Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD vs MINI John Cooper Works FWD: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 4.44 s versus 6.21 s for the John Cooper Works FWD. The instant torque of 605 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range AWD leads by 1.77 s and sits roughly 22 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD is doing 143 km/h against 137 km/h for the John Cooper Works FWD. The gap is 1.30 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range AWD crosses the line in 12.80 s versus 14.26 s. The 1.46 s gap represents roughly 67 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 196 km/h versus 191 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD finishes in 23.49 s versus 25.29 s, with a 1.80 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (251 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), the John Cooper Works FWD never recovers its launch deficit.

The Model 3 Long Range AWD features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the John Cooper Works FWD’s FWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Electronically capped at 233 km/h, the Model 3 Long Range AWD 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.

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 8.88 seconds. The 1.77 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.