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

Tesla Model S Plaid vs BMW 216d F22: 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 · 2021 vs 2018 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model S Plaid

1020 hp · 1424 Nm · 2,162 kg · 2021

VS
BMWDiesel

216d F22

116 hp · 270 Nm · 1,420 kg · 2018

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model S Plaid

2.10 s

Gap9.13 sin favour of Model S Plaid
BBMW 216d F22

11.23 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel S Plaid216d F22Gap
0–100 km/h2.10 s11.23 s9.13 s · Model S Plaid
400 m standing start9.41 s18.21 s8.80 s · Model S Plaid
1,000 m standing start17.18 s32.65 s15.47 s · Model S Plaid
Top speed (electronically limited)322 km/h195 km/h127 km/h · Model S Plaid
Power-to-weight ratio2.12 kg/hp12.24 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model S Plaid

Watch the race

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

TeslaBEVModel S Plaid
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
BMWDiesel216d F22
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 Plaid216d F22
0–30 km/h0.62 s2.82 s
0–50 km/h1.04 s4.62 s
0–80 km/h1.66 s8.06 s
0–100 km/h2.10 s11.23 s
0–120 km/h2.65 s15.50 s
0–160 km/h4.28 s29.86 s
0–200 km/h6.54 s-
400 m standing start9.41 s18.21 s
1,000 m standing start17.18 s32.65 s
Top speed322 km/h195 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 Plaid

2,12kg/hpratio better by 10,12 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power1020 hpTriple Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque1424 Nm
Weight2 162 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainIntegrale (AWD)
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
BMW

216d F22

12,24kg/hpcompensated by −742 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power116 hp3 cyl
Torque270 Nm
Weight1 420 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
Drivetrain-
Gearbox6-speed manual (7-speed Steptronic with double clutch)

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model S Plaid hits 100 km/h in 2.10 s versus 11.23 s for the 216d. The instant torque of 1,424 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S Plaid leads by 9.13 s and sits roughly 23 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model S Plaid is doing 193 km/h against 105 km/h for the 216d. The gap is 6.02 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model S Plaid crosses the line in 9.41 s versus 18.21 s. The 8.80 s gap represents roughly 273 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model S Plaid continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 270 km/h versus 146 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S Plaid finishes in 17.17 s versus 32.65 s, with a 15.47 s lead.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S Plaid is capped at 322 (i.e. 200 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the 216d at 195 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 18.17 seconds. The 9.13 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 Plaid vs Taycan Turbo S

AudiVSBMW

A3 Sedan vs 216d

TeslaVSPorsche

Model S Plaid vs Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo

AudiVSBMW

A3 Sportback vs 216d

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Plaid wins (2,10 s vs 11,23 s).

Model S Plaid goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,10 seconds (calibrated simulation).

Model S Plaid: 1020 hp, ratio 2,12 kg/hp. 216d F22: 116 hp, ratio 12,24 kg/hp.

Model S Plaid: 322 km/h. 216d F22: 195 km/h.