Tale of the tape
The matchup
This matchup pits the all-weather sleeper Volkswagen Golf R against the last Aussie V8, the Holden Commodore SS. The Golf R boasts all-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder, while the Commodore packs a naturally aspirated V8 punch. Both represent their respective eras and philosophies in performance motoring.
Off the line
The Golf R's all-wheel drive system should give it a solid launch, optimising torque delivery to all four wheels. With a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds, it’s likely to get off the line quicker than the Commodore SS, which is at 4.9 seconds with its rear-wheel drive setup. Expect the Golf R to snag the holeshot as it grips and goes.
The back half
As they hit the back half of the strip, the Commodore's additional power (304 kW) could come into play, potentially allowing it to reel in the Golf R. The Golf R's gearing and turbocharged nature might help it maintain momentum, but the Commodore's V8 could unleash a surge of speed. This is where the race could get interesting.
The x-factor
Driver skill and track conditions will play a huge role in this race. If the Commodore's driver can harness the power effectively, it may narrow the gap quickly. Weather conditions and track prep could also impact traction, especially for the rear-wheel drive Commodore.
Check out the embedded video to see how this thrilling race unfolds without giving away the result.
Questions from the fence line
Which is faster in a drag race?
The Golf R has a slight advantage on paper with a quicker quarter-mile time, but the Commodore's extra power could make it competitive.
What are the main differences between these cars?
The Golf R features all-wheel drive and a smaller turbocharged engine, while the Commodore SS runs a larger naturally aspirated V8 with rear-wheel drive.
Can the Golf R handle different weather conditions?
Yes, the Golf R's all-wheel drive system gives it an edge in various weather conditions, making it more versatile than the rear-wheel drive Commodore.