Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Long Range RWD wins (5,72 s vs 7,75 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 RWD | 520i G30 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,72 s−2,03 s | 7,75 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,16 s−1,50 s | 15,66 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,28 s−2,40 s | 28,68 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 224 km/h | 231 km/h−7 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 6,71 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,37 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 RWD | 520i G30 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,51 s | 1,56 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,52 s | 2,75 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,19 s | 5,34 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,72 s | 7,75 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,74 s | 10,84 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 14,66 s | 19,96 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 29,94 s | 37,89 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,16 s | 15,66 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,28 s | 28,68 s |
| Top speed | 224 km/h | 231 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 258 hp | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 446 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 730 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 184 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 290 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 540 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Steptronic |
Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range RWD hits 100 km/h in 5.72 s versus 7.75 s for the Bmw 520i. The instant torque of 446 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range RWD leads by 2.03 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD is doing 131 km/h against 116 km/h for the Bmw 520i. The gap is 0.93 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 15.66 s. The 1.50 s gap represents roughly 58 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 161 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD finishes in 26.28 s versus 28.68 s, with a 2.40 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (224 vs 231 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Long Range RWD is capped at 225 km/h, the Bmw 520i at 235 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 12.70 seconds. The 2.03 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 RWD wins (5,72 s vs 7,75 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. 520i G30: 184 hp, ratio 8,37 kg/hp.
Model 3 Long Range RWD: 224 km/h. 520i G30: 231 km/h.