Blazing hot hatchbacks have garnered a dedicated following since the days of the Golf Mk I GTI challenging more prestigious rivals. Today, this segment sees an influx of models from various manufacturers, with German brands dominating the scene.
While Japan has also produced formidable hatchbacks, the Germans, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Opel, and VW, boast a long history of crafting high-performance variants. Among them, Audi’s RS 3 stands out, born from the A3 platform and engineered for exceptional performance.
In a recent showdown captured on the ‘Officially Gassed’ YouTube channel, a tuned Golf Mk 7.5 R faced off against what claims to be the fastest RS 3 globally (according to Dragy records). The competition involved rolling races and standing quarter-mile sprints, with the winner earning bragging rights.
Both cars have undergone extensive aftermarket tuning, with the Golf R now delivering 650 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, while the RS 3 boasts 649 hp and 750 Nm. Despite the Audi’s additional weight due to its extra doors, it remains a fierce competitor.
In the rolling start races, the Golf R outperforms the RS 3, showcasing superior acceleration. However, the RS 3 manages to stay close behind. In the drag race, both cars deliver impressive performances, with the Golf R narrowly edging out the RS 3 at the finish line.
Unfortunately, technical issues plague both cars during the races, with the Audi experiencing rear brake locking and the Golf suffering from a malfunction in its Haldex 5 multi-plate clutch. Ultimately, this showdown highlights the impressive capabilities of both tuned hatchbacks, each offering a unique blend of power and performance.
