TTS vs 335 (vs S3 vs 130)

W

wilbo

Active member
 Berkshire
Have been browsing the classifieds considering my next car and the four in the title are considerations. The TTS and the 335 are probably the top 2, as the S3 just seems a bit boring to look at and I only really like the look of the 130i LE which hold quite a premium and are quite rare (especially in low mileage).

I really fancy a TTS as they feel quite special, anyone on here owned or driven one? Anyone compared one to a 335 and chose either?
 
I've not driven the TTS but I've driven the 3.2 V6. It was glued to the road but quite a boring drive. The 335 however brings a bit more uncertainty to grip which increases the grin factor. Quite different cars tho.
 
I did a little write up on ours here... http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=62881

I have a 330i and the main difference you would feel with a 335i versus the TTS is its weight the 3 series just feels such a heavy car in comparison and the power delivery is so different(330i) as the TTS has really good shove low down with the Turbo but the 330i`s engine is silky smooth and makes a nice noise on the top end but you have to thrash the life out of it to get any real reward though.

I do have a lot of respect for the N52 3 litre engine it is a nice unit, the TTS now has 65k miles on it and its only 27 months old and we need to get rid soon as it will be worth peanuts if we don't swap in the near future!
 
I've driven 335i (both Coupe and Cab variants) and TTS. Both are very rapid but the 335i is slightly quicker in standard unmolested trim. I think the TTS is low 13's to 100mph compared to 12.8 for the 335. I had a TTS for a week and I was bored stiff of it by the end of the week. It's quick, well made and looks good to most eyes but the engine has no character whatsoever and it sounds crap too. You soon realise it's just a mundane 4-cylinder Eurobox with a turbo bolted on it. The 335 is a twin turbo straight six and so it feels more of a thoroughbred but it also doesn't make a great noise either because the blowers get in the way of that. It's possibly a bit more mundane to look at than the TT but to be honest they are both ubiquitous and so neither is particularly special.

I suspect the S3 is just the same as the TTS in more boring clothes. I've never driven the 130i so I can't offer any views on it. I think Ninarvana on here used to own a 130i. Might be worth dropping her a PM.
 
Thanks for the input all. Will read your thread later Lee when I have a bit more time. Regarding the tts not feeling particularly special, I do about 18k miles a year and after having a Subaru and now the Z4, I think something that is more day to day will suit me, which is why the s-tronic box appeals too.
 
wilbo said:
I do about 18k miles a year and after having a Subaru and now the Z4, I think something that is more day to day will suit me, which is why the s-tronic box appeals too.
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The TTS has turned into an unlikely mile muncher to be honest and my mrs roughly does around 30k miles a year in it and we specifically went for the S-Tronic because of the miles covered, she had a 330d previously so it was a fair change in direction, not sure now whether to wait for the new TTS to launch or go back to BMW and we just cant make our minds up but I will say the TTS has proved a very decent car to be fair.
 
original guvnor said:
I had a TTS for a week and I was bored stiff of it by the end of the week. It's quick, well made and looks good to most eyes but the engine has no character whatsoever and it sounds crap too. You soon realise it's just a mundane 4-cylinder Eurobox with a turbo bolted on it. The 335 is a twin turbo straight six and so it feels more of a thoroughbred but it also doesn't make a great noise either because the blowers get in the way of that.
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Trust you to pop up OG and ruin the Audi love!! :poke: :thumbsup: :D

I admit I have always preferred a higher cylinder/capacity engine but the TTS doesn't sound too bad considering its only a 4pot turbo and its certainly no worse the new M3/M4 and they have failed miserably with that engine trying to make it sound good, its the same with F1 engines now so I agree totally that it is virtually impossible to get a blown engine to sound that inspiring sadly.
 
My son recently sold his Subaru Impreza wrx and has bought a 130i M.
He is more than pleased with the power delivery plus 34 mpg.The car had a few trim rattle/speaks which he has sorted.
It's a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing .
 
Surprised the 135i isn't on your list.

Smaller, lighter and an all round better steer than the 335i
Slightly more practical than a TTS, sounds better, drives better, quicker, more fun etc (I do actually like the TTS though)
Quicker than the 130i, nicer to look at and just a bit more flash. Although lots of owners who have went 130>135 say the 130 had more character.

If I had a bit more cash in my budget i'd probably be in one. I might even practice bangernomics for a while until I can afford one. They are holding value pretty well.
 
Mowflow said:
Surprised the 135i isn't on your list.

Smaller, lighter and an all round better steer than the 335i
Slightly more practical than a TTS, sounds better, drives better, quicker, more fun etc (I do actually like the TTS though)
Quicker than the 130i, nicer to look at and just a bit more flash. Although lots of owners who have went 130>135 say the 130 had more character.

If I had a bit more cash in my budget i'd probably be in one. I might even practice bangernomics for a while until I can afford one. They are holding value pretty well.
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I was going to mention a 135 or 235 too
 
Fast3000 said:
Did you pick your car OP?
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Yep, likely to keep the z4 until early spring next year and then search for a TTS. For the time being I am going to enjoy driving the zed though, fitted cruise control at the weekend which was on my list of things to do and got a couple of other jobs planned to keep me busy. Also drove home from work with the roof down today :) so looking forward to some more dry winter nights like that!

If any TTS fans are bored and facing a good read, the below project build (supported with Youtube webisodes) is quite impressive.
http://fourtitude.com/features/project_cars_and_builds/project-tts-sf/project-tts-sf/
 
Nice one Wilbo, enjoy the Zed! I've been an audi/vw fan for a no. Of years...having not owned a TT or S but driven an S. Very competent car and very nice point to point. Love the Audi interiors especially in the Mk2 TT.
 
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