Chris Harris from DRIVES drives the VW Golf R and compares it against the BMW M235i.

The Golf R is powered by a EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. US-spec cars produce 290 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,200 rpm, and 280 pound-feet of torque, with a flat curve that extends between 1,800 and 5,500 rpm. Euro-spec cars get an additional 10 hp.

Both of them offer buyers in the neighborhood of 300 horsepower, with the BMW winning out with 320 hp. However, the Golf R gets standard all-wheel drive, which is an option on the M235i. Harris has quite positive things to say about these Europeans, but you’re going to have to watch the video to hear just what he thinks.

The BMW M235i Coupe is the latest member of the BMW M Performance Automobile family and it is powered by the N55 3.0 liter TwinPower turbocharged inline-six engine also found in the M135i. It produces 322 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque taking the M235i from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds when optioned with the 8-speed sport automatic. Top speed is 155mph and MPG is 22 city/32 hwy for the auto and 19/29 for the 6-speed manual.

So which one is a better car?