Over 0–100 km/h, Model Y Performance wins (3,76 s vs 4,50 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 Y Performance | S5 Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,76 s−0,74 s | 4,50 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,02 s−0,78 s | 12,80 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,07 s−1,32 s | 23,39 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4,39 kg/hpbetter ratio | 5,31 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 Y Performance | S5 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,03 s | 1,11 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,72 s | 1,85 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,80 s | 3,22 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,76 s | 4,50 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,98 s | 6,11 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 8,65 s | 10,43 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 14,13 s | 16,98 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,02 s | 12,80 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,07 s | 23,39 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 | 456 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 670 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 003 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 367 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 550 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 950 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the Model Y Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.76 s versus 4.50 s for the S5 Sedan. The instant torque of 670 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model Y Performance leads by 0.74 s and sits roughly 5 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model Y Performance is doing 152 km/h against 142 km/h for the S5 Sedan. The gap is 0.53 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model Y Performance crosses the line in 12.01 s versus 12.80 s. The 0.78 s gap represents roughly 38 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model Y Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 209 km/h versus 198 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model Y Performance finishes in 22.06 s versus 23.38 s, with a 1.32 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 Y Performance and the S5 Sedan 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 7.04 seconds. The 0.74 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 Y Performance wins (3,76 s vs 4,50 s).
Model Y Performance goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,76 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model Y Performance: 456 hp, ratio 4,39 kg/hp. S5 Sedan: 367 hp, ratio 5,31 kg/hp.
Model Y Performance: 250 km/h. S5 Sedan: 250 km/h.