TT or S3?

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GlasgowRangers

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Hi all. Have just returned from a trip to my Audi dealer and he has told me that there are no S3 Sportbacks in stock at all. He quoted me a delivery time of apprx 12 weeks. The S3 would be pretty much standard apart from rear parking sensors as that is all my budget can stretch to.

He offered another solution. He said there is a TT 2.0 TFSi Quattro S-Line available immediately. It has Bose, extended leather, iPod, Bluetooth, 19'' wheels and a few other trinkets. In other words, full.

Both cars are coming in at the same price of 32,000 EUR in Turkey. I don't pay tax on my cars here but the TT seems like a much better buy. Which would you opt for if you were me? I don't have kids. The wife had pleaded with me not to get another 3 door hence why the Sportback was the original choice. Should I try to get her to change her mind?
 
I just checked the configuratorand the TT is close to 37K Sterling with all those extras.
 
I also can't help thinking that the 8P platform is due to be changed shortly. It will be at leats another 3 years before I can change my car.
 
I take it waiting 12 weeks is out of the question then? Mate it sounds like a bit if a comprimise given you set out after an S3 SB and could potentially walk away with a TT Coupe? Just how much :slapped: will the wife give you? It sounds like a you are getting a good deal on the price though, but given you will be keeping the car for three years I would be 110% sure that you are making the right decision based on what you really want, and not just snapping up a bargain.

*Just putting the popcorn on for the traditional S3 vs anything debate.;)
 
12 weeks is a ****** long time. Jesus Christ I really don't know. I am no further forward. What would you do mate? I really like the TT but I also like the S3. Both are equal in terms of desirability for me. (I think). C**T. I don't know.
 
Go test drive the TT, you will soon know what to do after that. If it doesnt blow you away then dont get it. Also depends what colour the TT is and what style wheels they are.. Makes a big difference
 
I'd rather have the TT than an S3. I think...
 
The TT is (only) 200ps
The S3 is 265ps
The S3 is your first choice.

Wheres the dilemna?

Just be patient and get the one you want.

(Which is faster anyway:))

cheers
Paul
 
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V6Pete said:
I'd rather have the TT than an S3. I think...
Click to expand...

After your V6 I reckon you would be underwhelmed by the 200ps version of the 20T.

Its just not enough when you are spending that sort of money and in a car that looks more special than it goes.

Paul
 
PaulAr said:
After your V6 I reckon you would be underwhelmed by the 200ps version of the 20T.

Its just not enough when you are spending that sort of money and in a car that looks more special than it goes.

Paul
Click to expand...

I've driven an Octavia vRS and Scirocco both with remapped 2.0T's and performance was similar to my V6.

TBH I wouldn't go out and spend £30K on an S3, I can think of a few cars I'd rather go for. But at least with a £30K TT the car feels and looks special enough to justify the price.
 
GlasgowRangers said:
12 weeks is a ****** long time. Jesus Christ I really don't know. I am no further forward. What would you do mate? I really like the TT but I also like the S3. Both are equal in terms of desirability for me. (I think). C**T. I don't know.
Click to expand...

My biggest consideration here is the 3 years bud. If it were a year or so then sure, why not - the TT is a nice car, good spec and great price. In that time you could put in an order for the S3 (if you were still interested in it) to coincide with getting of the TT.

Will you need the extra HP? (cough, Stage 1 map). Do you need 'useable' back seats for the odd 'four-up' cabby? The boot size will work out similar when folded (seen someone move house in one)....

I think Ragster has made a good point: you should try and get an extended test drive in the TT and see how it chalks up day-to-day, compared to your current car. They are both nice places to be, but so subjective mate it's gonna be your call.
 
V6Pete said:
I've driven an Octavia vRS and Scirocco both with remapped 2.0T's and performance was similar to my V6.

TBH I wouldn't go out and spend £30K on an S3, I can think of a few cars I'd rather go for. But at least with a £30K TT the car feels and looks special enough to justify the price.
Click to expand...

I was talking about std cars as per the OP.

If we are comparing remapped cars, then remapped 265bhp knocks a remapped 200ps into a cocked hat as far as power and delivery is concerned.

I agree the TT looks nice, whether its more special than an S3 is a matter of taste. Surprise surprise I dont think it is.

As for the `is the S3 worth 30K debate`, cheap it aint so its a bit niche in that respect. It needs to tick pretty much ALL of your boxes to be worth the money.
If not, buy something else.

Paul



S3 or Cayman?
 
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PaulAr said:
The TT is (only) 200ps and fwd.
The S3 is 265ps and 4wd.
The S3 is your first choice.

Wheres the dilemna?

Just be patient and get the one you want.

(Which is faster anyway:))

cheers
Paul
Click to expand...

