Matt Watson and the carwow team stage a compelling Audi showdown that pits modern hybrid performance against conventional tuning. On one side is the latest Audi RS5, combining electrification with a high-output twin-turbo V6; on the other is a significantly lighter 2017 Audi S4 modified to deliver substantially more performance than its factory specification.
The new RS5 pairs a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with an electric motor to produce a combined 639 horsepower and 825 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with launch control. However, its sophisticated hybrid hardware comes with a considerable mass penalty, with the car weighing approximately 2.4 tonnes.
The 2017 S4 takes a very different approach. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 has been upgraded by MRC Performance with a revised intake and exhaust system, along with engine and transmission software calibration. Output rises from the factory 350 horsepower to approximately 450 horsepower, while torque reaches 780 Nm. More importantly, the older sedan weighs only around 1.6 tonnes, giving it a substantial advantage in power-to-weight ratio.
Want to see how 639 hp of hybrid all-wheel-drive performance compares with a much lighter, 450-hp tuned S4? Watch the full carwow video for the complete drag races, rolling starts, braking tests, and the closely contested decider.
Source: carwow
