Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Performance wins (3,04 s vs 7,79 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 Performance | A4 40 TDI | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,04 s−4,75 s | 7,79 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,13 s−4,64 s | 15,77 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,49 s−7,60 s | 28,09 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 261 km/h+19 km/h | 242 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,62 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,29 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 Performance | A4 40 TDI |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,82 s | 2,16 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,37 s | 3,61 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,26 s | 5,84 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,04 s | 7,79 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,03 s | 10,28 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 6,97 s | 17,57 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 11,20 s | 30,63 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,13 s | 15,77 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,49 s | 28,09 s |
| Top speed | 261 km/h | 242 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 510 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 769 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 844 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 190 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 575 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the Model 3 Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.04 s versus 7.79 s for the A4 40 TDI. The instant torque of 769 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 4.75 s and sits roughly 28 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 162 km/h against 122 km/h for the A4 40 TDI. The gap is 3.38 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Performance crosses the line in 11.12 s versus 15.77 s. The 4.65 s gap represents roughly 180 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 224 km/h versus 171 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 20.48 s versus 28.08 s, with a 7.60 s lead.
The Model 3 Performance features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the A4 40 TDI’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 11.76 seconds. The 4.75 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 Performance wins (3,04 s vs 7,79 s).
Model 3 Performance goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,04 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model 3 Performance: 510 hp, ratio 3,62 kg/hp. A4 40 TDI: 190 hp, ratio 8,29 kg/hp.
Model 3 Performance: 261 km/h. A4 40 TDI: 242 km/h.