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  • SpecsModel · Leon

Tesla Model S 85 vs Cupra Leon VZe: 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 2023 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model S 85

362 hp · 599 Nm · 2,108 kg · 2012

VS
CupraPHEV

Leon VZe

241 hp · 350 Nm · 1,630 kg · 2023

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model S 85

5.75 s

Gap1.71 sin favour of Model S 85
BCupra Leon VZe

7.45 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel S 85Leon VZeGap
0–100 km/h5.75 s7.45 s1.71 s · Model S 85
400 m standing start13.94 s15.42 s1.48 s · Model S 85
1,000 m standing start25.17 s27.49 s2.32 s · Model S 85
Top speed (electronically limited)201 km/h225 km/h24 km/h · Leon VZe
Power-to-weight ratio5.82 kg/hp6.76 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
CupraPHEVLeon VZe
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 85Leon VZe
0–30 km/h1.67 s2.08 s
0–50 km/h2.78 s3.48 s
0–80 km/h4.46 s5.63 s
0–100 km/h5.75 s7.45 s
0–120 km/h7.39 s9.63 s
0–160 km/h12.43 s16.26 s
0–200 km/h20.22 s29.27 s
400 m standing start13.94 s15.42 s
1,000 m standing start25.17 s27.49 s
Top speed201 km/h225 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 0,94 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power362 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque599 Nm
Weight2 108 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
Cupra

Leon VZe

6,76kg/hpcompensated by −478 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power241 hpPending
Torque350 Nm
Weight1 630 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainTraction
Gearbox6-speed DSG

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model S 85 hits 100 km/h in 5.75 s versus 7.45 s for the Leon VZe. At this point, the Model S 85 leads by 1.71 s and sits roughly 16 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model S 85 is doing 137 km/h against 126 km/h for the Leon VZe. The gap is 1.07 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 15.41 s. The 1.47 s gap represents roughly 62 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 174 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 27.49 s, with a 2.32 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (225 km/h), the Leon VZe never recovers its launch deficit.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S 85 is capped at 201 km/h, the Leon VZe at 225 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.

With two plug-in hybrid powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (5.82 kg/hp vs 6.76 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 10.94 seconds. The 1.71 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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i5 xDrive40 Touring vs Model S 85

PorscheVSTesla

Taycan vs Model S 85

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model S 85 wins (5,75 s vs 7,45 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. Leon VZe: 241 hp, ratio 6,76 kg/hp.

Model S 85: 201 km/h. Leon VZe: 225 km/h.