The Audi S3 may be the smallest performance sedan in Audi’s lineup, but it packs a punch. Can the more powerful Infiniti Q50 Red Sport stave off the sheer performance of the German compact sedan? Sam CarLegion helps us find out, in a series of drag races. Place your bets.

Infiniti Q50 Red Sport

The Infiniti is powered by the same 3.0-liter VR30 DDTT V-6, found in the Nissan Z. The twin-turbo V-6 packs 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet (475 Nm) and, in the Q50 RS, it’s paired with a seven-speed automatic. Power is sent to all four wheels, which results in a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.9 seconds. The Q50 RS is on the heavy side, though, tipping the scales at 3,998 pounds (1,813 kg).

Audi S3

The Audi seems to be outgunned on paper, but its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four packs 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet (380 Nm). It’s also mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that sends power to all four wheels. The S3 is much smaller than the Q50 RS, which is why it tips the scales at just 3,461 pounds (1,570 kg).

The drag race

Race one is in sport mode with traction control off. It quickly becomes apparent that the Audi S3 is the quicker car in the quarter-mile. With less weight and a much quicker transmission, the German sedan takes the lead from the start and stays there. Race two, which is also from a standstill, solidifies Audi’s dominance, as it gradually pulls away from the Infiniti.

The Roll race

A 50 km/h (31 mph) roll negates the weight disadvantage of the more powerful Infiniti Q50 RS, which allows it to beat the Audi S3. The second rolling race is in manual mode, however, and Sam (driving the Infiniti) seems to have a late upshift, allowing the Audi to make a comeback.

While both cars are sort of equal on the drag strip – Audi is better off the line while Infiniti is quicker from a roll – there’s no denying that the Infiniti, although a good starting platform, needs an update. The Audi S3, meanwhile, manages to punch way above its weight, which is insane.