This is the one video many fans of each brand have been waiting for. It’s the hyper hatch drag race featuring rivals from three top German brands. The drag race features the Mercedes A45S AMG vs Audi RS3 vs BMW M2 Competition. Okay, we know that the BMW isn’t strictly a hatch but it is a direct rival of the other two challengers.

Different approaches

The BMW M2 Competition has the largest engine of the three. It is powered by the same 3,0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six as found in the M3/M4 twins. Learn more about the new, more hard-core M2 CS here. While it has a massive torque advantage, it is also just rear-wheel-drive, which isn’t ideal in a standing start race.

Audi’s RS3 is the oldest car here. It has an inline five-cylinder motor, as with many iconic Audis. The engine develops 294 kW and 480 N.m that is sent to all four corners through a dual-clutch transmission.

Mercedes’ AMG 45S is the newest of the trio, and yet to be launched into the SA market. Mercedes-AMG was keen to claim the crown in this rarefied segment. To ensure success the A45S is powered by a highly boosted 2,0-litre engine. 310 kW of power is fed to all four wheels through an eight-speed transmission. If you are keen to buy one, then click here for SA pricing.

Power runs

Not only do the guys from Motor1 host a straight-line drag race, they also take all three cars to a rolling road dyno to measure power outputs. Each reading is then compared to the manufacturer’s claim. If your Italian isn’t up to scratch then don’t forget to turn on the subtitles of the video. Enjoy the hyper hatch drag race video, and feel free to share it with your friends directly from the Double Apex Facebook page.