Daniel Abt’s YouTube channel has already gotten everyone used to great encounters (usually of the VW AG variety), such as that recent time when the ABT Audi RS7-R tried to settle a tuning grudge with an 829-hp Mercedes-AMG E 63 S. This time around, the combined powers don’t even trump one of those previous monsters, but the Cupra Formentor and Volkswagen T-Roc R duel is a neat alternative.
But first, the competitors. Going against Daniel Abt’s Cupra Formentor was the VW T-Roc R, a model that’s usually labeled as a subcompact crossover SUV, but we think the waters are too murky with the whole T-Cross/T-Roc/Tiguan range to believe things are just that simple.
After a lightning-fast visual presentation to the 0:45 mark, it’s time for the specifications to shine through. They reveal that the Formentor and T-Roc R are very much alike with their 2.0-liter TSI engines sporting 310 PS (306 hp) and 300 PS (296 hp), respectively. There’s a slight advantage for the Spanish model, but the T-Roc R is lighter, on the other hand.
One last thing to consider before we kick off the action (opened up with a soundcheck from the 4:34 mark, where the T-Roc shines because of an Akrapovic exhaust system): the vehicles have different tires and wheels—19-inch for the Formentor and smaller 17-inchers for the T-Roc R.
The first drag race (5:23) isn’t exactly the greatest wheeled spectacle ever because of the driver’s slow reaction time in the Volkswagen. So, the Cupra takes home the first win. On the other hand, get ready for cool thrills from the 6:52 mark because the rematch is one of the closest photo finishes we’ve seen lately.
Apparently, the Formentor got the win again, but only by a couple of hundredths of a second! By the way, there’s also a roll race from the 8:37 mark, probably to give the T-Roc a chance to come out on top for a change.
