Can the VW with a lower power rating outperform its more powerful rivals?
Nearly every automaker seems to offer at least one SUV that is high-performance. The segment was pioneered by Porsche, but Mercedes-Benz, BMW and other automakers, such as Volkswagen, combine blistering performance with practicality. However, not all sporty utility vehicles are equal. A VWT-Roc R versus the Mercedes AMG GLE 53 or Porsche Cayenne Coupe seems unfair. But a CarWow video shows that the VW has some tricks up its sleeve.
Cayenne Coupe is the most powerful model, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6-hybrid engine that produces 462 horsepower (344 Kilowatts) as well as 516 pound-feet (706 Newton-meters). It also weighs 2,425 kg (5,346 lbs). It is also less powerful, producing 435 horsepower (324 kW) as well as 383 lbft (520 Nm), from its turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-6. It is also lighter at 2,305 kg (5.081 lbs). The VW T-Roc R’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 300 horsepower (233 kW) as well as 295 lb-ft (405 Nm) of torque. Its runt status is a benefit, however, as it weighs 730 kg (1 609 lbs).
In the first drag race, the VW’s weight advantage becomes evident. After a solid start, the VW pulls away from German luxury brands. The VW crosses the quarter-mile finish line with the Porsche on its bumper in 13.1 seconds. With a 13.9 second time, the AMG was in second place. The VW won a rolling race at 50 mph (80 kph). However, the Porsche took second place in a rolling race using the cars in their sportiest settings. The VW came in second, with the Mercedes following.
Also, the VW won the brake test. It stopped the fastest over the longest distance. This is another benefit of its lighter weight. The Porsche was able to stop in the second-shortest distance, with Mercedes still trailing. Although the tiny VW is clearly superior to the German luxury entrants in terms of performance, the T-Roc has far fewer features.