Performance wagons are experiencing a notable resurgence in the American automotive market. With the arrival of the Audi RS6 Avant in 2020 and the confirmed introduction of the new M5 Touring to BMW’s US lineup next year, enthusiasts are eagerly embracing these high-performance family haulers. However, it’s across the pond in Europe where the battle for supremacy among fast estates truly thrives, with contenders like the Audi RS4 Avant and the BMW M3 Touring leading the charge. Naturally, pitting these two German sport-wagens against each other in a drag race seemed inevitable.
Motorsport Magazine, a prominent French-language publication, orchestrated a showdown to determine how the Audi and BMW stacked up in a straight-line drag, setting the stage for a thrilling 1000-meter (approximately 0.6 miles) race.
On paper, the specifications of the two station wagons appear closely matched. The RS4 Avant harnesses 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbo V-6 engine, distributing power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the M3 Touring boasts 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbo inline-six powerplant, also transferring power to all four wheels via an eight-speed gearbox.
As the race commenced, the Touring’s additional 60 horsepower immediately proved advantageous, propelling the M3 into an early lead. With each passing moment, the Audi struggled to close the gap, and by the time both vehicles crossed the 1000-meter finish line, the RS4 found itself trailing over two seconds behind the BMW, equivalent to what appeared to be a dozen car lengths difference.
Traditionally, Audi’s renowned Quattro system might have provided the RS4 with an early advantage and potentially a victory. However, in contemporary times, the swiftest M cars leverage their own iteration of xDrive to efficiently channel power to the pavement, effectively neutralizing any edge the Audi may have once held.
This captivating duel not only highlights the fierce competition between these two iconic automotive brands but also underscores the relentless pursuit of performance excellence in the realm of high-performance estate cars.
