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Cars and technology has changed so much over the years that engines have become smaller but cars are even faster than before. There is a simple answer for that.
Turbochargers has long been a part of performance tuning but in recent years it has become the staple food on which automakers feast, delivering power and fuel efficiency in a singular package.
Smaller is 'better'
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is probably the most iconic performance car of its time coming out of the factory with 205kW and is seen by many the world over as the benchmark for Japanese performance cars. Keep in mind, the GTR's being referred to here is that of the R32 up to the 34 that made use of the RB26DETT - Nissan debunked the Skyline name with the new GTR.
READ | Silvia, Sunny, Skyline: Here are some of Nissan's best turbocharged engines ever made
Fast-forward to the present and there are now hatchbacks powered by 2.0-litre engines and all-wheel-drive systems that can match or even surpass the mighty 'Godzilla' for power in stock trim.
Keep in mind that the GT-R makes use of a 6-speed manual while all the cars on the list only operate with direct shifting auto gearboxes.
Do any other cars with similiar specs come to mind? Email us and let us know.
Below is a list of hot hatches that will give a Nissan Skyline GT-R a run for its money:
1. 2019 Mercedes-AMG A35
Image: Motorpress
It might not be as potent power-wise like the A 45 S, but with the A 35 Mercedes-Benz there is more than enough power sent to all four wheels.
Its 2.0-litre, four cylinder engine kicks out 225kW and 400Nm and when combined with a seven-speed gearbox and a 4MATIC all-wheel drive drivetrain, the end result is a top speed of 250km/h and runs to 100km/h in 4.7-seconds.
2. 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
Image: Quickpic
Volkswagen has perfected the recipe of extracting more power from its famed 2.0-litre turbo engines most commonly used in the GTI since the fifth-generation Golf.
A step above that is the R and its engine packs considerably more punch thanks to 228kW, a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION permanent all-wheel-drive system.
3. 2019 Audi S3 Sportback
Image: Net Car Show
For those who don't want a Golf R, this is the other alternative. It makes the same power as its R sibling with 228kW and 400Nm (effectively the same engines) and blisters off the line thanks to the famed Quattro system.
The race to 100km/h is achieved in 4.6-seconds and eventually runs out of steam at 250km/h.
4. 2019 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+
Image: Supplied
If numbers are anything to go by then the Skyline is no match for this pocket rocket. With 310kW and 500Nm readily available, the figures speak for themselves.
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine responsible for all the madness, enabling it to reach the 100km/h mark in just 3.9-seconds. How Mercedes managed to cram so much power in a hatchback is imperiously genius.
