Over 0–100 km/h, Model S P85D wins (3,33 s vs 3,66 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 P85D | RS 5 Avant | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,33 s−0,33 s | 3,66 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,18 s−0,54 s | 11,72 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,31 s−1,05 s | 21,36 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,24 kg/hpbetter ratio | 3,71 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 P85D | RS 5 Avant |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,98 s | 0,97 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,64 s | 1,61 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,62 s | 2,67 stight gap |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,33 s | 3,66 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,21 s | 4,82 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 6,80 s | 7,97 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 10,49 s | 12,48 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,18 s | 11,72 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,31 s | 21,36 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 | 691 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 931 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 239 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 639 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 825 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 370 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic |
Off the line, the Model S P85D hits 100 km/h in 3.33 s versus 3.66 s for the RS 5 Avant. The 0.33 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.
At 200 metres, the Model S P85D is doing 167 km/h against 156 km/h for the RS 5 Avant. The gap is 0.30 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model S P85D crosses the line in 11.17 s versus 11.72 s. The 0.54 s gap represents roughly 29 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the Model S P85D continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 232 km/h versus 218 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S P85D finishes in 20.31 s versus 21.35 s, with a 1.04 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 P85D and the RS 5 Avant 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.
With two plug-in hybrid powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (3.24 kg/hp vs 3.71 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 5.51 seconds. The 0.33 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 P85D wins (3,33 s vs 3,66 s).
Model S P85D goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,33 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model S P85D: 691 hp, ratio 3,24 kg/hp. RS 5 Avant: 639 hp, ratio 3,71 kg/hp.
Model S P85D: 250 km/h. RS 5 Avant: 250 km/h.