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AModelBEVvsB218iPetrol
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  • PerformancePerformance0-100, top speed
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  • SpecsModel · 218i

Tesla Model S P100D vs BMW 218i 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 · 2016 vs 2021 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model S P100D

762 hp · 967 Nm · 2,241 kg · 2016

VS
BMWPetrol

218i F44

136 hp · 220 Nm · 1,370 kg · 2021

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model S P100D

2.85 s

Gap6.39 sin favour of Model S P100D
BBMW 218i F44

9.24 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel S P100D218i F44Gap
0–100 km/h2.85 s9.24 s6.39 s · Model S P100D
400 m standing start10.63 s16.79 s6.16 s · Model S P100D
1,000 m standing start19.59 s30.66 s11.07 s · Model S P100D
Top speed (electronically limited)250 km/h205 km/h45 km/h · Model S P100D
Power-to-weight ratio2.94 kg/hp10.07 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model S P100D

Watch the race

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

TeslaBEVModel S P100D
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWPetrol218i 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 P100D218i F44
0–30 km/h0.83 s2.04 s
0–50 km/h1.38 s3.43 s
0–80 km/h2.22 s6.45 s
0–100 km/h2.85 s9.24 s
0–120 km/h3.65 s12.98 s
0–160 km/h5.99 s25.02 s
0–200 km/h9.28 s68.09 s
400 m standing start10.63 s16.79 s
1,000 m standing start19.59 s30.66 s
Top speed limited250 km/h205 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 P100D

2,94kg/hpratio better by 7,13 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power762 hpDual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque967 Nm
Weight2 241 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

218i F44

10,07kg/hpcompensated by −871 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power136 hp3 cyl
Torque220 Nm
Weight1 370 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
Gearbox6-speed manual

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model S P100D hits 100 km/h in 2.85 s versus 9.24 s for the 218i. The instant torque of 967 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S P100D leads by 6.39 s and sits roughly 24 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model S P100D is doing 173 km/h against 110 km/h for the 218i. The gap is 4.05 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 16.79 s. The 6.16 s gap represents roughly 210 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model S P100D continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 240 km/h versus 152 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S P100D finishes in 19.59 s versus 30.65 s, with a 11.07 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S P100D is capped at 249 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the 218i at 205 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 15.26 seconds. The 6.39 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

Other duels you might be interested in

TeslaVSPorsche

Model S P100D vs Taycan Turbo S

AudiVSBMW

A3 allstreet vs 218i

TeslaVSPorsche

Model S P100D vs Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo

AudiVSBMW

A3 allstreet vs 218i

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model S P100D wins (2,85 s vs 9,24 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. 218i F44: 136 hp, ratio 10,07 kg/hp.

Model S P100D: 250 km/h. 218i F44: 205 km/h.