If you’ve been paying attention to the automotive landscape in the past few years, then you’ll know that the Mercedes-AMG A45 S is the mega hatch king. Sitting at the top of the segment, it has been so far subjected to all kinds of tests against different rivals, and its latest challenger is the all-new VW Golf R.
The following video shows a few drag races from a standing and a rolling start of the two cars and concludes with a brake test. And contrary to what some might think, the A45 S didn’t won all of them. We won’t spoil the outcome, but we will tell you that in a quarter-mile sprint, both of them crossed the finish line in a little over 12 seconds.
Also Watch: VW’s AWD Golf R And Honda’s FWD Civic Type R Engage In Drag War
On paper, the AMG A45 S has a big advantage over the Golf R. Its 2.0-liter turbo-four, which is the most powerful ever fitted to a production model, pumps out 421 PS (415 HP / 310 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. It drives all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control, enabling it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds, which makes it quicker than some older supercars. Flat out, it can do 270 km/h (168 mph).
The Golf R also uses a 2.0-liter four-banger, but with significantly less output. It develops 320 PS (315 HP / 235 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft), and is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with launch control, although in North America it comes standard with a six-speed manual. It too has an all-wheel drive system, sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds and maxes out at 270 km/h (168 mph) with the optional R-Performance Pack.