Yeah I know, 2 totally different cars....
Currently got a BMW 323 - bored stupid with it. I can't decide between a new STI UK or import TT (both similar price).

STi PROS
---------
Goes like **** of a stick
Amazing handling - I've never been in a car which corners like an STi
Brilliant support from scoobynetters!!!!

STi CONS
---------
Insurance
MPG
Will probably get nicked!!!!!!
Ugly as sin

TT PROS
-------
Still pretty quick
SUperb looking
Build quality
Decent Insurance and MPG

TT Cons
--------
Pose-mobile?????
Doubt the handling is up to STi standards
Really poor BBS compared with Scoobynet!!!!

The 2/4 seater thing isn't an issue - what may be important is the fact that I drive about 25k miles a year - majority on motorway - magazine reviews criticise STi in this area saying that the firm suspension could get annoying after a while on motorways. Any experiences?
Come on scoobynetters - help me make my mind up!!!!!

 

Forget fuel consumption - you'll not see that much better out of the 220BHP TT.

Superb looking cars, and really damn quick. The difference is in how it does the speed thing - the Impreza's involving, the TT just isn't.

Evo tried the new S3 last month and rated that better than the TT for handling, feel, hell, just about everything rather than looks.

The STI's a very, very practical car. The TT isn't.

You pays yer money and takes yer choice. I wouldn't consider the TT as if I wanted a 2-up sports car I'd buy a real one...

So, for me, it's the STI for sheer practicality and puntability

Nick.

 

Bring on the STi

I have a 99 STi and the suspension is firm but replace that with the grins it induces every time I get in it, and there is no comparison. I had a 328i Sport for a while and how boring was that car???

TT's are pretty but if you really enjoy your driving, go for the STi!

 

He'll get the TT - I can't believe anyone would consider a standard TT and a standard STI as competitors - very very different cars. Audi is all about badge - disclaimer time...I have a MY02 S3, it shares running gear with Skoda and Seat, but costs > 50% more??!!? It ain't worth that dynamically, and the materials couldn't cost that much more, but hell it's only money, and I have an STI for kicks .
Chuck

 

Ok, (you didn't say your name)

Since this is a Subaru bulletin board the replies will be a little biased

Personally, having come from an even more boring car 318i the change to a Subaru was astounding. Mine isn't even an STi, its a bog standard(ish) WRX.

I had a go in a mates Audi S4 and was totally underwhelmed. Sure the dash is pretty and the HID lights were pretty good but, it was lifeless, soleless and generally uninspiring to drive. It went like the proverbial off a flat digging implement (until I fried the clutch and couldn't change gear for 1/2 mile)
I got back in my car and it felt exciting invigorating and I know where I would rather be.

Saying that, if you value that extra 5% comfort, style and interior build quality then the Audi is worth a punt. Personally I think they look ugly as sin, but many people say that about the MY01 Subaru, so as long as you are happy with the looks, who cares?

I have to walk past an Audi dealership in Picadilly every day and they have a beautiful (yep even for a TT) roadster in titanium grey with fantastic cream sports seats and the new 18" wheels. Looks great.

I wouldn't buy a TT because:

1.) It's not really as practical as the Scoob and with a small family that means a lot

2.) I don't like the VAG 1.8 turbo engine, its a bit bland and I'd miss the Scoob burble (I even thought about a Mitusbisui Evo 7 but think that the flat four is more characterful). If they put a bigger/newer engine in with a bit more life I might start thinking......

3.) I have never come across a car which enables you to confidently tackle all weather conditions/roads like the scoob

4.) The people, by and large are very cool.

5.) They probably wave more than TT drivers (less worried about knocking out the bubble perm) OK OK last point was a bad joke


Just my tuppence worth. Either way I think they are both great cars, just serve different purposes. As long as you make a choice and are happy with it, then that is the right decision.

Cheers,

Simon

 

Chuck - git

 

>> The STI's a very, very practical car. The TT isn't.

Actually gotta disagree with Chiark, my missus can get more in the boot of the TT then she could in her BMW 318i.

greg

 

Actually Greg, that's true. The chap opposite us had one for his 40th birthday pressie (I've dropped hints already to get saving to the Mrs) and the boot is big.

But the back seats are useless. OK, your daughter's small at the moment, but she'll grow

 

apparently the official rule is over 4ft 6" forget the back seat

Greg

 

oh, one other thing.

