The following comparison video, pitting together a Mercedes-AMG A45 S, Audi RS3, VW Golf R, and BMW M2 Competition, may have been crippled by poor weather and a wet track, but is still well worth a watch.
First things first, it’s worth pointing out that while the A45 S and RS3 are direct competitors, the Golf R and M2 Competition aren’t. In fact, the Golf R competes in a segment of the market below that of the A45 S and RS3 and is more of a direct competitor to the Mercedes-AMG A35 and Audi S3. As for the M2 Competition, it’s something else entirely and a sports car more similar to the Toyota Supra, albeit with much more power.
Also Watch: You Don’t Know How Brutal Mercedes-AMG’s A45 S Is Until You’ve Experienced It
On paper, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that the Golf R is at a significant disadvantage to all others as its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is ‘only’ good for 286 hp. By comparison, the A45 S muscles out 416 hp and the RS3 is good for 394 hp. The six-cylinder turbo BMW M2 Competition splits the A45 S and RS3 nicely with 405 hp but unlike the other three, is rear-wheel drive and not all-wheel drive.
In the drag race, it comes as no surprise that the M2 Competition struggles to get off the line due to the wet surface. Meanwhile, the Mercedes and Audi launch off the line with ease and quickly finished in first and second respectively.
Things get interesting in a rolling race from 50 mph (80 km/h) as the BMW easily establishes a lead and cannot be touched by either the Audi or the AMG.