I'm sure you know what Quattro stands for in the original post!! ;):thumbsup:

Plus a remapped 2.0TFSI Quattro TT should be on a par power wise with a stock S3 anyway...

really the decision comes down to hatchback or coupe, whatever floats your boat!
 
No point in comparing a mapped TT if you aren't going to compare it to a mapped S3 300+bhp. Now there is no doubt which one is faster but it depends on which one you want. One which everyone thinks is prettier i.e.TT I know my girlfriend likes them, and so does my sister, and I think my mum. And they do hold their value really well. Or the man's car S3 which is no doubt faster, not as good looking but a whole lot desirable to someone who knows about their cars. Just get the TT because I'm getting my S3 in a few weeks and the less I see on the road the better! :)
 
smbAudi said:
I'm sure you know what Quattro stands for in the original post!! ;):thumbsup:

Plus a remapped 2.0TFSI Quattro TT should be on a par power wise with a stock S3 anyway...

really the decision comes down to hatchback or coupe, whatever floats your boat!
Click to expand...

Ok Ok, hands up, some inconsistencies and typos in my post..... (you should be a Mod:))

Anyhoo, it doesnt change the point I was making though, we need to compare `Standard v Standard` or `Remapped v Remapped` for this to be a valid debate.

For me the S3 is more desirable because it has more power, 4 seats, and more aggressive styling.
Clearly thats not everyones criteria as you see plenty of women driving TTs on the road.:undwech:

Like I said, I do very much like the TT but for me the MK2 doesnt have the WOW factor the MK1 did.
Close but no cigar:drag:

cheers
Paul
 
Test drive is out of the question because it seems they don't have ****** test cars in Turkey at least not at the Audi dealer where I am going. ***.

I haven't even tested the S3. I have just gone by the reviews and what everybody has said about the car and the same goes for the TT. I have to say that I have been looking at TTs on the net today and when fitted with the right wheels it does look rather tasty. I see a lot of A3 Sportbacks on the road and I'm not sure the average Joe can separate and A3 from S3 if the truth be told. The TT does look that wee bit more special. Quattro in the TT is good for Turkey in winter because we get a lot of snow here. I just need to figure out how to approach this one with the wife.

The TT does seem very well specced. I am starting to lean towards it I think. Are the back seats really that bad?
 
I have a TTS at the moment after 2 S3's. The TT feels a very special place to spend anytime and looks great, they don't drive a whole lot different to an S3 but they will hold onto their value a lot better.

I love the TT but for my needs the S3 ticks all the boxes, the rear seats in the TT are ok for adults in an emergency only but absolutely fine for kids, my 3 year loves it as she is still so close to us, she calls it sitting in the back front !!

I had a normal 2.0T straight after my first S3 and was roastd on here for actually saying the front wheel drive was more fun than my S3, tis true its very light and great fun with a wonderful exhaust note that is somehow missing from the oem S3 system.

What should you get, mmmm, not an easy question but if you fancy the TT have it, you only live once and the depreciation is excellent, go enjoy yourself and have an S3 at a later date.
 
I should add that in my opinion the front wheel only 2.0 T is spot on from a driving and fun perspective, more so than the TTs, just my opinion but you can really feel the weight difference between the 2 models.
 
I really think the S3 is far more desirable-the TT is a very nice car but in standard 200 BHP form as opposed to TTS/RS is definitely a woman's car.
For me the choice isn't one at all!!
If styling's what you're after the TT is by mainstream opinion a better looking car-not in my opinion.
If it's power you're after then the S3 is only matched by the TTS.
Just my tuppence worth.
 
I agree but as he doesn't have an S3 or hasn't driven one he has nothing to compare it to so will be almost certainly blown away from a performance/feel good factor, its not really a comparitive car but both are fun, I don't think the TT mark 2 deserves to be called a mark 2, read any rview its a very capable car. Not better than an S3 just different.

I'm enjoying the TT for now but looking forward to when my new S3 arrives, 7 weeks to go..
 
Spin140 said:
I should add that in my opinion the front wheel only 2.0 T is spot on from a driving and fun perspective, more so than the TTs, just my opinion but you can really feel the weight difference between the 2 models.
Click to expand...

I get where you're coming from - I did quite a lot of miles in a Scirocco a few months ago, and it drove great.

I don't think the TDI engines work so well with FWD - all the low down torque can turn the first gear or 2 into wheelspin, but the smoother power delivery of the 2.0T seems to work well with FWD.

If I was looking for a £20-30K 2.0T VAG model, the Scirocco would be the top of my list, over both the TT and S3.
 
