[Video] The BMW M135i race against Audi S3 and AMG A35

This new video from Carwow shows three cars in a series of drag races and a braking test head-to-head. The BMW M135i, Audi S3, and AMG A35 up against each other. These three cars couldn’t be more similar. The BMW M135i now has front-wheel drive, competing more directly than ever with the Audi S3 Sportback and the Mercedes-AMG A35. That’s why their components are all pretty similar.

The three cars all fit very well on paper. They are all equipped with 2.0 liters of four-cylinder turbo-charged power, make up about 300 hours, and torso about 300 lbs. Although the BMW uses a torque converter auto, the other two have dual-clutches, and all are equipped with all-wheel-drive systems from Haldex. Hell, all of them weigh about 1500 kg. Thus the performance differences are actually calibrated and tuned. What’s best, therefore?

Well, if everything you care about is going fast, the best thing is the Audi S3 Sportback. All three races were easily won: the race standing and both races on the move. However, it’s more interesting how Audi has won the races than the actual race. You really need to watch the clip to see for yourself. Since the three cars clearly have their own strengths and weaknesses and react very differently in reality even though it is similar to paper.

This video will not be subjective, thus not telling you which car is more comfortable or technologically advanced to drive on a twisty road. It’s a video that shows objective, repeatable performance instead. So it’s the Audi S3 Sportback that you want if you are concerned with straight-line speed.