Batmobile Drag Race – Super Power Beat Down (The Race)

The Batmobile has become a part of modern pop culture since its debut all the way back in the early 1940’s, when the term “Batmobile” was first used in the Detective Comics series. While the look has changed drastically over the decades, reflecting the modernization of the cars as well as the Caped Crusader himself. Along the way, there have been several iterations of the Batman’s preferred method of transportation that really stand out as memorable, be they from the iconic 1960’s TV show or the series of movies about Batman and his adventures in Gotham City.

Among the most memorable of the Batmobiles, the one driven by Adam West in the campy Batman television show certainly stands out, as well as the iconic jet engine-powered iteration driven by Michael Keaton in the 1989 film featuring Jack Nicholson as the Joker that many of us consider to be the definitive super villain. While there have been many new versions of the Batmobile before and since, but these two stand out as the two most memorable to many who love the Bruce Wayne’s alter ego.

Of course, as car guys, we always want to know which is quicker, and there’s only one way to know for sure: a head-to-head drag race! The awesome guys over at Machinima decided to pull both of these Bat rides out and line them up for just that, and the results just might surprise you. Based on looks, the Keaton-era ride certainly looks to be the faster car, however, there’s more at play here than appearance. The West-era ride obviously brings plenty to the table as far as horsepower, and probably holds a significant advantage in the weight department, as the portly movie car carries a lot of unnecessary weight in it’s exterior adornment. As the race gets underway, it’s as close as one would expect, though it seems as if the production crew may have added in a little drama for effect. Regardless, went the cars cross the finish line, it’s the elder statesman of the Batmobiles that takes the win by a bumper!