In the latest drag race video by Cars.co.za, we see an all-electric BMW i3 take on VW’s latest Polo GTI hot hatchback. Should be a fun matchup to watch.
The VW Polo GTI is a step below the Golf GTI, though its no slouch in the performance department. The Polo’s 1.8 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 192 horsepower, which is quite a bit less than the Golf GTI’s, but it’s 22 more than in the BMW i3. The Polo GTI also makes 236 lb-ft of torque, when mated to a six-speed manual like the car in the video. That’s also quite a bit more than the 184 lb-ft of torque from the BMW i3. So, in terms of pure power, the Polo GTI has a strong advantage.
However, the BMW i3 is very light, lighter than the Polo GTI in fact, and it creates its torque instantaneously. The Polo GTI has a flat torque curve down low, but it’s no match for the instant surge of electric power. So the matchup is actually closer than it seems on paper.
Now, on paper, this race seems like it will start off with the BMW i3 taking the lead early, thanks to its light weight and instant electric torque, but the Polo GTI should catch it by the end and take the win, thanks to its higher power output. However, we don’t know how these things are ever going to go. Any given Sunday, right? Either way, it’s a very interesting matchup between two fun hatchbacks that make their power in very different ways and come from very different cuts of cloth. EV vs Petrol. Who will win?
