Things in the automotive world move pretty fast. Take, for example, the new generation Audi S3 Sportback.
The 2021 model broke cover last summer, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. It puts out 310 PS (306 HP / 228 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque and is paired to a seven-speed S tronic transmission with launch control and all-wheel drive.
Review: Is The New Audi S3 Sportback Somewhat Of A Baby RS6?
Audi Sport claims that it will do the 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, which puts it around half a second behind the original Lamborghini Gallardo. The German hot hatch will run out of breath at 250 km/h (155 mph), identical to the old RS3 Sportback which, despite being a decade old, needs only 4.6 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph).
The old RS3 used the brand’s turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. With 340 PS (335 HP / 250 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft), it sat at the top of the compact segment before Mercedes-AMG rolled out the first A45 in 2013, with 360 PS (355 HP / 265 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). Never mind the Merc, though; given that the two Audis are pretty close on paper, the big question here is whether the new S3 can beat the old RS3 in a straight line.
The answer lies in the followed video from Carwow that pinned the two against each other in a few drag races, from a standing and a rolling start, concluding the challenge with a brake test. And we have to say that it was close, so you may want to head on down and check out the clip.