It’s another drag and roll race series, courtesy of YouTube channel Sam CarLegion. This time, it’s between two very unusual rivals – an Infiniti Q60 (not) RedSport and a Mercedes C43 AMG. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine in the Infiniti was adopted by the new Nissan Z, so this will give us a good idea of how it stacks up to some other performance coupes, performance-wise. Moreover, both cars run a stock tune (RS tune for the Infiniti) and a Stage 2 tune.

The Infiniti is actually not a RedSport, since it has the lesser version of the engine, which produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm). However, thanks to a tune, the car now produces a very RedSport-like (and Nissan Z-like) 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet (475 Nm). Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic.

The Benz on the other hand is an AMG, at least in name. Many AMG hardliners would frown upon the fact it’s a V-6 rather than a V-8. Regardless, in stock form, the car makes 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet (520 Nm). The German coupe also sends power to all wheels, through the 4Matic system and a nine-speed automatic.

The Mercedes C43 AMG is also the lighter of the two cars – 3,825 pounds (1,734 kg) versus the Infiniti Q60’s 3,882 pounds (1,760 kg). It also has a quicker gearbox and more torque, so things aren’t looking great for Infiniti.

However, the races show a different story. No “granny mode” here, the races start in full sport mode and the Infiniti takes 13.04 seconds versus the Mercedes’ 13.10 seconds, for the quarter-mile. A 50 km/h (31 mph) rolling race gives the Mercedes a slight advantage and for a moment, it looks like it’s about to pull ahead. However, the more powerful Infiniti snaps and takes another win.

With both cars in Stage 2 tune, it’s time to see how they handle above-stock power levels. The Infiniti has an even bigger power advantage now – 470 horsepower and 500 pound-feet (678 Nm) versus 440 horsepower and 440 pound-feet (596 Nm). Both races finished with the C43 AMG badly beaten.

The takeaway

"Infiniti Q60 - fast!", Sam - the host - concludes. Those who have been waiting for the Nissan Z may rejoice, as the video perfectly demonstrates what the VR30DDTT engine is capable of, in both stock and tuned form. Moreover, we did not expect the Infiniti Q60 to go against one of Stuttgart’s finest and win so convincingly. Some refer to the Q60 as a baby GT-R and we think it’s well-deserved. Imagine what the much lighter and sportier Nissan Z will be capable of, with the same twin-turbo V-6.