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AModel 3BEVvsBXC40Petrol
  • MotorwayMotorwayRange and charging
  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • SpecsModel 3 · XC40

Tesla Model 3 RWD vs Volvo XC40 B4: 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 · 2024 vs 2022 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model 3 RWD

282 hp · 461 Nm · 1,752 kg · 2024

VS
VolvoPetrol

XC40 B4

197 hp · 300 Nm · 1,610 kg · 2022

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model 3 RWD

6.00 s

Gap2.23 sin favour of Model 3 RWD
BVolvo XC40 B4

8.23 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel 3 RWDXC40 B4Gap
0–100 km/h6.00 s8.23 s2.23 s · Model 3 RWD
400 m standing start14.23 s16.11 s1.88 s · Model 3 RWD
1,000 m standing start25.66 s29.39 s3.73 s · Model 3 RWD
Top speed (electronically limited)201 km/h180 km/h21 km/h · Model 3 RWD
Power-to-weight ratio6.21 kg/hp8.17 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model 3 RWD

Watch the race

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

TeslaBEVModel 3 RWD
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
VolvoPetrolXC40 B4
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 RWDXC40 B4
0–30 km/h1.65 s1.98 s
0–50 km/h2.76 s3.12 s
0–80 km/h4.49 s5.74 s
0–100 km/h6.00 s8.23 s
0–120 km/h7.92 s11.35 s
0–160 km/h13.46 s21.46 s
0–200 km/h22.08 s-
400 m standing start14.23 s16.11 s
1,000 m standing start25.66 s29.39 s
Top speed201 km/h180 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 RWD

6,21kg/hpratio better by 1,96 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power282 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque461 Nm
Weight1 752 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
Volvo

XC40 B4

8,17kg/hpcompensated by −142 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power197 hpPending
Torque300 Nm
Weight1 610 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainTraction
Gearbox8-speed Geartronic

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model 3 RWD hits 100 km/h in 6.00 s versus 8.23 s for the XC40 B4. The instant torque of 461 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 RWD leads by 2.23 s and sits roughly 14 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model 3 RWD is doing 133 km/h against 115 km/h for the XC40 B4. The gap is 1.13 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 RWD crosses the line in 14.23 s versus 16.10 s. The 1.87 s gap represents roughly 72 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 RWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 185 km/h versus 158 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 RWD finishes in 25.66 s versus 29.39 s, with a 3.73 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 RWD is capped at 201 km/h, the XC40 B4 at 180 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 13.40 seconds. The 2.23 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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VolvoVSAudi

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Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 RWD wins (6,00 s vs 8,23 s).

Model 3 RWD goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,00 seconds (calibrated simulation).

Model 3 RWD: 282 hp, ratio 6,21 kg/hp. XC40 B4: 197 hp, ratio 8,17 kg/hp.

Model 3 RWD: 201 km/h. XC40 B4: 180 km/h.