The new Opel Astra OPC, otherwise known as the Vauxhall Astra VXR, is the latest arrival in the European hot hatch segment. If there’s one model it has to beat – aside from the ever-popular VW Golf GTI, it is the highly regarded Renault Megane RS 265 Cup.
In terms of specs, the two models are similar with the Astra OPC / VXR sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged four that produces 276hp (280PS) and 400Nm (295 lbft) of peak torque channeled to the front wheels via six-speed manual and a limited slip differential.
According to Opel / Vauxhall, it can rush through to 60mph (96km/h) in 5.9 seconds and top out at 155mph (250km/h).
The Megane RS 265 Cup also features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four rated at 265hp and 266 lb-ft, along with a six-speed stick shift and LSD that turn the front wheels. While less powerful than the Astra, it is also about 100kg or 222 pounds lighter.
The French brand quotes a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint time of six seconds flat and a maximum speed of 158mph (254km/h).
British car magazine EVO took the two rivals to Bruntingthorpe’s aerodrome to see which one is the king of straight-line acceleration. See how the test went down in the video that follows.
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