Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Long Range AWD wins (4,33 s vs 7,31 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.
| Model 3 Long Range AWD | CLA 220 Saloon | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,33 s−2,98 s | 7,31 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,67 s−2,65 s | 15,32 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,21 s−4,33 s | 27,54 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 233 km/h | 240 km/h−7 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,12 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,08 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 | Model 3 Long Range AWD | CLA 220 Saloon |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,17 s | 1,78 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,95 s | 3,00 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,20 s | 5,21 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,33 s | 7,31 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,75 s | 9,81 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 10,09 s | 16,96 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 16,69 s | 28,48 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,67 s | 15,32 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,21 s | 27,54 s |
| Top speed | 233 km/h | 240 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 360 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 611 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 844 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 211 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 380 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 705 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 4.33 s versus 7.31 s for the CLA 220 Saloon. The instant torque of 611 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range AWD leads by 2.98 s and sits roughly 22 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD is doing 145 km/h against 122 km/h for the CLA 220 Saloon. The gap is 1.86 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range AWD crosses the line in 12.66 s versus 15.32 s. The 2.66 s gap represents roughly 107 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 199 km/h versus 171 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD finishes in 23.21 s versus 27.53 s, with a 4.33 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (233 vs 240 km/h), preventing any comeback.
The Model 3 Long Range AWD features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the CLA 220 Saloon’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.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Long Range AWD is capped at 233 km/h, the CLA 220 Saloon at 240 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 11.41 seconds. The 2.98 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Long Range AWD wins (4,33 s vs 7,31 s).
Model 3 Long Range AWD goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,33 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model 3 Long Range AWD: 360 hp, ratio 5,12 kg/hp. CLA 220 Saloon: 211 hp, ratio 8,08 kg/hp.
Model 3 Long Range AWD: 233 km/h. CLA 220 Saloon: 240 km/h.