 s versus 22.95 s, with a 1.35 s lead.
Electronically capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Z4 M40i 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 (3.48 kg/hp vs 4.51 kg/hp) and transmission (Manual vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 6.76 seconds. The 0.59 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, Cayman GT4 981 wins (3,95 s vs 4,54 s).
Cayman GT4 981 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,95 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Cayman GT4 981: 385 hp, ratio 3,48 kg/hp. Z4 M40i G29: 340 hp, ratio 4,51 kg/hp.
Cayman GT4 981: 295 km/h. Z4 M40i G29: 250 km/h.