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2022 Audi S3 Hatchback Drag Races Old S3, the Gap Is Microscopic

There's plenty to like about the new Audi S3 hot hatch, especially in the design department. Unfortunately, based on the results of this drag race, there's not much reason to upgrade from the previous generation.
2022 Audi S3 Hatchback Drag Races Old S3, the Gap Is Microscopic 4 photos
Photo: Carwow/YouTube screenshot
2022 Audi S3 Hatchback Drag Races Old S3, the Gap Is Microscopic2022 Audi S3 Hatchback Drag Races Old S3, the Gap Is Microscopic2022 Audi S3 Hatchback Drag Races Old S3, the Gap Is Microscopic
The first Carwow drag race of 2021 puts this new model up against its predecessor. These are the 8Y and 8V generations if you're into internal codenames. The source of power is the same for both of them, a 2.0 TFSI that's officially rated at 306 hp (310 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque, at least when European versions are concerned.

In America, the S3 sedan had 288 hp, and there's also a European version with 300 PS (296 hp) because of a gasoline particulate filter. But it seems these small differences in power don't matter. In the drag race, the newer model won by quite a slim margin. Mat Watson speculates this could be down to the mid-range power delivery of his fresher TFSI, which might be the case, actually.

Considering that tires and horsepower loss over time are also factors, we don't think of it as a victory, though. Also, in the rolling race, the older S3 pulls ahead initially. Audi officially claims the new model will do the 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) run in 4.8 seconds, a tenth slower than before.

Thankfully, you're now spoiled for choice in this segment. BMW's M135i and the Mercedes-AMG A35 offer similar output numbers. However, our money would probably go towards the 2022 Golf R, Audi's sister car, as this is available with a naughty Akrapovic exhaust and drift mode.

We do feel that the Audi interior is one of the best, with those Lamborghini-like creases, though. Have you got the old S3 sitting in your driveway? We want to know what you're considering as its replacement, though it's probably something bigger and/or more powerful.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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