When will the bitter rivalry between BMW and Audi end? Because then we'll need other "sworn enemy" brands to fight it off in 1/4-mile drag races. Especially when they have souped-up models that come close to 500 horsepower.
In the Bavarian corner, we have a tuned 2020 BMW M340i xDrive. Typically, the 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine would produce 473 hp or 480 ps with 406 lb-ft or 550 Nm of torque.
This Beamer went under the hammer and got itself a bit of an upgrade regarding the CTS air intake and downpipe, BM3 Stage 2, a transmission tune, and runs on 93 octane. Now, the engine can output up to 500 hp or 507 ps, with 500 lb-ft of torque 678 Nm.
Next, we have a 2022 Audi S5 with a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged engine that typically can deliver 349 hp (354 ps) and 369 lb-ft or 500 Nm of torque. Because this one is also upgraded with a Stage 2 ECU, ITS intake, and downpipe and runs on 93 octane, it can deliver more power to the wheels. Specifically, 476 hp (483 ps) with 576 lb-ft or 781 Nm of torque.
Oh, and to cover all the bases, they both have an 8-speed automatic transmission system and all-wheel drive. Driving the BMW on Canadian soil is Sam from the "Sam CarLegion" YouTube channel. Sadly, he'll be racing the Beamer only during the rolling races. After that, the original owner will replace him to face the Audi S5 during the drag races.
Photo: Sam CarLegion
The first roll race had them floor it from 31 mph or 50 kph. Volkswagen fans, you can rejoice! The Audi won both attempts with no headaches from the BMW.
Now, before the cars entered the drag racing phase, Sam had to get out of the BMW so the owner could race. During the first try, the outcome didn't change. The only difference was the more considerable distance between the cars. I think I counted either 10 cars or the lenght an entire train locomotive. Take your pick.
Sadly for the Bavarian manufacturer, it couldn't hold a candle to the S5 and got put to shame in the final drag race as well. The BMW didn't win one single event to save its life. The Audi S5 was the clear winner of the day. It got from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds. The BMW M340i got to the 60 mph mark in 3.6 seconds and finished the race in 12 seconds flat.
Unfortunately, we didn't get a price for either of them. It would have been nice to know the difference between them. Because sometimes, it's not about who's the quickest, but about whether that 0.7 second difference is worth 20,000 extra dollars or not.
Codrin just loves American classics, from the 1940s and ‘50s, all the way to the muscle cars of the '60s and '70s. In his perfect world, we'll still see Hudsons and Road Runners roaming the streets for years to come (even in EV form, if that's what it takes to keep the aesthetic alive). Full profile
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