What Happens When You Drag Race the Focus RS against A45, Civic Type R

The first was the loose cannon of the industry, proving that you can get away with torque steering and crappy blue interiors. The second came in hulk green and featured the sort of wing that made people feel dirty on the inside.

Compared to those two, the all-new generation that just came out is a discreet and quite comfortable car. It also features a smaller engine with one less cylinder, but don't believe for a second that it's slow.

Thanks to all-wheel drive, it has all kinds of traction that... honestly... no other Ford has. Yet that isn't enough to make it a class leader.

Take the Mercedes-AMG A45. Many consider it a gimmick, yet it remains one of the most competent hyper hatchbacks. It's also more engaging than you would expect and did something Mitsubishi never could: make a 2-liter car as fast as some the ultimate sportscars.

Not only does the Ford lose to it in a drag race, but it loses badly. It's not a case of launch control. No, the A45 never stops pulling away throughout the race.

We'd still consider buying the mighty RS despite this fact. Part of the reason is what its new AWD self can do to a regular car. Take the Civic Type R. Its 310 PS engine would walk all over even the Golf GTI Clubsport.

Yet from the way the Ford pulls away, you'd think that it's racing a Honda CR-V. Just imagine the surprise on most BMW owners' face when all they can see are your taillights. That being said, all three cars are really cool.