In the world of hot hatches, we’re almost spoiled for choice. In Europe that is. We barely get any in the United States. But you European journalists get an incredible selection of hot hatches to choose from. The Ford Fiesta ST, Renault Megane, RS, SEAT Leone Cupra, MINI Cooper, BMW M140i (or M135i) and Volkswagen Golf R are all available to you in Europe (while we only get the MINI and VW in the ‘States). In this new video from AutoTopNL, we take a look at a BMW M135i versus the Volkswagen Golf R, both with upgraded exhausts.
Both of these cars are very fast, very fun and very sporty but they get to the same results in very different ways. The BMW M135i uses a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 with an eight-speed auto and, in this case, rear-wheel drive (xDrive is available). While, the Volkswagen Golf R uses a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive. As we mentioned before, both cars have upgraded exhausts. The BMW’s is an aftermarket Armytrix exhaust and the Volkswagen’s is a factory-option Akrapovic system, developed in-joint by both Akrapovic and VW.
In this video, we get to see both cars get driven from a POV angle and it’s interesting to see and hear the differences between the two cars. The Volkswagen Golf R is very fast and very effective but it’s said to feel more like a video game. It’s also safer and easier to drive quickly, thanks to its all-wheel drive grip. While the BMW M135i is more raucous, tail-happy and engaging.
Both sound good, too. While it’s hard to hear the Bimmer’s exhaust, as the cabin is sound refined that little exhaust noise makes it in, we can tell it’s loud and aggressive. On the other hand, the Golf R’s Akrapovic setup is very loud, with a ton of pops and crackles, making it very exciting and crazy sounding.
These two cars are some of the most fun and exciting hot hatches on the market, as well as some of the fastest. But they go about it in very different ways and, with new exhausts, can sound very exciting. Which would be your pick?
