The Porsche 911 Turbo S is a performance monster with its all-wheel drive propelling the model. A new video from the Officially Gassed YouTube channel pits one against a modified BMW M140i that makes a lot more power, but it only powers the rear wheels, making for an intriguing matchup. 

On paper, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is down on power. It makes 580 bhp (432 kilowatts) from its twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine. Power routes to all four wheels through the brand’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It tips the scales at 1,600 kilograms (3,527 pounds). The BMW M140i churns out 700 bhp (521 kW) from BMW’s tuned turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine. It only powers the rear wheels and is lighter than the Porsche, too, at 1,475 kg (3,252 lbs). It has a modified turbo, fuel pump, gearbox, and limited-slip differential.

Gallery: 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo

With its all-wheel drive, the Porsche has a huge advantage in the standing-start drag race. It blasted from the starting line in the first run, leaving the BMW in the dust. The second race gave the BMW a 10-car lead, but the RWD Bimmer was no match for the Porsche’s potent all-wheel-drive system, which was able to negate the BMW’s advantage within a few seconds of the start. The Porsche went on to win its second race.

The Porsche completed the quarter-mile in 10.75 seconds at 131 miles per hour (211 kilometres per hour). It took the BMW 11.27 seconds but matched the Porsche’s trap speed.

The rolling race is where the BMW shined, pulling away from the Porsche right from the start. The M140i’s significantly more power was on full display. A second rolling race gave the Porsche a slight head start, but the more powerful BMW caught up to the Porsche and passed it just before the two crossed the finish line.

The drag race demonstrates that having more power is meaningless if you can’t put it all to the ground. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is an unmatchable rocket off the starting line thanks to its all-wheel drive. However, the BMW’s extra power isn’t something competitors should ignore.