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Mercedes-AMG A45 Drag Races Civic Type R to Reveal Huge Performance Gap

I've seen the Honda Civic Type R drag race every one of its competitors. But then I do enjoy a good drag race as much as the next guy. So, Mercedes-AMG A45 with AWD and launch control - too much?
Mercedes-AMG A45 Drag Races Civic Type R to Reveal Huge Performance Gap 6 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
Mercedes-AMG A45 Drag Races Civic Type R to Reveal Huge Performance GapMercedes-AMG A45 Drag Races Civic Type R to Reveal Huge Performance GapMercedes-AMG A45 Drag Races Civic Type R to Reveal Huge Performance GapMercedes-AMG A45 Drag Races Civic Type R to Reveal Huge Performance GapMercedes-AMG A45 Drag Races Civic Type R to Reveal Huge Performance Gap
Of course it's going to win. The A45 is faster in most circumstances than any other hatchback out there. But when you sign that check to buy either of these cars, there's that little voice at the back of your head telling you it's a mistake.

So, the Civic Type R is about 25% cheaper than the Mercedes, but is it also 25% slower. Kind of! The German car does the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds, while the Civic makes it to the end in 14.7 seconds. So that's a 1.8s difference.

There are other benefits to the German car that cannot be spotted in this short drag race video. For example, Auto Trader did an in-depth comparison with a dozen of the best hot hatchbacks and the Civic didn't make the final cut, the reason being that the steering turns to mush in the wet.

But the A45 nearly won it. Even though it's expensive, the sound produced by the active exhaust system or the capabilities of the AWD system are undeniable.

Want more drag races? No problem, as we can show you what happens when the Civic Type R goes up against a BMW M135i or an Audi SQ7. How about the Golf R or the GTI Clubsport?

Even though it adds weight, all-wheel-drive is a game changer in the hot hatch market. It's reached the point where even SEAT has had to add it to one of its Leon Cupra models.

Not only does the A45 pack 71 PS more power, but its 2.0-liter engine delivers 75 Nm more torque, which is the bit you need to accelerate. So how will it do against something with a bigger engine, like the RS3? That's for you to find out.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

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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