daydreamer

doesn't seem like they thought the TT was in the same performance league as the porsche and bimmer. kinda harsh. Whaddya think?

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/automotive/newmodels/33294/?page=1

daydreamer

<center><img src="http://www.speedtv.com/_assets/library/img/large/124596_tri1.jpg"></center><p>

nirad

for people who live in dense urban areas, that is a huge factor and they completely left it out.

Rawhide Rosenwad

One of the (future) more potent versions of the TT should help Audi's standings a little bit. Right now, they don't offer a model that speaks to me... at all. I'm still waiting for a nice American magazine to compare the TT, Z4 Coupe and Cayman.

Austin A6 3.2

First of all, the 335i doesn't compare to a TT, it would compare to the A5 when it comes out. The correct comparison is the Z4, no matter what they say in the article. Secondly, three pages with almost no information ...

If you want to see a real comparison of vehicles in the same class, that focusses on more than just the 0-60 and 1/4 mile numbers, follow the link below (in German - sorry). I'll be happy to provide a translation if anyone is interested.<ul><li><a href="http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/d/126275/d_ams_vtest_techdat">http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/d/126275/d_ams_vtest_techdat</a</li></ul>

nirad

you linked to the same article

John J Szobocsan

AutoCar, as a publication, is very pro-BMW and Porsche. Audi is typically given a second-class billing. With the introduction of the TT mkII, AutoCar has been more positive, but the beloved BMW attitude is still present. The outcome would be very different if AutoCar included the Z4 coupe in this comparison test instead of the 335i. AutoCar's writers are not fans of the Z4.

It is very interesting that the English publications have considered the TT and BMW 3-series coupe competitors, but this has occurred since the TT's introduction. Evidently, different national markets set different levels for the competition.

In spite of the negative tone of the article, the TT mkII seems a very capable automobile and a significant improvement over the outgoing mkI model. I really wonder how different the review would read if the writers lived for a year with each of the cars. The Audi may not have initial appeal; however, I am sure that the every day and every season utility of the car would shift opinions.

-J

Austin A6 3.2

Sorry, fixed now

B7Bomber

I'm in the market for something sportier to purchase in the next year or so (my current ride is an A4 2.0T). I've given consideration to both the TT and the 335i. Yes, these cars don't exactly belong in the same segment, but I do feel both compete for customers such as myself -- somebody looking for a sporty, high-performance coupe in the vicinity of $45k from a proven carmaker. I can't wait to see the next gen TT when it makes its US debut in the spring, but I couldn't resist taking a 335i (manual) on a testdrive today to see if all the hype was warranted.

First, I must say BMW's biturbo inline 6 is a beast. I was a bit skeptical of the car's performance numbers that have been published as of late (sub 5 0-60, sub 13 0-100), but I can tell you the 335i's powerplant has a whole lot of power ready at the driver's disposal. The powerband is seemingly endless from the second your foot hits the pedal...and oh yeah, there's ZERO turbo lag. They've built a great engine that sets the bar pretty darn high.

With that said, I find myself still favoring Audi. My girlfriend has an 06 325i, which I've driven plenty, and I find that there's a disconnect with BMWs that I don't seem to feel in an Audi. The overall refinement and feel of the Audi is more engaging, and Audi's are far better looking than the competition. The BMW's engine is far superior to both the 3.2 and the 2.0T, but the bimmer simply feels too mechanical. In time, I'm afraid I'd become bored with the 335i. However, I'm probably in the minority in the big scheme of things, and Audi will have to make some significant improvements to their engines in the coming years to compete. At this point, I would wait for the TT, but if I were to compare the 335i with my A4, there's little comparison...I'd take the BMW. Power isn't everything, but it far outperforms my A4.

daydreamer

before i make my decision next year. I'm in the same boat as you.