Over 0–100 km/h, Model S P100D wins (2,85 s vs 4,63 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 P100D | S3 Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 2,85 s−1,78 s | 4,63 s |
| 400 m standing start | 10,63 s−2,45 s | 13,08 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 19,59 s−4,10 s | 23,69 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2,94 kg/hpbetter ratio | 4,61 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 P100D | S3 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,83 s | 1,20 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,38 s | 2,00 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,22 s | 3,37 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 2,85 s | 4,63 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 3,65 s | 6,64 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 5,99 s | 10,96 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 9,28 s | 17,37 s |
| 400 m standing start | 10,63 s | 13,08 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 19,59 s | 23,69 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 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 | 762 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 967 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 241 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| 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 Model S P100D hits 100 km/h in 2.85 s versus 4.63 s for the S3 Sedan. The instant torque of 967 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S P100D leads by 1.78 s and sits roughly 13 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model S P100D is doing 173 km/h against 138 km/h for the S3 Sedan. The gap is 1.61 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model S P100D crosses the line in 10.63 s versus 13.08 s. The 2.45 s gap represents roughly 114 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model S P100D continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 240 km/h versus 198 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S P100D finishes in 19.59 s versus 23.69 s, with a 4.10 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the Model S P100D and the S3 Sedan are governed to 249 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 7.68 seconds. The 1.78 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 P100D wins (2,85 s vs 4,63 s).
Model S P100D goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,85 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model S P100D: 762 hp, ratio 2,94 kg/hp. S3 Sedan: 333 hp, ratio 4,61 kg/hp.
Model S P100D: 250 km/h. S3 Sedan: 250 km/h.