My review of the MK2 3.2 and 2.0t TTs. (edited)
06-26-2007, 10:43 AM
#1
My review of the MK2 3.2 and 2.0t TTs. (edited)
Well I'm sure you've read my <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/tt2/msgs/3086.phtml">first impressions review when I got a chance to see them at NAIAS in detroit</a>. So I'm not going to waste time about the interior, exterior, etc.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m317/uglytuna/TT-West%202007/IMG_4598.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
At TTW I had an opportunity to get some seat time in both cars. I actually got about two hours of real seat time in the Red 3.2 6MT roadster on the way up to crater lake. Got about 45mins seat time in the Silver 2.0t DSG coupe.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m317/uglytuna/TT-West%202007/IMG_4601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Carved some nice curves in the both cars. I can say without a doubt that the Launch control is enabled (many at TTW can confirm this statement with a couple of my launches from rest stops).
Most importantly the <b>Seats are that great!</b> These are some of the best seats that I have ever had the opportunity to park my rear end in. Period. End of story. Go to next feature!
To bring this to a quick end without rehashing a lot of what has already been said. When asked the question was I happy to get back in the Honda S2000 after my rides, the answer was without a pause "yes."
The new cars are technical marvels over the original MK1 TT. Stock for Stock it is night and day. For those of us that modded our TTs and got the most performance out of them (engine and suspension) the comparision becomes a bit murky.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m317/uglytuna/TT-West%202007/IMG_4489.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Biggest gripe about the coupe is every time the spoiler seated it sounded like somethng has shifted in the trunk or you just ran over somethng! Thunk!!!! It became quite annoying.
Biggest compliment (seats aside) is the wind noise in the roadster at 100+ or more correctly the lack thereof. Also, at 100+ you feel as if you're on a quick Sunday drive at about 60 - 70mph. With tons of interior room to spare. Amazing.
Both cars tended to push through the corners with the 2.0t being the worse. The Quattro would kick in and cause the 3.2 to be a "do no wrong" vehicle. Lift off trottle mid corner? No problem. Go into corner too hot? No problem. Hit brakes hard during mid apex? No problem. All of these scenarios would require the quick reflexes of a seasoned driver to get out of in a RWD vehicle (comparing to the S of course).
The 3.2Q is best mated with the new car hands down. The 2.0t should only be available with Quattro. No if's and or buts. Quattro tames the understeer tendencies that both cars exhibit but the 2.0t has too much of to be a real sports car. Come on! I want to be able to tuck into my corners on demand not gingerly float away from it.
Audi still needs some help in tranny feel and feedback department. Throws were long and a little slushy compared to the DG short shift kit so many of us have installed. No need to even compare to the honda tranny.
The ride quality is Audi smooth. The road manners of a ballroom dancer. Not jerky or punishing. Not exactly exciting either. At times you somewhat feel detached from the whole experience as if a casual observer and not a participant.
I just felt as both cars were nothing more than mildly modified MK1s with a different body, engine, and tranny options. I was left uninspired.
The MK1 caught me with looks and performance came with modifications. For me, performance or looks have to catch my attention first. I'm not looking for a project car as the new car doesn't move me or shake me like the original (not saying that it isn't easy on the eyes) or grab me from a performance viewpoint like the S2k (not the cutest thing on the block).
If you're looking for a GT with some kick to play with here or there then go get one (3.2 of course). If you need a car that challenges you and you're looking for that canyon carving thrill ride that the modified MK1 can bring then be prepared to spend some $$$ on that new MK2 or go seek a differnt vehicle all together.
Not saying that the car isn't nice. This car just isn't designed for those looking for pure thrill rides. It is a different kind of sports car that will find many fans. In fact, if I wanted a daily driver car (rain, shine, or snow) that has the comforts of a luxury sedan and the wow factor to boot, I would be all over a 3.2Q DSG roadster. That is if I didn't mind paying the co$t.
<img src="http://images114.fotki.com/v882/photos/2/282664/5040159/DSC_1639-vi.jpg">
But I'm not ready to cruise. I still want to drive and I don't want to pay that kind of money for average performance either.
