Tesla Model 3 Performance vs Audi A3 Sportback TFSI 110 kW: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.29 s versus 8.21 s for the A3 Sportback TFSI 110 kW. The instant torque of 698 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 4.92 s and sits roughly 29 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 157 km/h against 119 km/h for the A3 Sportback TFSI 110 kW. The gap is 3.36 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Performance crosses the line in 11.49 s versus 16.09 s. The 4.60 s gap represents roughly 175 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 216 km/h versus 167 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 21.21 s versus 28.67 s, with a 7.46 s lead.

The Model 3 Performance features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the A3 Sportback TFSI 110 kW’s FWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Electronically capped at 261 km/h, the Model 3 Performance 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 12.46 seconds. The 4.92 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.