Tesla Model S 85 vs Audi A4 45 TFSI quattro: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model S 85 hits 100 km/h in 5.75 s versus 5.78 s for the A4 45 TFSI quattro. The instant torque of 599 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.04 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the A4 45 TFSI quattro is doing 129 km/h against 137 km/h for the Model S 85. The gap is 0.14 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model S 85 crosses the line in 13.94 s versus 14.09 s. The 0.15 s gap represents roughly 7 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the Model S 85 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 179 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 25.82 s, with a 0.65 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (255 km/h), the A4 45 TFSI quattro never recovers its launch deficit.

The A4 45 TFSI quattro features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Model S 85’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.

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 9.25 seconds. The 0.04 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.