Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45 Facelift Have a Rematch Drag Race

Last time, the 381 horsepower A45 was victorious thanks to its higher output. So, can we put the quattro vs. 4Matic dispute to rest? Nope, not even close, as the result is reversed.

The A45 could be the same car we saw last time. I mean, how many white press cars with those wheels are there in South Africa? However, the RS3 has changed Nardo Gray for Sepang Blue, which has somehow made it a lot faster.

We checked the configurator to find there is an option to have 255 width front tires instead of 235 ones, but there is no way of telling which is which from the shape of the wheels. Too bad, that could have been a great way to explain why the outcome of the race is different.

Just like last time, the launch control system on the RS model is slightly better, thanks to the higher boost pressure when the clutch kicks in. However, the Audi keeps on accelerating faster than the Mercedes.

Frankly, the only thing that we've learned here is that the battle between Mercedes and Audi hatchbacks will continue for many years. How else would you explain that three drag races have been filmed? Oh yes, there is indeed a third race, dating back to January and won by the RS3.

However, we'd put off buying either of these cars for at least one year, as development is bound to continue. In Audi's camp, there's already a 400 horsepower 2.5-liter motor in the RS3 sedan and the TT-RS, so you'd be missing out on 33 hp. Meanwhile, the A45 isn't a great car until you add all the options, by which point you'd be better off with a Mercedes-AMG C43.