BMW M3 Vs. Audi RS 7: A Drag Race Duel with Unexpected Results
When it comes to high-performance German engineering, few things are as exhilarating as watching two powerhouse vehicles go head-to-head in a drag race. Recently, Carwow put the BMW M3 Touring and Audi RS 7 Sportback Performance to the test, pitting these two giants against each other in a series of performance challenges. These automaking titans might be very different in design and features, but they bring their own unique flair to the drag strip.
The BMW M3 Touring, codenamed G81, nestles comfortably in the D-segment wagon category. It’s a step up from the G21 3 Series Touring M340i xDrive, boasting a twin-turbocharged I6 engine. Even though BMW officially lists its power at 510 horsepower and 650 Nm, enthusiasts know that it often feels more powerful than advertised. For those in the United States, the M3 Competition xDrive churns out 503 mechanical horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Intriguingly, the 2025 model will get an upgrade to 523 horsepower, equating to roughly 530 metric ponies.
On the other hand, the Audi RS 7 Sportback is adorned with the Volkswagen Group’s famed twin-turbo V8, an engine also shared by luxury marques like Bentley, Porsche, and Lamborghini. This beastly 4.0-liter V8 delivers a substantial 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It powers all four wheels with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, featuring a mechanical center differential and a rear sport differential. The default torque split is 40:60, though it can dynamically shift up to 70% of the power to the front wheels or 85% to the rear when needed.
Comparing these powertrains sets the stage for a thrilling matchup, each accentuating the unique philosophies of their respective brands. BMW's M xDrive system has the added allure of offering a rear-only mode, giving it a sportier, more dynamic feel. Both cars are equipped with ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission, dubbed Tiptronic for Audi and Steptronic for BMW. But one notable difference is the weight; the M3 Touring tips the scales at a lighter 1,865 kilograms (4,112 pounds) versus the RS 7’s heftier 2,065 kilograms (4,553 pounds).
In the clutches of Carwow's drag races, this weight disparity and power difference manifest themselves in interesting ways. The Audi RS 7 managed to clinch two out of three races from a standstill, with its best quarter-mile time clocking in at an impressive 11.3 seconds. The BMW M3 Touring, while not quite as fast, wasn’t far behind, posting a very respectable 11.5 seconds, demonstrating that it’s no slouch.
However, the story changes dramatically when the race shifts to a rolling start over a half-mile. The more powerful and torquey RS 7 Sportback obliterates the lighter M3 Touring, which is hardly surprising. The Audi’s massive torque band, starting at just 2,050 RPM and peaking at 4,500 RPM, gives it an edge in mid-range acceleration compared to the BMW’s narrower 2,750 to 5,500 RPM torque band.
The competition continued with an emergency braking test from 100 miles per hour (about 160 km/h) to zero. Once again, the Audi RS 7 demonstrated its superiority, stopping a tad quicker than the BMW M3 Touring. This cemented its overall performance advantages but leaves us with a tantalizing question: Which car stirs more excitement and passion in you?
Both vehicles exhibit spectacular engineering and unique characteristics, making it a tough choice for any enthusiast. The BMW M3 Touring offers nimble handling and lighter weight, while the Audi RS 7 Sportback boasts monstrous power and torque, along with an impressive all-wheel-drive system. So, whether you’re rooting for Bavarian precision or Ingolstadt’s raw power, this drag race offers an exciting glimpse into what makes each of these performance machines exceptional in their own right.
For a closer look at the action, you can check out the full video on Carwow’s YouTube channel and witness these titans in action for yourself. It’s a gripping show of speed, power, and advanced engineering that you won’t want to miss.