The Audi RS3 has 100 horsepower less than the 1985 Audi Sport 1 Quattro B rally car.
Although the new Audi RS3 has some of Audi’s rally DNA it is not as powerful as a fully-equipped rally car. Carwow’s team decided to drag-race a new Audi RS3 against a classic Audi Quattro Rally vehicle in order to show the 40-year progress. Let’s take a look at the new Audi RS3 in drag racing.
The Audi RS3 stands out in today’s car market. The Audi RS3 is a rare car that can be powered by an inline-5 engine in a sea of inline-4-powered cars. Audi’s motorsport heritage includes this unique engine configuration. In the 1980s, 5-cylinder engines powered Audi to some of their most prestigious rally wins.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 engine powers the Audi RS3. It produces 401 horsepower (300 Kilowatts), and 369 lb ft of torque. The powerful inline-5 is coupled to a 7 speed dual-clutch automated transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels by Audi’s famous Quattro all wheel-drive system. This sports sedan is capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and up to 100 mph in 8.9 seconds.
While the RS3 might pay homage to Audi’s rally history, its rival in this drag race may be more impressive. Audi’s rally history is rooted in the 1985 Audi Sport 1 Quattro Group B rally vehicle. Audi’s reputation for being one of the most capable sports vehicles on loose terrain was strengthened by this rally car, which dominated Group B rally.
A 2.1-liter turbocharged 5-liter inline-5 produces 500 horsepower (372 Kilowatts), and 355 lb/ft (480 Newton meters) of torque for the 1985 Audi Sport 1 Quattro Group B rally. The powerful inline-5 is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. It also benefits from Audi’s Quattro all wheel-drive system.
Which one of these Audi’s is the best in drag racing? Let’s see.