Over 0–100 km/h, A4 40 TDI wins (7,79 s vs 8,00 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.
| S60 B4 | A4 40 TDI | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 8,00 s | 7,79 s+0,21 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,82 s | 15,77 s+0,05 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28,88 s | 28,09 s+0,79 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 180 km/h | 242 km/h−62 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 8,27 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,29 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 | S60 B4 | A4 40 TDI |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,65 s | 2,16 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,85 s | 3,61 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5,57 s | 5,84 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 8,00 s | 7,79 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 11,04 s | 10,28 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 20,16 s | 17,57 s |
| 0–200 km/h | - | 30,63 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15,82 s | 15,77 stight gap |
| 1,000 m standing start | 28,88 s | 28,09 s |
| Top speed | 180 km/h | 242 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 197 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 420 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 630 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Geartronic |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 190 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 575 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the A4 40 TDI hits 100 km/h in 7.79 s versus 8.00 s for the S60 B4. Despite the faster sprint time, the S60 B4 is 11 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.
At 200 metres, the S60 B4 is doing 115 km/h against 122 km/h for the A4 40 TDI. The gap is 0.26 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the A4 40 TDI crosses the line in 15.77 s versus 15.82 s. The 0.05 s gap represents roughly 2 m of track
Past 400 metres, the A4 40 TDI continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 171 km/h versus 161 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the A4 40 TDI finishes in 28.08 s versus 28.87 s, with a 0.79 s lead.
Electronically capped at 180 km/h, the S60 B4 never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.
With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (8.27 kg/hp vs 8.29 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Automatic).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 13.00 seconds. The 0.21 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, A4 40 TDI wins (7,79 s vs 8,00 s).
S60 B4 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,00 seconds (calibrated simulation).
S60 B4: 197 hp, ratio 8,27 kg/hp. A4 40 TDI: 190 hp, ratio 8,29 kg/hp.
S60 B4: 180 km/h. A4 40 TDI: 242 km/h.