Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Performance wins (3,04 s vs 5,75 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 Performance | S 450 e Saloon W223 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,04 s−2,71 s | 5,75 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,13 s−2,67 s | 13,80 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,49 s−3,97 s | 24,46 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 261 km/h+11 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,62 kg/hpbetter ratio | 5,67 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 | S 450 e Saloon W223 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,82 s | 1,56 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,37 s | 2,59 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,26 s | 4,28 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,04 s | 5,75 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,03 s | 7,42 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 6,97 s | 11,98 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 11,20 s | 18,45 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,13 s | 13,80 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,49 s | 24,46 s |
| Top speed limited | 261 km/h | 250 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 | 435 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 680 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 465 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
Off the line, the Model 3 Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.04 s versus 5.75 s for the S 450 e Saloon. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 2.71 s and sits roughly 21 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 162 km/h against 138 km/h for the S 450 e Saloon. The gap is 2.02 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 13.80 s. The 2.68 s gap represents roughly 121 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 197 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 20.48 s versus 24.46 s, with a 3.97 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (261 vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.
The Model 3 Performance features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the S 450 e Saloon’s RWD. 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.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Performance is capped at 261 km/h, the S 450 e Saloon at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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.
With two plug-in hybrid powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (3.62 kg/hp vs 5.67 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Unknown).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 8.38 seconds. The 2.71 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 5,75 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. S 450 e Saloon W223: 435 hp, ratio 5,67 kg/hp.
Model 3 Performance: 261 km/h. S 450 e Saloon W223: 250 km/h.