This is a close battle between FWD and RWD as both of these contenders are fairly evenly matched.
The Honda Civic Type R is one of the most capable –if not exciting– FWD cars you can buy right now while the BMW M135i offers all of the brand’s great values in a compact body.
The first turbocharged Type R uses a four-cylinder 2.0-litre VTEC engine that revs up to 7,000rpm and produces 306hp (310PS) and 295 lb ft of torque (400Nm). BMW’s hot hatch on the other end uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine producing 322hp (326PS) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft).
Honda claims a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 167mph (269km/h) while BMW says that their hot-hatch needs just 5.1 seconds for the same procedure, with the top speed limited to 155mph (250km/h).
Both cars have almost identical power-to-weight ratios, making this drag race even more interesting. Whoever wins Evo magazine’s drag battle gets the title of the quickest accelerating two-wheel drive hatch. Place your bets.