On the track, Honda’s lighter and more powerful version impresses.
The world is still full of trucks, crossovers, SUVs and trucks. However, automakers continue offering a wide range of fun-to drive cars. This is not an exclusive label. Honda, Volkswagen and BMW all enjoy playing in the same space. While the BMW is the exception, line up the M240i and Volkswagen Golf R with the Honda Civic Type R and the battle lines blur.
The BMW M240i is the best on paper. It is powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter straight-six turbocharged engine. This produces 374 horsepower (278kilowatts) as well as 368 pound-feet (368 Nm) that drives all four wheels. This is a significant advantage over the Honda Civic Style R which has only its front wheels powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 320 horsepower (238 kW), and 309 lbft (420 Nm). It’s also the lightest.
The Volkswagen GolfR is the middle child of this family. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine produces 320 horsepower (238 kW) as well as 309 lbft (420 Nm), torque. It also powers all four wheels.
In the very first race, the advantage of Volkswagen and BMW is immediately evident. The Honda struggles for traction as the two racers leap from the line. The Honda gets a better start in the second race, but still trails the two other competitors. However, the BMW crossed the line first in 12.5 seconds. With a time of 12.7 seconds, the VW was right behind the Honda. The Honda took 14.2 seconds to complete quarter-miles.
The Honda recovers with the rolling races where BMW’s and VWs all-wheel drive advantage vanishes. The Honda follows the VW and passes it, finishing just behind the BMW. The second rolling race is closer with the Honda beating the Honda by just a fraction.
All-wheel drive is the best, especially from a standing position. The Honda proved that it can keep up with all-wheel drive, even from a standing start. It just needs to get started first. AWD would bring it up to par with the others, but it would increase its cost and weight.