Audi RS 3 vs BMW M140i: Which 1,200HP Beast Takes the Crown in This Epic Drag Race

Rev your engines and hold onto your seats, because an electrifying showdown is about to unfold between two powerhouse machines. The Audi RS 3 and BMW M140i have been massively tuned for this high-stakes drag race. Both of these titans pack an unbelievably whopping 1,200 metric horses under their hoods, pushing the envelope of what's possible in compact-sized models.

Filmed in the United Kingdom at Officially Gassed's usual testing ground, this race isn’t your everyday high-speed duel. Both cars are loaded with enhancements, boasting Michelin PS5 tires for the RS 3 and grippy Toyo R888R tires for the M140i. Weighing just over 1,400 kilograms, the power-to-weight ratio is a critical factor here, slightly favoring the M140i with 857 metric horses per ton, edging out the RS 3's 827 per ton.

Under the Hood: DAZA vs B58

First, let’s delve into the intricate details of these mechanical marvels. The RS 3's power comes from its renowned DAZA engine, a 2.5-liter inline-five turbo also known as the EA855. This engine has powered not just the Audi, but also quirky speedsters like the KTM X-Bow and Cupra's Formentor VZ5. In the latest 2024 Audi RS 3 Sedan sold in the US, the DAZA engine cranks out an incredible 401 horsepower with 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.6 seconds.

On the other hand, we have the BMW M140i armed with the formidable B58 turbocharged inline-six. This engine is essentially the ancestor of the current-gen M3’s twin-turbocharged S58, delivering some impressive credentials. Despite the 1 Series undergoing a controversial shift to front-biased layouts in 2019, the old F20 model flaunts a facelift and a slew of modifications. This includes a monstrous Precision Turbo 7275, positioning it squarely against the RS 3 armed with its Xona turbocharger.

The Faceoff

Tom Wrigley's M140i has been dubbed