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Toyota GR Yaris Rocket Hatch Slays BMW M2 Competition in Drag Race

When BMW launched the M2 Competition over two years ago, the world almost unanimously agreed that it's collectible. After all, it was going back to the roots of the brand. But out of nowhere, Toyota came out with the GR Yaris, which is faster with half the cylinders… under certain conditions.
Toyota GR Yaris Rocket Hatch Slays BMW M2 Competition in Drag Race 5 photos
Photo: Archie Hamilton Racing/YouTube screenshot
Toyota GR Yaris Rocket Hatch Slays BMW M2 Competition in Drag RaceToyota GR Yaris Rocket Hatch Slays BMW M2 Competition in Drag RaceToyota GR Yaris Rocket Hatch Slays BMW M2 Competition in Drag RaceToyota GR Yaris Rocket Hatch Slays BMW M2 Competition in Drag Race
That’s right, it’s another GR Yaris drag race, which is probably frustrating for people all around the world. Sure, Americans can’t buy it, but it’s so rare and expensive everywhere else that it might as well be a myth. In any case, YouTuber Archie Hamilton Racing lined up the GR Yaris and M2 Competition on a wet day specifically to give the little rascal a fighting chance.

Its biggest advantage is obviously the AWD system, complete with sporty differentials. On the other hand, the M2 Competition will always struggle for traction because it’s basically got an M3 engine in a smaller RWD package. Still, it’s pretty rare to see a drag race between a 3-cylinder and a 6-cylinder car.

The output gap is huge. While the Yaris has the most powerful 1.6-liter around at 257 horsepower, the M2 Competition puts down 405 hp, packing an extra turbocharger and allowing the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic to do the shifting. It's worth mentioning that with a custom exhaust and different tires, the Toyota is a little better than just stock, though no r-mapping has happened.

A skilled driver is able to get the Yaris off the line much more quickly, demolishing the M2 in the first race. Traction control is turned on in the Munich sports car for the second race, but it still loses. What's cool is that if you love both these cars and can't decide between them, you can have a Supra as a kind of compromise. Toyota is a totally different company from what it was just a few years back, and it's about to get even better.

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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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