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Renault Megane 265 vs Vauxhall Astra VXR video

Renaultsport Megane 265 Cup or new Vauxhall Astra VXR, which is faster? This drag race video should help find out...

Renault Megane 265 Cup vs new, mk2 Vauxhall Astra VXR. On paper, it's a very close battle.

The Megane's 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine has 261bhp and 265lb ft of torque; it's enough to shuffle the 1387kg hot hatchback to 62mph in 6sec dead and onto a 158mph top speed. The new for 2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR is more potent still, its 2-litre turbo four boasting 276bhp and 295lb ft, but it also has nearly 100kg more to shift (weighing 1475kg). That means a 5.9sec 0-60mph time and 155mph top speed. It all bodes well for a very interesting drag race - which one will pull out in front on Bruntingthorpe's well-trodden runway?

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Watch the video below to find out, and read the full road test (which also features a Ford Focus RS) in evo issue 173, on sale this week.

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