To answer that question, Cars.co.za lined up a Civic Type R and Megane R.S. 300 Trophy for a drag race. Unsurprisingly, it is exceptionally close. First, the stats.

The newcomer here is the Hyundai i30 N, built mainly for driver enjoyment, but still quite capable thanks to its 275 horsepower 2-liter. Meanwhile, the Megane RS has everything to play for here.