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AModelBEVvsB216dDiesel
  • MotorwayMotorwayRange and charging
  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
  • ConsumptionConsumptionYearly cost
  • SpecsModel · 216d

Tesla Model S 85 vs BMW 216d Gran Coupe F44: which is truly faster?

Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.

grand tourer · 2012 vs 2020 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model S 85

362 hp · 599 Nm · 2,108 kg · 2012

VS
BMWDiesel

216d Gran Coupe F44

116 hp · 270 Nm · 1,430 kg · 2020

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model S 85

5.75 s

Gap4.39 sin favour of Model S 85
BBMW 216d Gran Coupe F44

10.13 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel S 85216d Gran Coupe F44Gap
0–100 km/h5.75 s10.13 s4.39 s · Model S 85
400 m standing start13.94 s17.26 s3.32 s · Model S 85
1,000 m standing start25.17 s31.74 s6.57 s · Model S 85
Top speed (electronically limited)201 km/h200 km/h1 km/h · Model S 85
Power-to-weight ratio5.82 kg/hp12.33 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model S 85

Watch the race

Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.

TeslaBEVModel S 85
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWDiesel216d Gran Coupe F44
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
100 m
200 m
300 m
400 m
500 m
600 m
700 m
800 m
900 m
1000 m
0m → 1000m
Gap0m

Stage-by-stage comparison

Simulated performance at each stage. Best value in bold.
StageModel S 85216d Gran Coupe F44
0–30 km/h1.67 s1.99 s
0–50 km/h2.78 s3.40 s
0–80 km/h4.46 s6.81 s
0–100 km/h5.75 s10.13 s
0–120 km/h7.39 s14.53 s
0–160 km/h12.43 s29.18 s
0–200 km/h20.22 s93.28 s
400 m standing start13.94 s17.26 s
1,000 m standing start25.17 s31.74 s
Top speed201 km/h200 km/h

Parameters and assumptions

Simulation

Start
Standing, straight line
Surface
Dry asphalt, 23°C
Wind
None
Driver
1 person, 75 kg

Calibration

Splits
0–100, 0–200 manufacturer
Power curve
Real measurement (Caralogy)
VMax
Manufacturer limited
Transmission
Losses integrated in model

Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.

Under the bonnet

Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.

Tesla

Model S 85

5,82kg/hpratio better by 6,50 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power362 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque599 Nm
Weight2 108 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

216d Gran Coupe F44

12,33kg/hpcompensated by −678 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power116 hp3 cyl
Torque270 Nm
Weight1 430 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
GearboxSeven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model S 85 hits 100 km/h in 5.75 s versus 10.13 s for the 216d Gran Coupe. The instant torque of 599 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S 85 leads by 4.39 s and sits roughly 18 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model S 85 is doing 137 km/h against 105 km/h for the 216d Gran Coupe. The gap is 1.90 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 17.26 s. The 3.32 s gap represents roughly 114 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model S 85 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 145 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 31.73 s, with a 6.57 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (201 vs 200 km/h), preventing any comeback.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the Model S 85 and the 216d Gran Coupe are governed to 201 km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

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 17.28 seconds. The 4.39 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

Other duels you might be interested in

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AudiVSBMW

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BMWVSTesla

i5 xDrive40 vs Model S 85

AudiVSBMW

A3 Sportback vs 216d Gran Coupe

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model S 85 wins (5,75 s vs 10,13 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. 216d Gran Coupe F44: 116 hp, ratio 12,33 kg/hp.

Model S 85: 201 km/h. 216d Gran Coupe F44: 200 km/h.