Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Long Range AWD wins (4,26 s vs 4,83 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | Model 3 Long Range AWD | S4 TDI | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4.26 s | 4.83 s | 0.58 s · Model 3 Long Range AWD |
| 400 m standing start | 12.62 s | 13.12 s | 0.50 s · Model 3 Long Range AWD |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23.18 s | 23.86 s | 0.68 s · Model 3 Long Range AWD |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 233 km/h | 250 km/h | 17 km/h · S4 TDI |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5.19 kg/hp | 5.10 kg/hp | better ratio · S4 TDI |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | Model 3 Long Range AWD | S4 TDI |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.13 s · tight gap | 1.27 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1.88 s | 2.06 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3.13 s | 3.50 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.26 s | 4.83 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5.71 s | 6.50 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 10.08 s | 11.04 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 16.70 s | 17.95 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12.62 s | 13.12 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23.18 s | 23.86 s |
| Top speed limited | 233 km/h | 250 km/h |
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 358 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 637 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 857 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 354 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 700 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 805 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic |
Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 4.26 s versus 4.84 s for the S4 TDI. The instant torque of 637 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range AWD leads by 0.58 s and sits roughly 6 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD is doing 145 km/h against 140 km/h for the S4 TDI. The gap is 0.39 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range AWD crosses the line in 12.62 s versus 13.12 s. The 0.50 s gap represents roughly 24 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 199 km/h versus 195 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD finishes in 23.17 s versus 23.86 s, with a 0.68 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), the S4 TDI never recovers its launch deficit.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Long Range AWD is capped at 233 km/h, the S4 TDI at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 7.47 seconds. The 0.58 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, Model 3 Long Range AWD wins (4,26 s vs 4,83 s).
Model 3 Long Range AWD goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,26 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model 3 Long Range AWD: 358 hp, ratio 5,19 kg/hp. S4 TDI: 354 hp, ratio 5,10 kg/hp.
Model 3 Long Range AWD: 233 km/h. S4 TDI: 250 km/h.