The Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Skoda Octavia RS are two of the most premium and high-performance vehicles currently in India. These limited-production models have been sold out, and the enthusiasts who have bought them are very happy. Now, recently it has been found out that both of these cars, which claim to make 265 bhp and 370 Nm of torque, in reality are making a bit more than what Volkswagen and Skoda have claimed.
Recently, a video has been shared on YouTube by The Drivers Hub on their channel in which both the Skoda Octavia RS and the Volkswagen Golf GTI were taken to a dyno to test the actual power figures. We can note that both cars were placed on the dyno back to back and were made to run at their full potential, following which the results were highlighted in the video.
As per the results, the Volkswagen Golf GTI made 278.6 bhp and 413.18 Nm of torque, which is significantly higher than the claimed figures from the company. To be precise, there is a difference of +13.6 bhp and +43 Nm. Meanwhile, the Skoda Octavia RS on the same dyno made 265.27 bhp and 395.24 Nm of torque. Now, although the power figure is similar to what the company claims, it makes 15.54 Nm more than the claimed figure.
From the factory, both of these cars come offered with the EA888, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. As stated, this engine in both cars, according to the company, is rated to produce 265 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. Both also share the same 7-speed DSG gearbox (DQ381) and feature a front-wheel-drive layout. Both of these cars which were tested on the dyno were not tuned or had any performance upgrades.
In the video, the presenter drives both of these cars back to back on the road and shares his opinion on the real-world driving differences. He first drives the Skoda Octavia RS and mentions that it feels very punchy yet refined on the bumpy Indian roads. The presenter also adds that the acceleration and overall driving characteristics are very sharp.
The only issue which he noted was that the extra weight of the added boot in the Octavia RS is noticeable. Following this, he then starts driving the Volkswagen Golf GTI. He mentions that this particular hatchback offers a more lively, sharper, and more engaging driving feel. He added that, compared to the Octavia RS, it pulls harder and cleaner and feels lighter on its feet. He continued that even if the difference is small, it is clearly noticeable in back-to-back driving.
Over the years, a number of high-performance cars have had this situation where they have made more power than the advertised figures. Now, there are a few reasons why this happens. The first is that the official power figures are measured under controlled lab conditions. However, real-world conditions vary widely. So many attempt this by quoting slightly lower numbers.
Automakers also ensure that cars always meet or exceed claimed figures, so that there is no risk of failing certification tests or customer complaints. Also, running an engine at its absolute peak constantly can increase its wear and reduce long-term reliability. So, by underrating, the engine operates below its true stress limit and improves durability and consistency over time.