Steve, to be direct. Good choice in the new ride. You won't be disappointed.
<i>All pictures except last picture, courtesy of Dale3.2</i>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m317/uglytuna/TT-West%202007/IMG_4598.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
At TTW I had an opportunity to get some seat time in both cars. I actually got about two hours of real seat time in the Red 3.2 6MT roadster on the way up to crater lake. Got about 45mins seat time in the Silver 2.0t DSG coupe.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m317/uglytuna/TT-West%202007/IMG_4601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Carved some nice curves in the both cars. I can say without a doubt that the Launch control is enabled (many at TTW can confirm this statement with a couple of my launches from rest stops).
Most importantly the <b>Seats are that great!</b> These are some of the best seats that I have ever had the opportunity to park my rear end in. Period. End of story. Go to next feature!
To bring this to a quick end without rehashing a lot of what has already been said. When asked the question was I happy to get back in the Honda S2000 after my rides, the answer was without a pause "yes."
The new cars are technical marvels over the original MK1 TT. Stock for Stock it is night and day. For those of us that modded our TTs and got the most performance out of them (engine and suspension) the comparision becomes a bit murky.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m317/uglytuna/TT-West%202007/IMG_4489.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Biggest gripe about the coupe is every time the spoiler seated it sounded like somethng has shifted in the trunk or you just ran over somethng! Thunk!!!! It became quite annoying.
Biggest compliment (seats aside) is the wind noise in the roadster at 100+ or more correctly the lack thereof. Also, at 100+ you feel as if you're on a quick Sunday drive at about 60 - 70mph. With tons of interior room to spare. Amazing.
Both cars tended to push through the corners with the 2.0t being the worse. The Quattro would kick in and cause the 3.2 to be a "do no wrong" vehicle. Lift off trottle mid corner? No problem. Go into corner too hot? No problem. Hit brakes hard during mid apex? No problem. All of these scenarios would require the quick reflexes of a seasoned driver to get out of in a RWD vehicle (comparing to the S of course).
The 3.2Q is best mated with the new car hands down. The 2.0t should only be available with Quattro. No if's and or buts. Quattro tames the understeer tendencies that both cars exhibit but the 2.0t has too much of to be a real sports car. Come on! I want to be able to tuck into my corners on demand not gingerly float away from it.
Audi still needs some help in tranny feel and feedback department. Throws were long and a little slushy compared to the DG short shift kit so many of us have installed. No need to even compare to the honda tranny.
The ride quality is Audi smooth. The road manners of a ballroom dancer. Not jerky or punishing. Not exactly exciting either. At times you somewhat feel detached from the whole experience as if a casual observer and not a participant.
I just felt as both cars were nothing more than mildly modified MK1s with a different body, engine, and tranny options. I was left uninspired.
The MK1 caught me with looks and performance came with modifications. For me, performance or looks have to catch my attention first. I'm not looking for a project car as the new car doesn't move me or shake me like the original (not saying that it isn't easy on the eyes) or grab me from a performance viewpoint like the S2k (not the cutest thing on the block).
If you're looking for a GT with some kick to play with here or there then go get one (3.2 of course). If you need a car that challenges you and you're looking for that canyon carving thrill ride that the modified MK1 can bring then be prepared to spend some $$$ on that new MK2 or go seek a differnt vehicle all together.
Not saying that the car isn't nice. This car just isn't designed for those looking for pure thrill rides. It is a different kind of sports car that will find many fans. In fact, if I wanted a daily driver car (rain, shine, or snow) that has the comforts of a luxury sedan and the wow factor to boot, I would be all over a 3.2Q DSG roadster. That is if I didn't mind paying the co$t.
<img src="http://images114.fotki.com/v882/photos/2/282664/5040159/DSC_1639-vi.jpg">
But I'm not ready to cruise. I still want to drive and I don't want to pay that kind of money for average performance either.
Steve, to be direct. Good choice in the new ride. You won't be disappointed.
<i>All pictures except last picture, courtesy of Dale3.2</i>
