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Golf GTI Clubsport Loses Drag Race With SEAT Leon Cupra and Civic Type R

It's not the first drag race video with the Golf GTI Clubsport that we've seen. We know it's slower than the Honda Civic Type R, even though both are FWD, use 6-speed manuals and 2-liter turbocharged engines.
Golf GTI Clubsport Loses Drag Race With SEAT Leon Cupra and Civic Type R 5 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
Golf GTI Clubsport Loses Drag Race With SEAT Leon Cupra and Civic Type RGolf GTI Clubsport Loses Drag Race With SEAT Leon Cupra and Civic Type RGolf GTI Clubsport Loses Drag Race With SEAT Leon Cupra and Civic Type RGolf GTI Clubsport Loses Drag Race With SEAT Leon Cupra and Civic Type R
Before we talk about the drag race, there's something that bugs me in the video. The Golf GTI and Cupra's front fenders are covered in mud, which makes it look like it's been playing in the dirt or on a beach. The Civic is much lower, so maybe they were scared to get it stuck.

As you all know, the GTI CS, built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the German hot hatch, packs 265 horsepower as standard with 290 delivered for 10 seconds of overboost. The bad news is those 10 seconds aren't long enough to win a drag race.

Meanwhile, the SEAT Leon Cupra packs 290 horsepower as standard, with no overboost needed. As for the Civic Type R, it's the most powerful FWD car around, delivering 310 ponies from under that hood.

Right, on to the drag race, which is as close as you'd expect it to be, considering the powertrain similarities. The Civic pulls an early lead due to its launch system, followed by the Golf GTI. Unfortunately, the boost of the Clubsport runs out even before the end of the first quarter of a mile, so the Leon can catch up and finishes the race in second place.

We think Volkswagen needs to get off its high horse. Selling the most expensive car with the least amount of power shouldn't be tolerated. Unfortunately, production is strictly limited, which makes it appear more desirable.

In theory, the GTI Clubsport will hold onto its value better, as Mat says. However, you pay more and get less. The Leon Cupra is not only faster, but with the money you saved over the VW you could order the DSG gearbox option and all the gas money it will need for the next couple of years. Think about that for a second!

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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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