Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Standard Range Plus wins (5,81 s vs 10,38 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 Standard Range Plus | 116d F40 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,81 s−4,57 s | 10,38 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,27 s−3,35 s | 17,62 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,61 s−5,21 s | 31,82 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 224 km/h+24 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 7,29 kg/hpbetter ratio | 11,85 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 Standard Range Plus | 116d F40 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,44 s | 2,52 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,40 s | 4,14 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,14 s | 7,32 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,81 s | 10,38 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 8,01 s | 14,43 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 15,57 s | 27,75 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 32,27 s | 75,90 s |
| 400 m standing start | 14,27 s | 17,62 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 26,61 s | 31,82 s |
| Top speed | 224 km/h | 200 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 227 hp | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 449 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 655 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 116 hp | 3 cyl |
| Torque | 270 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 375 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Six-speed manual (seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission) |
Off the line, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus hits 100 km/h in 5.81 s versus 10.38 s for the Bmw 116d. The instant torque of 449 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus leads by 4.57 s and sits roughly 35 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus is doing 129 km/h against 107 km/h for the Bmw 116d. The gap is 2.42 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 17.61 s. The 3.35 s gap represents roughly 117 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 148 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus finishes in 26.61 s versus 31.81 s, with a 5.20 s lead.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Standard Range Plus is capped at 225 km/h, the Bmw 116d at 200 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 16.96 seconds. The 4.57 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 Standard Range Plus wins (5,81 s vs 10,38 s).
Model 3 Standard Range Plus goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,81 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model 3 Standard Range Plus: 227 hp, ratio 7,29 kg/hp. 116d F40: 116 hp, ratio 11,85 kg/hp.
Model 3 Standard Range Plus: 224 km/h. 116d F40: 200 km/h.