Are you in a hurry to buy? If not the rumoured facelift in Sept may be worth waiting to see if it pretties the STi up or not! (or it happens at all)

greg

 

I will add though that I sold a MY01 'bugeye' for the S3..I found the S3 more fun I;m afraid folks Had an S4 a year ago which I sold for the WRX though..S4 was totally uninvolving
Chuck
Askew... Nicki liked the tangerine , but said I'd have to settle for a Caterham

 

shame...I could do wiv floggin it..

 

------------------------Quote--------------
STi CONS
---------
Insurance
MPG
Will probably get nicked!!!!!!
Ugly as sin

TT PROS
-------
Still pretty quick
SUperb looking
Build quality
Decent Insurance and MPG
----------------------------End Quote---------------------

STI Ugly as sin and the TT is Superb looking. Would someone please tell me if I'm thinking of a different car, but isn't the TT a hair dressers car that just looks like a VW bettle with a squashed roof.

 

The TT is a Beetle after is was attacked with a sledge hammer (sorry for nicking someone else's comment - but I agree)

 

test

 

Well im going to come from a different angle here, UK STI, 265ps, (261/2bhp) TT is 225bhp.
Now, when the PPP is out for the STI type uk, your going to be looking at 310-320bhp, safely on the standard engine, and warrantied, now try that on a TT, not a chance! (well not without replacing the internals and the turbo, plus another oil cooler etc), cost for TT, id say 5k+ min, cost for subaru, less than 2k

Tony

 

Driven both 180bhp and 225bhp TTs extensively, and owned two Scoobs. Very different cars. Surprised that standard exhaust set-up in both TTs sounds awful (drones) especially on longer journeys. TTs also feels cramped, back seats fairly useless and power delivery much more linear.
Also surprised that TT turn-in feels a bit vague. Short wheel-base means TT rear is also pretty light at higher speeds, and feels more 'nervous'.
Overall, Audi TT is a beautifully designed, and very well built, fast, sparkly pose-mobile; and the Scoob is more of a *****-out rally replica. Depends what is most 'you'!

 

What do the Audi forum say?

 

O.K., so my username tells you which one I have, so here's my 0.02 worth.....

TT is very practical, yes so long as child etc is small - hey when they're too big for that seat, they won't want to be seen with their parents anyway !!

The hatch is very useful, takes a full size buggy & weekly shopping with babyseat still installed, so can't complain there.

The interior is the dog's - I bought mine instead of a Boxster, which I thought looked like a mecanno kit interior. The Scooby, well sorry lads, but I had a an 85 Mazda 626 which looked just like it inside - not in the same league at all. Yes the Scoob is a technically great car, and I'll admit outperforms the TT ultimately, but neither are bad cars.

The other plus for the TT ? my 180 averages 32-35 mpg over a mix of fast/slow/town driving, so no complaints there, and as the road tax is here is cc-based, then it's cheaper than a Scooby to tax too. It's also insurable -ish (same as Boxster here).

Oh yeah, a lot less TT's on the road means resale is good, which I like, 'cos there's supposed to be a new TT in 03. If they give it Tiptronic, I'm signing up for another one...........

 

Same dilema as you, but the test drve sorted things out the Type UK is the bollox need i say more!!

 

The Audi TT is a rich man's MX5, what more can you say. From what i can tell they seem very common, i counted 8 different ones just driving around Harrogate for 40 mins today. They were a very different car when they came out, but like most things which are different, everybody wants one. The Scoob is butt ugly, but if you sort out a set of quads to replace the Bug eye, it goes a long way! STI all the way!

 

TT = looks
STi = driving pleasure
S3 = A bit of each

 

I think you will find there are far fewer STis than TTs out there

 

TTs look good, very good. I often look and admire them...in my rear view mirror. Has anyone on here seen one from behind? ;-)

 

Dane Bowers and many "TT" drivers have seen many things "approach them from behind"...

Seriously, no denying the quality of the car. It just, well, they're gay.

 

A simple chip change will put the TT or S3 on 260-ish bhp if thats your bag.

 

It entirely depends on what you want the car for as to which is gonna be best.... drive em both. If you're talking new STi, i'd try an older one or a P1 first.... If you want to get some money back in a few years, get the Audi... If you want an engine and handling get the Subaru, if you want and engine, handling, style and such get the TT.....

 

Well, the TT is a womans car - easy decision.

 

if your going to do 25k a year on motorways perhaps you are looking at completly the wrong type of car if its down to one or the other i am a scooby nutter need i say more

 

Yea I agree with Mcrash -TT's are almost exclusively driven by toffee-nosed women who think they are too stush, are clearly designed with women in mind, and if you see a bloke in one he's either looks a ponce or like he's borrowed his wife's motor.