Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD vs Audi A4 40 TDI: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range RWD hits 100 km/h in 5.72 s versus 7.79 s for the A4 40 TDI. The instant torque of 446 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range RWD leads by 2.07 s and sits roughly 23 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD is doing 131 km/h against 122 km/h for the A4 40 TDI. The gap is 1.34 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range RWD crosses the line in 14.16 s versus 15.77 s. The 1.61 s gap represents roughly 66 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 171 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD finishes in 26.28 s versus 28.08 s, with a 1.80 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (242 km/h), the A4 40 TDI never recovers its launch deficit.

Electronically capped at 225 km/h, the Model 3 Long Range RWD 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 11.76 seconds. The 2.07 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.