Unbelievable Audi RS4 Avant Vs. BMW M3 Touring Drag Race: The Winner Will Shock You
Performance wagons are making a comeback, especially in the American market. The introduction of the horsepower-specs/" target="_blank">Audi RS6 Avant in 2020 opened up a whole new landscape for these versatile speed demons. With the BMW M5 Touring confirmed for US release next year, it’s clear that America is starting to appreciate what Europe has known all along: fast estates are spectacular. But how do these iconic wagons fare when pitted against each other? That’s the question French-language publication Motorsport Magazine sought to answer.
In an electrifying 1000-meter drag race, the Audi RS4 Avant squared off against the BMW M3 Touring. On paper, these two German missiles seem closely matched. The RS4 Avant is powered by a twin-turbo V-6 kicking out 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Similarly, the M3 Touring wields a twin-turbo inline-six with a monstrous 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Both channel their power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, making it anyone’s guess who would pull ahead—at least theoretically.
The race commenced, and from the very start, the extra 60 horsepower of the M3 Touring made its presence known. The BMW lunged forward, establishing an early lead that only expanded as the meters ticked by. By the time both cars hurtled past the 1000-meter mark, the M3 was more than two seconds ahead. To put it in a visual perspective, that’s almost a dozen car lengths—a staggering difference in a race as tense as this.
So what happened to Audi's legendary Quattro system? In past eras, the RS4's all-wheel-drive system might have provided enough early grip to pull off a win. However, BMW’s modern xDrive setup ensures that power is managed more effectively, negating any advantage Audi’s system might have offered. This isn't just a close competition; it’s a comprehensive victory for the BMW M3 Touring.
The Stats Breakdown
The comprehensive breakdown tells an even more vivid story. The Audi RS4’s 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque are solid numbers, delivered through a competent twin-turbo V-6. However, when juxtaposed with the M3 Touring’s specifications—503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque—it’s evident that the BMW has the upper hand. The M3's inline-six is a powerhouse designed to dominate, and that’s precisely what it did.
Acceleration in the BMW was immediate, a blistering sprint that left the Audi struggling to keep up. The fact that both cars employ all-wheel drive and slick eight-speed automatics further underscores that this was a battle of raw power and efficiency. And in this battle, power emerged as the uncontested victor. The Audi struggled to keep pace from the very beginning, marking its defeat within the first few meters of the drag strip.
Lessons Learned
This drag race serves as a potent reminder: in the world of performance automobiles, numbers on paper only tell part of the story. Real-world execution can highlight not just differences, but chasms in performance abilities. The Audi RS4 Avant remains a fantastic vehicle, a marvel of engineering in its own right. However, the BMW M3 Touring is currently in a league of its own, at least when it comes to one kilometer of tarmac.
So, whether you’re a fan of Audi’s technology or BMW’s performance prowess, this drag race was a vivid demonstration of what happens when these two titans of the automotive world clash. In this round, BMW reigns supreme. But as always in the realm of high-performance cars, the battle is far from over. The next development from either side will undoubtedly set the stage for another spectacular showdown.