Which Hot Hatch Wins in a Drag Race?

TL;DR

The Volkswagen Golf R wins the drag race against the Audi S3, Mercedes-AMG A35, and BMW M135. Despite similar engines, the Golf R's performance slightly edges out the others, completing the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds. The Audi S3 follows closely, with the Mercedes and BMW trailing behind.

Transcript

what will win in a drag racer between the new Volkswagen Golf R the Audi S3 the BMW m135 you can't call it an i anymore cuz it's not and the Mercedes AMG A35 while we're going to find out by drag racing them over the standing Coral I'm Matt Watson and you watching car the Volkswagen Golf R has a 2 L 4cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which puts o... Read More

Key Insights

• The Volkswagen Golf R has a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 333 horsepower and 420Nm of torque.
• The Audi S3 shares the same engine and power output as the Golf R, making them mechanically similar.
• The BMW M135 has the least horsepower at 300, with a similar 2-liter turbo engine but struggles in performance.
• The Mercedes-AMG A35 features a slightly more powerful engine than the BMW but still falls behind in the race.
• In a straight-line drag race, the Golf R outperforms its competitors, completing the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds.
• The Mercedes-AMG A35 is noted for its luxury and class, despite not being the fastest in the race.
• Driver skill and vehicle settings significantly impact performance in drag races, as seen in the video.
• The BMW M135's performance is unexpectedly lower compared to its predecessor, highlighting a potential area for improvement.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Volkswagen Golf R perform in a drag race?

The Volkswagen Golf R performs exceptionally well in a drag race, completing the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds, making it the fastest among its competitors in the video. Its 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 333 horsepower provides a significant advantage, allowing it to edge out the Audi S3, Mercedes-AMG A35, and BMW M135.

Q: What are the key specifications of the Audi S3?

The Audi S3 features a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 333 horsepower and 420Nm of torque. It shares the same engine and powertrain as the Volkswagen Golf R, including a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Weighing 1,535 kg, the Audi S3 is slightly lighter than the Golf R and costs around £48,000.

Q: Why did the BMW M135 underperform in the drag race?

The BMW M135 underperformed due to its lower horsepower of 300 compared to its competitors, despite having a similar 2-liter turbocharged engine. Its weight of 1,550 kg and possibly less effective launch control settings contributed to its slower quarter-mile time of 13.3 seconds, making it the last in the race.

Q: What makes the Mercedes-AMG A35 stand out despite its performance?

The Mercedes-AMG A35 stands out for its luxury and class, offering a refined driving experience despite not being the fastest in the drag race. It features a 2-liter turbocharged engine with 306 horsepower and 400Nm of torque, and although it completes the quarter mile in 13.2 seconds, its interior design and overall appeal make it desirable.

Q: How do car settings affect drag race performance?

Car settings, such as launch control, traction control, and transmission modes, significantly affect drag race performance. In the video, drivers experimented with different settings, impacting their launch and overall speed. Properly configured settings can improve traction and acceleration, highlighting the importance of understanding vehicle dynamics.

Q: What role does driver skill play in a drag race?

Driver skill plays a crucial role in drag races, as seen in the video. The ability to optimize launch techniques, manage gear shifts, and adapt to car settings can significantly influence race outcomes. Experienced drivers can extract maximum performance from their vehicles, making a substantial difference in competitive settings.

Q: How does the Audi S3 compare to the Volkswagen Golf R?

The Audi S3 is mechanically similar to the Volkswagen Golf R, sharing the same 2-liter turbocharged engine and power output of 333 horsepower. However, in the drag race, the Golf R slightly outperforms the S3, completing the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds compared to the S3's 12.9 seconds, showcasing marginally better performance.

Q: What improvements could enhance the BMW M135's performance?

Enhancements to the BMW M135 could include optimizing its launch control and traction management systems to improve its initial acceleration. Increasing its horsepower to be more competitive with its rivals and reducing its weight could also enhance its performance, potentially improving its quarter-mile time and overall race competitiveness.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Volkswagen Golf R wins the drag race, completing the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds, slightly ahead of the Audi S3. Despite having similar engines, the Golf R edges out its competitors due to its superior performance.

• The BMW M135, despite its reputation, underperforms in this race, coming last. The Mercedes-AMG A35, known for luxury, also falls behind, showcasing that power isn't the only factor in performance.

• Driver input and car settings are crucial in drag races. The video demonstrates how different cars react under varied conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding vehicle dynamics for optimal performance.