Drag race: BMW M240i VS Honda Civic Type R VS Golf 8 R

A hot hatch, an inline-six powered coupe, and a front-wheel-drive hatchback. Three seemingly different cars all with different power plants and drivetrains go head-to-head in this Carwow instigated drag race.

First to get the spotlight is the 2020 Golf 8 R with its 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged motor producing 238 kW and 420 N.m, sent directly to all four wheels. The MK8 features a 7-speed DSG transmission. This entire car weighs 1 551 kg and propels itself from 0 to 100km/h in 4,7 seconds. To the delight of the team, there was no soft limiter in the golf meaning that the driver could rev all the way up to the redline.

Up next is the tiny, but mighty BMW M240i with its B58 inline-six turbocharged engine that produces 285 kW and 500 N.m of torque. All this power that forces you back into your seat is managed by the acclaimed xDrive system. The M2’s little brother paces from 0 to 100km/h in 4,3 seconds and delivers a meaty exhaust throughout its rev range. However, out of the bunch, it’s the heaviest car weighing in at 1 690 kg.

Last, but certainly not least, except for power, weight, price, and sound, is the Honda Civic Type R. It’s a front-wheel-drive 4-door hatchback with a reputation for being an entertaining and practical car. Its inline-four mill delivers 238 kW and 400 N.m to the front wheels via a do-it-yourself six-speed gearbox. It doesn’t look good for the Civic though as both of its competitors not only have all-wheel-drive on their side but have launch control as well. 

It’s a battle like no other, mainly because you wouldn’t think to pit these cars against one another, but here we are. Enjoy the show over at the Carwow YouTube channel.