Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus vs Audi A3 Sedan: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus hits 100 km/h in 5.81 s versus 9.87 s for the A3 Sedan. The instant torque of 449 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus leads by 4.06 s and sits roughly 29 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus is doing 129 km/h against 108 km/h for the A3 Sedan. The gap is 2.06 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus crosses the line in 14.26 s versus 17.21 s. The 2.95 s gap represents roughly 105 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 171 km/h versus 150 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus finishes in 26.61 s versus 31.24 s, with a 4.63 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (224 vs 215 km/h), preventing any comeback.

Electronically capped at 225 km/h, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus 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 16.25 seconds. The 4.06 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.