Photo Finish: AMG Gt R Drag Races BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition

That's because we're dealing with two seriously fast German rivals, specifically the Mercedes-AMG GT R and a very rare BMW M4 DTM.

First off, we need to talk about the Bimmer because only 200 were built, and it's not a model that typically comes up in everyday conversation. Introduced a little over a year ago, the DTM Champion Edition pays tribute to BMW's racing success in the DTM series, and it's more than just a spiffy appearance package. An infusion of carbon fiber reduces weight, as does the removal of the back seat. Adjustable coilover suspension with ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires help the car grip the road. That's important, because engine tweaks elevate the already impressive M4 to 500 horsepower. BMW says it will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds.

That's impressive, but eagle-eyed readers will note that the mighty AMG-tuned Merc has a bit more power on tap – specifically 577 horsepower. It also has adjustable coilover suspension and comes without a back seat, though to be fair, it never had one in the first place. Mercedes-Benz claims the car will do the same 100 km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds. On paper, then, the Mercedes has already won but here's the thing: The smallest changes in grip, or air temperature, or even how much bacon the driver ate for breakfast can render such a small margin – in this case just two tenths of a second – completely null-and-void.

If you haven't seen the video, you're probably thinking the BMW  with its 77-horsepower handicap actually won. Spoiler alert – it didn't. But It did put a freaking car length on the Merc through 60 mph where it's supposed to be slower, and went on to lose the quarter-mile dash only by a nose in one of the closest matchups we've seen in a long time.

It just goes to show you that numbers may start an argument, but they don't always finish it.