Thoughts please> Z4Coupe 3.0si vs Audi TT 3.2V6 S-tronic.

[easty027]

Hi all

Its been a while since i sold the zed and posted on here. Although i have been lurking just to see what’s been going on. After been made redundant, buying another house and relocating a 100 miles and driving the wives cooperS since may this year, i think i am about ready to purchase another car.

The original choice always was a Z4MC. However after thinking long and hard, the Z4MC might not be the ideal car, i might have to travel further depending on where i am working on a freelance basis, so maybe a car with low 20’s mpg might be a bad idea. The choices then are as follows:-

1. Z4 Coupe 3.0si (manual)
2. TT 3.2v6 S-tronic

After searching the net over the last 3-4 weeks, it seems the Z4 is far better value for money spec wise (looking to spend upto 15k ish). The amount of TT’s without xenons, nav etc is massive by comparison. I do like the interior and the overall package of the TT, and I am also aware of the S-tronic issues making me question the running costs and potential reliability issues. A family member is a sales controller at Audi so i am able to get parts, serving etc all at discounted prices.

And before you say it, ive watched the fifth gear review on youtube many times and its remarkably close between the two cars, their verdict was the TT for everyday driving and the Z4 for track. i dont quite agree with it as i had my roadster for 3.5 years and used it everyday!

I know posting something like this is going to get a biased opinion, but wondered if any of you Knowledgeable people had gone from a TT 3.2 to a Z4 Coupe?.

 

[Taz]

what have you against the z4 automatic?

 

[Anonymous]

The V6 Audi really takes it hard on depreciation....could you not find a 2.0 FSI?

 

[jamie_z4]

Sorry if i've missed where you pointed it out, but if you are aware how problematic s-tronic gearboxes are in the TT why not just go for a manual? i've seen you've not ruled out a manual all together with you saying about a manual z4

 

[easty027]

Just to answer the queries above:-

1. I dont fancy a 2.0t TT as its front wheel drive. Just doesnt do it for me.
2. One thing i loved about the Z4 that i had was the manual box !. it was perfect. I am not a fan of the auto in the Z4.
3. The manual 3.2v6 sits in the higher tax band @ £450 ish a year due to the higher emissions, and i thought the feeling of the paddle shift would give it a 'point of difference'.

 

[jamie_z4]

Ah right horses for courses, but any sort of 'auto' box to me takes the fun out of driving.

I'd plump for the zed, i really like the looks and the cabin of the tt but couldn't be doing with the gearbox and lack of equipment, whereas with the z4, the level of equipment doesn't seem to affect the price much.

 

[malibudave]

I suppose it depends on what you want from a driving experience. All Audis I have driven tend to be massively capable and quick but they almost feel too safe, mainly because they are biased to understeer.

I went for the Z4 not because it would be the fastest down a B-road, but because I wanted the experience of controlling a car with a bit of character.

 

[easty027]

I suppose it depends on what you want from a driving experience. All Audis I have driven tend to be massively capable and quick but they almost feel too safe, mainly because they are biased to understeer.

I went for the Z4 not because it would be the fastest down a B-road, but because I wanted the experience of controlling a car with a bit of character.

Totally agree ! also my previous zed was completely faultless throughout the 3.5 years of ownership. never failed to deliver and put a smile on my face. The TT will be more expensive to service as well, given its 4 wheel drive and S-tronic box which does require fluid changes.

I think im beginning to talk myself back into a z4 !

 

[jamie_z4]

Yeah , haldex systems are pretty touchy, and as above very boring predictable handling, you cant beat choosing to slide the back end out every now and again

 

[Adamski]

I think im beginning to talk myself back into a z4 !

 

[JDM]

I'd have the zed any day of the week. One of my previous cars is an Audi A3 3.2 Quatto Sport which had the DSG gear box (now known as Stronic). The car was nice, sounded lovely but the gear box was a nightmare. Was OK when it worked but had a nasty habit of clunking into reverse and sometimes clunking really loud under hard acceleration when changing up. Ended up having a complete new box in it under warranty but the invoice total was showing nearly 4K... Ouch. It also had a new gearbox ECU on a seperate occasion before the box was replaced as they thought or hoped it was this.

Think the new TT is based on the A3 platform and would imagine its the same haldex system that is used. From recollection it was very nose heavy and just felt big and cumbersome around town. Yes it was sure footed and in the snow it was fantastic but not anywhere neatr as involving or entertaining as the zed is on a greasy roundabout

Test drove a TT 2.0FSI turbo before I bought the coupe and have to say that was alot better. Felt more balanced and alot lighter. Behaved very well for a front wheel drive car but still not entertaining enough for me..

Just my two penneth worth, hope it helps you out Easty

 

[Taz]

I think im beginning to talk myself back into a z4 !

 

[3002 tii]

If you think it's so close from a performance standpoint, I'd say just based on LOOKS alone the e86 wins hands down. For everyday use, they're both impractical so it seems sort of moot to argue that one. Quattro vs rwd, yea I get it but then why even get a sports car to begin with. RWD is much more fun to drive! And if winter is a concern, throw a set of snow tires on and you'll be good to go.

 

[easty027]

some good points guys. practicality doesn't matter, I have no kids and the only large thing I ever had to squeeze in my old zed was my snowboard which fit in the passenger seat.

spec wise, the coupe has far more kit than the TT's for my budget, so value for money wise the coupe is better !

the search continues.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[r1andy]

the coupe just looks the dogs compared to the TT

no brainer if u ask me

good luck.

 

[MigsAngel]

Do you want to tell your friends you drive a TiTi or that you drive the the Batmobile? :evil:

:worshipbmw:

Having said that ... If you want a TiTi then you can always go its origins....and get a VW Karmann Ghia..

 

[easty027]

regarding reliability, ive just read some of the issues regarding HVA's and cylinder heads problems with the N52 !

Is this a rare problem? my last zed was bulletproof.

 

[jamie_z4]

I had a tappy top end from cold on my n52 engined 325i but the z4 was fine (and it was on 90k miles)

They aren't as reliable as M54 lumps but not many bmw engines are these days

 

[tomscott]

To be honest,BMW was always the choice for me and my family over Audi. My nana switched over to an A3 2.0T quatro and I just dont like it, yes it goes pretty quick but I dont like the interior (probably because its a 10 year old design) and doesn't feel as well made as the beemers, but just my opinion. I think you should revisit the Z4M. I originally wanted the 3.0SI because it didn't seem like there was much between them apart from the MPG! 23mpg... well I have to say that it is averaged well on the low scale. I took the M for a 20 mile test drive on country lanes and the motorway and averaged 29.7mpg... and I wasnt driving it like an old man. Im 23 and the performance was my main concern :wink:. Although in many reviews they say that the 3.0SI is a better option than the M, you have to drive them both then you see why the M is so appealing! For me it was a no brainer so I snapped up an M, they are great value for money you will find that the 3.0SI is around the same price but doesn't have the M badge. Obviously it will cost you more, but in my opinion lifes too short and it might only be around an extra £1000 for the extra fuel insurance and servicing per year, (depending on use) so definitely worth it.

Tom Scott

 

[no fit state]

In the past I've thought about making the switch to a V6 TT as my next move instead of going the Coupe route. Every time I came to the same conclusion - A Coupe is better looking and the car tax is cheaper. Need I say anymore?