Fisker Ocean Rises From the Deep to Challenge Volkswagen Golf R: An Unequal Battle?

Designed by humans, for humans.“That's the motto of Fisker, a declining American electric vehicle maker that wanted to offer a clean future for… humans, I think. In June 2024, the Fisker EV startup filed for bankruptcy and began trying to sell off its assets to cover deep financial holes. The Fisker Ocean SUV was one of its flagships and was supposed to be yet another Tesla Model Y killer, but fate had other, more ironic plans in mind. While the Ocean EV sank (pun intended), that doesn't mean people can't still test it out on the 1/4 mile.

Today’s race will pit the 2023 Fisker Ocean Extreme against the highly sought-after 2024 Volkswagen Golf R. It will be exciting because if the Ocean were to break down, it would be difficult to find parts, service, or a warranty directly from the manufacturer.

In the eco-friendly corner, the Electric vehicle It has two electric motors that generate 468 horsepower and 514 lb-ft (697 Nm) of torque. It weighs 5,364 pounds or 2,433 kilograms and costs $69,012, up from the base price of $63,937.

Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5N and Dodge Charger Daytona EV, it also features a boost mode, which increases its performance to 564 horsepower and 543 lb-ft (736 Nm) of torque.

On the opposite side in almost every way imaginable, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R packs a ferocious 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 315 horsepower and 295 lb-ft or 400 Nm of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends that modest power to all four corners.

Now, the rules have a little twist because this is an Edmunds Cars U-drag race. Instead of stopping after 1/4 mile, drivers must make a U-turn and go back “where” they came from. Also, drivers change cars and lanes halfway to keep things fair.

Fisker Ocean Extreme vs. 2024 Volkswagen Golf R

Photo: Edmunds Cars

As for the results, the Fisker Ocean Extreme could-could-have-defeated the Golf R in every category. For the 0-60 mph sprint, it won with 4.2 seconds on the clock, while the VW did 4.6 ticks.

The EV completed the quarter mile in 12.4 seconds at 111 mph or 177 kilometers per hour, while the ICEThe petrol-engined Golf crossed the finish line after 12.9 seconds, reaching a speed of 107.7 miles per hour or 173.3 km/h.

The Ocean completed the entire course in 37.1 seconds, at 118.6 mph (191 km/h), while the VW did it in 37.5 seconds, accelerating to 116.7 mph (188 km/h).

This race proves… basically nothing. Given the 249 horsepower and 248 lb-ft (336 Nm) of torque difference (with boost mode) between the two vehicles, the competition wasn’t all that fair to begin with. But if we were to judge it on merit, we’d have to keep in mind that while the Volkswagen Golf R lost every event, it cost $21,607 less.

And it’s not like the differences were astronomical, not for that price. Another plus of the Golf R is that it still exists and will continue to exist, unlike the Ocean. But overall, it was a fun show to watch, not to mention a bit of a regret for the future of Fisker and where it could have ended up in 10-20 years.

Fortunately, European hot hatches continue to steadily improve their power figures, although, sadly, V6 and V8 engines are not written in the stars for them. However, one can dream of a Hellcat-replaced Civic Type-R.


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