VW Golf R Mk8 or Mercedes-AMG A45 S? They're rivals, so owners often weigh one against the other. Here's how far each one goes, using the makers' and tuners' own figures from our two guides.
At a glance
| VW Golf R Mk8 | Mercedes-AMG A45 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2021– | 2019– (facelift 2023) |
| Engine | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 4 | 2.0 turbo four M139 |
| Stock power | 315 hp / 310 lb-ft (US) | 421 PS / 500 Nm (EU) |
Power by stage
| VW Golf R Mk8 | Mercedes-AMG A45 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 315 hp | 421 hp |
| Stage 1 | 386–442 hp | 450–510 hp |
| Stage 2 | 410–455 hp | 470–520 hp |
| Stage 3 | 500+ hp | 525–600 hp |
| Stage 4 | 600+ hp | 600–650+ hp |
Figures are the tuners' own claims from each guide, on the fuel each tuner states.
Typical parts cost
| VW Golf R Mk8 | Mercedes-AMG A45 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | APR $600, or $1,600 as APR Plus with a powertrain warranty; Unitronic CAD 700 at a Canadian dealer (its gearbox tune and intercooler are extra). | $1,499–$2,580 (Eurocharged, Weistec, RENNtech); gearbox tune $1,000 more; RaceChip €609; EST with a new CPC £1,550 including VAT. |
| Stage 2 | the same APR file ($600); Unitronic Stage 2 CAD 750; APR intake $450. | Weistec downpipe $899 or Milltek £990; water-methanol kit $1,600; EST Stage 2 £2,150–£3,750. |
| Stage 3 | — | hybrid turbos $2,999 (Weistec) or €1,470–€4,499 before VAT (TTE, MACHGRADE); EST570 £6,995–£8,550. |
List prices from the guides, before shipping, import tax and fitting. "—" means that guide has no cost line for the stage.
Where each one ends up
At Stage 4 the VW Golf R Mk8 reaches 600+ hp and the Mercedes-AMG A45 S 600–650+ hp.