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AModel 3BEVvsB216dDiesel
  • MotorwayMotorwayRange and charging
  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • SpecsModel 3 · 216d

Tesla Model 3 Performance vs BMW 216d Gran Coupe F44: 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 · 2019 vs 2020 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model 3 Performance

450 hp · 713 Nm · 1,836 kg · 2019

VS
BMWDiesel

216d Gran Coupe F44

116 hp · 270 Nm · 1,430 kg · 2020

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model 3 Performance

3.36 s

Gap6.77 sin favour of Model 3 Performance
BBMW 216d Gran Coupe F44

10.13 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel 3 Performance216d Gran Coupe F44Gap
0–100 km/h3.36 s10.13 s6.77 s · Model 3 Performance
400 m standing start11.58 s17.26 s5.68 s · Model 3 Performance
1,000 m standing start21.36 s31.74 s10.38 s · Model 3 Performance
Top speed (electronically limited)261 km/h200 km/h61 km/h · Model 3 Performance
Power-to-weight ratio4.08 kg/hp12.33 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model 3 Performance

Watch the race

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

TeslaBEVModel 3 Performance
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWDiesel216d Gran Coupe F44
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 Performance216d Gran Coupe F44
0–30 km/h0.89 s1.99 s
0–50 km/h1.49 s3.40 s
0–80 km/h2.47 s6.81 s
0–100 km/h3.36 s10.13 s
0–120 km/h4.49 s14.53 s
0–160 km/h7.86 s29.18 s
0–200 km/h12.81 s93.28 s
400 m standing start11.58 s17.26 s
1,000 m standing start21.36 s31.74 s
Top speed261 km/h200 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 Performance

4,08kg/hpratio better by 8,25 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power450 hpDual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque713 Nm
Weight1 836 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

216d Gran Coupe F44

12,33kg/hpcompensated by −406 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power116 hp3 cyl
Torque270 Nm
Weight1 430 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
GearboxSeven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model 3 Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.36 s versus 10.13 s for the 216d Gran Coupe. The instant torque of 713 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 6.77 s and sits roughly 27 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 156 km/h against 105 km/h for the 216d Gran Coupe. The gap is 3.72 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Performance crosses the line in 11.57 s versus 17.26 s. The 5.68 s gap represents roughly 188 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 215 km/h versus 145 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 21.35 s versus 31.73 s, with a 10.38 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Performance is capped at 261 km/h, the 216d Gran Coupe at 200 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 17.28 seconds. The 6.77 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

Other duels you might be interested in

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AudiVSBMW

A3 Sedan vs 216d Gran Coupe

BMWVSTesla

i4 M50 xDrive vs Model 3 Performance

AudiVSBMW

A3 Sportback vs 216d Gran Coupe

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Performance wins (3,36 s vs 10,13 s).

Model 3 Performance goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,36 seconds (calibrated simulation).

Model 3 Performance: 450 hp, ratio 4,08 kg/hp. 216d Gran Coupe F44: 116 hp, ratio 12,33 kg/hp.

Model 3 Performance: 261 km/h. 216d Gran Coupe F44: 200 km/h.