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

​Best hot hatchbacks 2026 - affordable family-friendly fast cars
Best hot hatchbacks
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2026 - affordable family-friendly fast cars

The VW Golf GTI Edition 50 and Toyota Yaris Aero Performance breath life into what was an ailing hot hatch segment
16 Feb 2026
The man who traded fighter jets for rally cars, and never looked back
Chris Tolman
Features

The man who traded fighter jets for rally cars, and never looked back

From building BTCC engines to crafting the ultimate Peugeot 205 GTI restomods, Chris Tolman’s journey is one defined by automotive passion and precisi…
15 Feb 2026
Used car deals of the week: a Ferrari F12 for supersaloon money
F12 Used car deals
News

Used car deals of the week: a Ferrari F12 for supersaloon money

We dive into the classifieds this week to find the very best performance cars for the least amount of money, including a cut-price V12 Ferrari
13 Feb 2026