In this new video, the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe drag races against the Abarth 124 Spider. But before that, we are all on the same page when it comes to drag races. These races usually feature supercars and we are already too familiar with that. In fact, it’s not quite fair to see how these races usually feature performance cars that produce 300 horsepower at the least. Moreover, these drag races are not that useful since the majority of customers do not drive high-powered performance cars. Meaning, it’s far from reality despite being very entertaining. As a result, this video features two more modest cars compared to the normal drag races between two supercars.
The US currently has one of the most affordable premium cars from the Bimmer company. Based on the UKL front-wheel-drive platform, the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe is quite a catch for many today. Most of the time, the 228i sends power to its front wheel even though it comes with xDrive as standard. Integrated transversely, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 228 horsepower and 258 Nm of torque. From 0-60 mph, these figures allow the 2021 BMW 228i to accelerate in just 6 seconds.
The race would not be complete without the 228i’s rival, which is the Abarth 124 Spider. Basically, it is the same Mazda Miata model but with a new engine. The Abarth 124 Spider also features some small changes in its design. With its new engine, the Abarth 124 now runs with 220 horsepower. With an automatic transmission, it is also lighter compared to the 2021 BMW 228i.
Overall, the race shows how these two modest cars run pretty close. Because of the all-wheel-drive system, the 228i missed out on showcasing its advantages against the Abarth. The 2021 BMW 228i should have the edge as well at the start of the race. However, its driver seems to have been lacking in terms of knowing what to do behind the wheel. As a result, the car’s potential has not been really showcased here.