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

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Features

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
19 Sep 2026
McLaren SUV finally confirmed, but its new logo comes first
New McLaren logo
News

McLaren SUV finally confirmed, but its new logo comes first

New investment in McLaren will allow the supercar maker to expand its portfolio, make its own engines, and try to cash in on an SUV. There's even a ne…
22 Sep 2026
Porsche 911 Carrera T review – the ultimate all-round sports car
Porsche 911 Carrera T
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera T review – the ultimate all-round sports car

One of a handful of manual sports cars that remain, the Carrera T is also the most 'affordable' way into a manual 911
22 Sep 2026