Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Plaid wins (2,10 s vs 4,64 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 Plaid | S3 Sportback | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 2,10 s−2,54 s | 4,64 s |
| 400 m standing start | 9,41 s−3,68 s | 13,09 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 17,16 s−6,56 s | 23,72 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 322 km/h+72 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2,12 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 Plaid | S3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,62 s | 1,23 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,04 s | 2,05 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 1,66 s | 3,41 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 2,10 s | 4,64 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 2,65 s | 6,63 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 4,28 s | 10,91 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 6,53 s | 17,45 s |
| 400 m standing start | 9,41 s | 13,09 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 17,16 s | 23,72 s |
| Top speed limited | 322 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 | 1020 hp | Triple Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 1424 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 162 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 Plaid hits 100 km/h in 2.10 s versus 4.64 s for the S3 Sportback. The instant torque of 1,424 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S Plaid leads by 2.54 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model S Plaid is doing 193 km/h against 139 km/h for the S3 Sportback. The gap is 2.45 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model S Plaid crosses the line in 9.41 s versus 13.08 s. The 3.68 s gap represents roughly 166 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model S Plaid continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 270 km/h versus 197 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S Plaid finishes in 17.16 s versus 23.72 s, with a 6.56 s lead.
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 S3 Sportback at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 7.65 seconds. The 2.54 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Plaid wins (2,10 s vs 4,64 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. S3 Sportback: 333 hp, ratio 4,61 kg/hp.
Model S Plaid: 322 km/h. S3 Sportback: 250 km/h.