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AModel 3BEVvsB120dDiesel
  • MotorwayMotorwayRange and charging
  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
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  • SpecsModel 3 · 120d

Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD vs BMW 120d F20LCI: which is truly faster?

Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.

saloon · 2018 vs 2018 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model 3 Long Range RWD

258 hp · 446 Nm · 1,730 kg · 2018

VS
BMWDiesel

120d F20LCI

190 hp · 400 Nm · 1,415 kg · 2018

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model 3 Long Range RWD

5.72 s

Gap1.43 sin favour of Model 3 Long Range RWD
BBMW 120d F20LCI

7.15 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel 3 Long Range RWD120d F20LCIGap
0–100 km/h5.72 s7.15 s1.43 s · Model 3 Long Range RWD
400 m standing start14.16 s15.30 s1.14 s · Model 3 Long Range RWD
1,000 m standing start26.28 s27.54 s1.26 s · Model 3 Long Range RWD
Top speed (electronically limited)224 km/h228 km/h4 km/h · 120d F20LCI
Power-to-weight ratio6.71 kg/hp7.45 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model 3 Long Range RWD

Watch the race

Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.

TeslaBEVModel 3 Long Range RWD
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWDiesel120d F20LCI
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
100 m
200 m
300 m
400 m
500 m
600 m
700 m
800 m
900 m
1000 m
0m → 1000m
Gap0m

Stage-by-stage comparison

Simulated performance at each stage. Best value in bold.
StageModel 3 Long Range RWD120d F20LCI
0–30 km/h1.51 s2.05 s
0–50 km/h2.52 s3.27 s
0–80 km/h4.19 s5.29 s
0–100 km/h5.72 s7.15 s
0–120 km/h7.74 s9.55 s
0–160 km/h14.66 s16.63 s
0–200 km/h29.94 s30.38 s
400 m standing start14.16 s15.30 s
1,000 m standing start26.28 s27.54 s
Top speed224 km/h228 km/h

Parameters and assumptions

Simulation

Start
Standing, straight line
Surface
Dry asphalt, 23°C
Wind
None
Driver
1 person, 75 kg

Calibration

Splits
0–100, 0–200 manufacturer
Power curve
Real measurement (Caralogy)
VMax
Manufacturer limited
Transmission
Losses integrated in model

Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.

Under the bonnet

Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.

Tesla

Model 3 Long Range RWD

6,71kg/hpratio better by 0,74 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power258 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque446 Nm
Weight1 730 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

120d F20LCI

7,45kg/hpcompensated by −315 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power190 hp4 cyl
Torque400 Nm
Weight1 415 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
Gearbox6-speed manual (8-speed Steptronic)

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range RWD hits 100 km/h in 5.72 s versus 7.15 s for the 120d. The instant torque of 446 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range RWD leads by 1.43 s and sits roughly 18 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD is doing 131 km/h against 124 km/h for the 120d. The gap is 0.95 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 15.30 s. The 1.14 s gap represents roughly 48 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 172 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD finishes in 26.28 s versus 27.53 s, with a 1.25 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (224 vs 228 km/h), preventing any comeback.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Long Range RWD is capped at 225 km/h, the 120d at 228 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 10.99 seconds. The 1.43 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

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Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Long Range RWD wins (5,72 s vs 7,15 s).

Model 3 Long Range RWD goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,72 seconds (calibrated simulation).

Model 3 Long Range RWD: 258 hp, ratio 6,71 kg/hp. 120d F20LCI: 190 hp, ratio 7,45 kg/hp.

Model 3 Long Range RWD: 224 km/h. 120d F20LCI: 228 km/h.