Over 0–100 km/h, Model S 85 wins (5,75 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 S 85 | A4 40 TDI | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,75 s−2,04 s | 7,79 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,94 s−1,83 s | 15,77 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,17 s−2,92 s | 28,09 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 201 km/h | 242 km/h−41 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,82 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 S 85 | A4 40 TDI |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,67 s | 2,16 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,78 s | 3,61 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,46 s | 5,84 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,75 s | 7,79 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,39 s | 10,28 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 12,43 s | 17,57 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 20,22 s | 30,63 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,94 s | 15,77 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,17 s | 28,09 s |
| Top speed | 201 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 | 362 hp | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 599 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 108 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| 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 S 85 hits 100 km/h in 5.75 s versus 7.79 s for the A4 40 TDI. The instant torque of 599 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S 85 leads by 2.05 s and sits roughly 19 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model S 85 is doing 137 km/h against 122 km/h for the A4 40 TDI. The gap is 1.27 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model S 85 crosses the line in 13.94 s versus 15.77 s. The 1.83 s gap represents roughly 75 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model S 85 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 171 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 28.08 s, with a 2.92 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (242 km/h), the A4 40 TDI never recovers its launch deficit.
Electronically capped at 201 km/h, the Model S 85 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 2.05 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 S 85 wins (5,75 s vs 7,79 s).
Model S 85 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,75 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model S 85: 362 hp, ratio 5,82 kg/hp. A4 40 TDI: 190 hp, ratio 8,29 kg/hp.
Model S 85: 201 km/h. A4 40 TDI: 242 km/h.