Top 5 fastest compact cars to lap Nürburgring
Here’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to drive a Nürburgring record-holding vehicle.
In response to my previous article on Nürburgring driving records, Top five fastest road cars to lap the Nürburgring, there was a notable entry in the comments. It stated that the article was about “...cars 99% of your audience will never drive.” For that commenter, and anyone else who would like to know what more affordable cars can do when faced with the Green Hell’s challenges, here are the top 5 fastest compact cars to lap the ‘Ring:
1. Audi RS 3 - 7:33.123
This record was set on June 7, 2024 by Audi driver Frank Stippler, taking over 5.5 seconds off of the previous record-holding BMW M2’s time. The Audi used was an upgraded RS 3 pre-production model which will be available for sale to customers later this year.
The all-wheel drive RS 3 was able to improve on its previous time, set in 2021, due to the chassis improvement tweaks made since then. The RS 3 used for this record attempt featured wheel-selective brake torque vectoring, which combines with the Audi’s completely variable rear-wheel torque distribution, electronic stability control, and adaptive dampers to produce improved turn-in and quicker acceleration out of corners than before. This was good for a 6.5-second-plus improvement over the RS 3’s previous record time.
2. BMW M2 Coupe - 7:38.706
The M2 Coupe set its record on April 5, 2023, piloted by development engineer and racing driver Jörg Weidinger. The M2 used for the record attempt was bone stock, equipped with eight-speed automatic transmission and the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that can be ordered with the M2.
The rear-wheel drive BMW M2 held the record for about 14 months, which it had wrested from the currently third-place Audi RS 3. But technology keeps moving forward, allowing the Audi to reclaim the title in 2024.
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3. Audi RS 3 - 7:40.748
The previous RS 3 Nürburgring record time for compact cars was set on June 14, 2021. It knocked 4.64 seconds off the time of the previous record-holder, the now fifth-place Renault Megane. Our fourth-place car, the Honda Civic Type R, did not set its time until 2023, which was after both the Renault and this Audi.
The RS 3 used for this record attempt used an earlier, slightly less efficient version of the current number one-ranking RS 3’s suspension. Both used Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slick tires, which are available from the factory, as well as a front ceramic brake system, adaptive RS sport suspension, and RS Performance mode, which can be optimized for the conditions found at the Nürburgring.
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4. Honda Civic Type R - 7:44.881
Honda brought its Civic Type R to the ‘Ring on March 24, 2023, where it reset a record for front-wheel drive cars. Driven by Nestor Girolami, the Type R may appear to show the limitations of front-wheel drive on the ‘Ring, but it should be noted that the Audi RS 3’s 401 horsepower and the BMW M2’s 473 horsepower are a level beyond the Type R’s 324 horses in Euro form. The Type R also comes manual-trans only, which can make for longer lap times.
In its favor, the latest version of the Civic Type R boasts a wider track and longer wheelbase. The Type R used for this record attempt was a special lightweight version, which will be available in Europe (LHD only) as the Civic Type R S grade. The tires used were Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect, which are available directly from Michelin.
5. Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R - 7:45.389
Renault’s hottest hatch of the time set its ‘Ring record on April 5, 2019, also a record for front-wheel drive cars. Since then, over 12 seconds have been shaved from the compact car class record time.
The Mégane R.S. Trophy-R was a special limited-production model (only 500 made) based on the Mégane R.S. Trophy. While they both used the same 300-horsepower engine, the Trophy-R had gone through a 286-pound (130 kg) weight reduction, along with improved aerodynamics and upgraded chassis dynamics. Gone was the back seat, the glass was thinner, the vented hood was carbon fiber, and the exhaust system was titanium.
Ohlins adjustable dampers with lower ride height and Bridgestone nearly-slick S007 ‘RS’ tires completed the R package. Options included carbon brakes and carbon-fiber wheels.