I looked at the TT and TT-S before ordering my S3 and the only thing that put me off was the interior space. I felt too claustrophobic. Lovely car, lovely interior etc etc etc but you really do need to try and get out in one before paying all that cash.
 
audi upgrades
Just back from the dealer. I showed my wife a TT on display and she nearly had a fit. She begged me not to buy it. I swear beg is the word. On reflection I think she is right. I tend to have the odd passenger in my car so I don't think the TT is realistic after she talked some sense into me.

Looks like I am going for the S3 SB and a long wait. Just hope it is worth it in the end. I am going back to Glasgow 2 weeks later for Xmas and I think Glasgow Audi will have an S3 SB available for a test drive. Just not sure if I want to test it or wait until delivery day and then hopefully be blown away if the car is all you lot say it is. I ****** hope it is! I like surprises.
 
Just a small point on stock vs remapped etc, remapping a 200bhp TT is very straight forward. A remapped S3 isn't since you would most likely need an uprated clutch and flywheel.
 
JeffY said:
Just a small point on stock vs remapped etc, remapping a 200bhp TT is very straight forward. A remapped S3 isn't since you would most likely need an uprated clutch and flywheel.
Click to expand...

A small but very good point.
 
JeffY said:
Just a small point on stock vs remapped etc, remapping a 200bhp TT is very straight forward. A remapped S3 isn't since you would most likely need an uprated clutch and flywheel.
Click to expand...

Been running Bluefin for 23000 miles without an issue!
 
JeffY said:
Just a small point on stock vs remapped etc, remapping a 200bhp TT is very straight forward. A remapped S3 isn't since you would most likely need an uprated clutch and flywheel.
Click to expand...

Not true matey.

I remapped my 200ps Golf and had to replace the clutch and DMF within 3K.

Have 10K on my S3 with the same REVO map.
Still on std clutch and DMF.

Ive spent time on here and UKMKIVs.net and there is no clear evidence that one stands up to tuning better than the other.

Plenty of guys running Stage 2+ on stock DMF/clutch on both the 200 and 265ps versions of the TFSI.

Its a lottery really.

cheers
Paul
 
I was just pulling your leg. I did read that the stock clutch was rated for upto 300bhp, if so a stage 1 remap would put it at risk. Subjective evidence on this forum suggests that the clutch can be an issue on stock S3 let alone remapped ones.
 
The guys at The TT-shop in Bedford reckon they've never had an S3 come back with clutch problems even with stage 2+ Revo at 330 ish BHP!

As Paul says it's more about luck. Pretty much every S3 owner on ASN has modded their cars and AFAIK there aren't that many who have had problems :o.k:
 
JeffY said:
I was just pulling your leg. I did read that the stock clutch was rated for upto 300bhp, if so a stage 1 remap would put it at risk. Subjective evidence on this forum suggests that the clutch can be an issue on stock S3 let alone remapped ones.
Click to expand...

Sort of correct.

Stock clutch/DMFs fail on stock and tuned 200ps TFSIs
Stock clutch/DMFs fail on stock and tuned 265ps TFSIs

And also various DERVs.

Not VAGS strong point.

Just hope you get a goodun...

Or you might be looking at Caymans next time:)

Cheers:icon_thumright:
Paul
 
Staz said:
The guys at The TT-shop in Bedford reckon they've never had an S3 come back with clutch problems even with stage 2+ Revo at 330 ish BHP!

As Paul says it's more about luck. Pretty much every S3 owner on ASN has modded their cars and AFAIK there aren't that many who have had problems :o.k:
Click to expand...

I was out in DanS3 Stage 2+ the other week (with Forge FMIC etc...) and its a weapon.

He is on OEM SACHs after the first LUK failed and had no issues at all.
Tune it and cross your fingers.

Unless it a V6 remap and an extra 2bhp wont worry the transmission at all :undwech::moa:

Paul
 
I must drive like an old woman as I've not had any serious clutch issues, I've had the odd slip on track days but no long term issues, I've ran stage 2 + also.

The only vag clutch issue I had was with my 2003 Golf 150PD, that was superchipped and slipped like a bitch in winter, mad car though and felt really quick at the time, just a shame the suspension and chasis had great difficulty keeping up with the ngine, ahhh off thread but happy days :)
 
If you can live with a TT then you can live with a S3 2door....so why go for a no frills SB when you could save a few bob and have a S3 2 door with some bits added ?

I have to say at the risk of be hung out to dry...I just dont get the S3 ?. At £30+k for a decently spec'd one you are talking low milage Carrera 4S money....To the man in the street an S3 looks just like any other A3 infact with the skirts it looks daft...What my dear departed mum used to call An "Aunty molly shopping car" :) she would turn in her grave if she could see my A3. !!!!

I'll get my coat.........:wacko:
 
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