Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus RS vs Volkswagen Golf R - which is fastest?

Two four-wheel drive hot hatches battle it out

The Ford Focus RS is perhaps the mega hatch of the moment. With 345bhp sent to all four wheels and launch control, it promises to be very quick off the mark. But then the Volkswagen Golf R is no slouch either. It might be down on power at 297bhp, but the car is still absolutely rapid in a straight line. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Both cars tested here use a six-speed manual gearbox and both are all-wheel drive. So which is going to be quickest?

>Read our Volkswagen Golf R review

>Read our Ford Focus RS review

evo's Drag Battles were all conducted at Alconbury's Cambridgeshire runway on a dry surface. All cars were supplied from manufacturers' press fleets on standard OEM tyres with the manufacturers were not aware of the tests being conducted. 

If you'd like to learn more about Certina watches, our new Drag Battles timing sponsor, then click here. You could be in with the chance of winning Certina watch of your own.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Land Rover Defender Octa review – the super SUV that’s more fun than sports cars
Land Rover Defender Octa – front
In-depth reviews

Land Rover Defender Octa review – the super SUV that’s more fun than sports cars

Put aside your SUV cynicism. The Land Rover Defender Octa is a triumph, with 911 GT3 levels of engineering making it an unexpected thrill to drive
8 Jan 2026
Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR is the 911 GT3 RS of hot hatchbacks
Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR
News

Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR is the 911 GT3 RS of hot hatchbacks

Limited run GR Yaris Morizo RR was inspired by its Nürburging 24 hour performance and championed by the company boss.
9 Jan 2026
Best performance SUVs 2026 – supercar performance in a family-friendly package
Best performance SUVs
Best cars

Best performance SUVs 2026 – supercar performance in a family-friendly package

High-performance SUV sounds like an oxymoron but in 2026, brute force engineering and clever chassis tech have given us some genuinely exciting fast 4…
5 Jan 2026