kazino21

Hi guys, I had an A3 2001 51 which I bought new, unfortuanately the car has been written off and I need to get another car with a lesser budget of what I had when I bought the A3. I am looking at the TT 225 coupe and the S3 with 225. Haven't been able to test an S3 here in the UK yet as they are rare among audi dealers but I did get a flavour of what the tt coupe would be like as today I got a test drive of a 180 non quattro cabriolet (brand new only 100 miles on it), I love the cars low slung look and the driving position was far better than the A3 2.0 fsi that I also tried out just before the TT. The car is still stunning to look at but by the looks of the new TT being released it looks like it will not look as fresh once that is out.

The drive was nice and sharper than the A3 and the engine has a lovely note. However what would the driving dynamics be like compared to the S3?

Thanks in advance.
Karim

YosemyTT

it would be impossible for most people who post here to answer the question.

kazino21

Fair enough there must be some European users here though? Nice rear lights by the way.

TTagz

too bad we don't get the same cars here or we'd have plenty of opinions for you you guys get all the good stuff!

YosemyTT

Try over on the A3/S3 forum and you're sure to have better luck.

Thanks for the compliment on the lights. Spray tint and lots of wetsanding :-)<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/forum/a3.html">Here</a></li></ul>

audiologisTT

and have driven the last generation S3 (and newer A3s, including a 1.6L auto and Q-2.0TFSI 6spd)

the performance/dynamics are really really similar between S3 and 225TT

I found that I prefer the driving position in the TT... you sit higher in the S3 and have a better view of the road, better view behind you, no blind spots.. but the TT feels better.. 'sportier'

I remember that the sunroof in the A3 was really noisy at speed.. then again I wish I had one in the TT!

naturally, the TT has much greater aesthetic appeal

keep in mind that this was during trips overseas and not back to back with the TT... so somewhat subjective..

what really impressed me was the 2-liter turbo (TFSI) in the new A3... more 'stealth' looking than the S3, very comfy ride but firm and balanced in the twisties... i think 200hp.. but felt just as fast as the TT/S3 and more 'effortless' (perhaps higher low-end torque)... ie, you're going faster than you think and without trying too hard!

the A3 is more like a 3-door A4 hatchback... seems like a bigger car on the road (in a good way) and performs admirably.. if you need the back seats and space it's an excellent choice

look at the 2.0TFSI Quattro.. it'll save you $$$ over the S3 and with a chip it may outperform stock 225s and 3.2s

on the other hand, imo, you won't tire of looking at the TT where as the A3 is kinda 'blah'

cheers

Carlos

Main reason being that I've got another car for whenever I need to use rear seats. Otherwise, the choice would've been the S3. Driving dynamics are not that far off between them, moreso if you plan to mod, but a stock S3 is quite "softer" than a stock 225 TT and does have a higher driving position.

I you worry about the design of the TT looking old when the new generation comes out, then you shouldn't look at the S3 either. Maybe go for another A3? The 2.0T seems to be a nice choice.

|everso!|

that the driving dynamics of both cars would be quite similiar, since they share the same Golf/A3 chassis and platform.

the TT has some upgraded parts from the Golf/A3 such as suspension, brakes, and turbo gear. the 180 TT will be quite similar to a likewise A3.

the last S3 had what...200hp? or was it 225?

i will safely say though, that the TT has much more style than an S3.....however some people prefer understated in hatchback form, while some people prefer curved lines and a low slung profile.

MoreBoost!

TT, from a suspension standpoint. But that is the latest generation A3. I am pretty sure the last gen Euro A &amp; S3's share suspension and braking components with the TT.