Drag race: Volkswagen Golf R vs Honda Civic Type R

If you watched our recent German hot hatch showdown drag race, you’ll know the latest Volkswagen Golf R destroyed competition from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Didn’t watch it? Well, go do that first and then come back here, as we’re pitting this digital, ultra-clinical Golf against what many perceive as the king of the current hot hatch crop — the Honda Civic Type R.

It’s a bit of brain meets brawn, here. While the Golf R sends its power to all four wheels through a slick seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Civic Type R kicks its grunt to the front wheels through a six-speed manual.

Oh and the Golf gets launch control for quick getaways, while the Civic’s ability to get off the line rests solely on the skill of the driver.

The good news for the Type R is that, without all of the electronic trickery of the Golf R, it beats it for weight — tipping the scales at 1,380kg compared with the VW’s 1,551kg.

Both are pretty even on the power stakes too — using 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines, each producing 320hp. The Golf edges the Civic for torque though, with 420Nm and 400Nm respectively.

Will the Volkswagen Golf R cement itself as the hotch hatch drag champion then, or can the Honda Civic Type R stop it in its tracks? You’ll have to watch to find out.