Over 0–100 km/h, RS 3 Sportback wins (3,88 s vs 4,11 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 X Long Range | RS 3 Sportback | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,11 s | 3,88 s+0,23 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,93 s−0,15 s | 12,08 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,31 s−0,74 s | 22,05 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,51 kg/hpbetter ratio | 3,91 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 X Long Range | RS 3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,23 s | 1,04 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,04 s | 1,74 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,27 s | 2,85 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,11 s | 3,88 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,06 s | 5,07 stight gap |
| 0–160 km/h | 7,91 s | 8,84 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 12,04 s | 13,81 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,93 s | 12,08 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21,31 s | 22,05 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 | 670 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 660 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 352 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 400 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 500 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 565 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the RS 3 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 3.88 s versus 4.11 s for the Model X Long Range. Despite lacking instant torque, 400 hp of power compensates. At this point, the RS 3 Sportback leads by 0.23 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the RS 3 Sportback is doing 150 km/h against 160 km/h for the Model X Long Range. The gap is 0.10 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model X Long Range crosses the line in 11.92 s versus 12.08 s. The 0.16 s gap represents roughly 8 m of track - barely a car length.
Past 400 metres, the Model X Long Range continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 224 km/h versus 211 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model X Long Range finishes in 21.31 s versus 22.04 s, with a 0.74 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 X Long Range and the RS 3 Sportback 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 5.79 seconds. The 0.23 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, RS 3 Sportback wins (3,88 s vs 4,11 s).
Model X Long Range goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,11 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model X Long Range: 670 hp, ratio 3,51 kg/hp. RS 3 Sportback: 400 hp, ratio 3,91 kg/hp.
Model X Long Range: 250 km/h. RS 3 Sportback: 250 km/h.