Over 0–100 km/h, 120i F40 wins (6,91 s vs 7,54 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.
| Megane E-Tech Electric 217 | 120i F40 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7,54 s | 6,91 s+0,63 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,62 s | 15,02 s+0,60 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,17 s | 27,09 s+2,08 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 160 km/h | 235 km/h−75 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7,80 kg/hpbetter ratio | 7,81 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 | Megane E-Tech Electric 217 | 120i F40 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 2,13 s | 1,76 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3,56 s | 2,94 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5,75 s | 4,96 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7,54 s | 6,91 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 9,87 s | 9,21 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 17,64 s | 16,06 s |
| 0–200 km/h | - | 27,89 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,62 s | 15,02 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 29,17 s | 27,09 s |
| Top speed | 160 km/h | 235 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 218 hp | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 300 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 700 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 178 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 280 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 390 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission |
Off the line, the Bmw 120i hits 100 km/h in 6.91 s versus 7.54 s for the Megane E-Tech Electric 217. Despite lacking instant torque, 178 hp of power compensates. At this point, the Bmw 120i leads by 0.63 s and sits roughly 14 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Bmw 120i is doing 124 km/h against 124 km/h for the Megane E-Tech Electric 217. The gap is 0.55 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the Bmw 120i crosses the line in 15.02 s versus 15.61 s. The 0.60 s gap represents roughly 25 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the Bmw 120i continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 160 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Bmw 120i finishes in 27.09 s versus 29.16 s, with a 2.07 s lead.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Megane E-Tech Electric 217 is capped at 160 km/h, the Bmw 120i at 235 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 11.36 seconds. The 0.63 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, 120i F40 wins (6,91 s vs 7,54 s).
Megane E-Tech Electric 217 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,54 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Megane E-Tech Electric 217: 218 hp, ratio 7,80 kg/hp. 120i F40: 178 hp, ratio 7,81 kg/hp.
Megane E-Tech Electric 217: 160 km/h. 120i F40: 235 km/h.