Sur 0–100 km/h, S3 Sportback gagne (4,64 s vs 5,75 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 | S3 Sportback | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,75 s | 4,64 s+1,11 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,94 s | 13,09 s+0,85 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,17 s | 23,72 s+1,45 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 201 km/h | 250 km/h−49 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,82 kg/hp | 4,61 kg/hpbetter ratio |
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 | S3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,67 s | 1,23 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,78 s | 2,05 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,46 s | 3,41 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,75 s | 4,64 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,39 s | 6,63 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 12,43 s | 10,91 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 20,22 s | 17,45 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,94 s | 13,09 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,17 s | 23,72 s |
| Top speed limited | 201 km/h | 250 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 | 333 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 420 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 535 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the S3 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 4.64 s versus 5.75 s for the Model S 85. Despite lacking instant torque, 333 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S3 Sportback leads by 1.11 s and sits roughly 17 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the S3 Sportback is doing 139 km/h against 137 km/h for the Model S 85. The gap is 0.73 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the S3 Sportback crosses the line in 13.08 s versus 13.94 s. The 0.85 s gap represents roughly 40 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the S3 Sportback continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 197 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S3 Sportback finishes in 23.72 s versus 25.17 s, with a 1.45 s lead.
The S3 Sportback 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.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S 85 is capped at 201 km/h, the S3 Sportback at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 8.41 seconds. The 1.11 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.
Sur 0–100 km/h, S3 Sportback gagne (4,64 s vs 5,75 s).
Model S 85 passe de 0 à 100 km/h en 5,75 secondes (simulation calibrée).
Model S 85 : 362 hp, ratio 5,82 kg/hp. S3 Sportback : 333 hp, ratio 4,61 kg/hp.
Model S 85 : 201 km/h. S3 Sportback : 250 km/h.