[TheSt|G]

S65 swap into the Z4?

[Rez]

Originally Posted by EKaru

rave, I don't think you can make that statement until after you've raved both.

Is there a car he has not raved?!

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by HBspeed

E92 is more focused as a fast/sporty/luxurious/comfortable/spacious grand tourer.

As a nimble, fun, go-kart like toy with monster torque... TTRS wins quite easily.

Neither is better than the other, they are just meant to go after very different driving experiences. And "a bit of weight" is a big deal, otherwise wouldn't everyone just be GTR or V10 M5/M6 fanboys?

The Z4 and Cayman are two of the natural competitors with the TT-RS, and that trio of cars have a different mission than the M3.

Weight: 3320 vs 3571 is significant, but so is weight distribution where the TT-RS has a 60.8 (Ft)/ 39.2 (Rr) while the E92 M3 is closer to 50/50 at 51.9 (Ft)/48.1 (Rr). With less weight and 255/35 rubber all around, shouldn't the stopping distances be better than that of the heavier car?

[EKaru]

Originally Posted by Rez

Is there a car he has not raved?!

That's a good point...

Rave, have you ever considered going into auto journalism? You have the personality for it, you can live your life one test drive at a time, and you'll have a photographer to take the pictures.

[rave426]

Originally Posted by EKaru

That's a good point...

Rave, have you ever considered going into auto journalism? You have the personality for it, you can live your life one test drive at a time, and you'll have a photographer to take the pictures.

Ha..Believe it or not I have...many times. One of my original career aspirations when I started school was to be a BMW test driver/engineer...and that morphed into thinking about auto journalism. It would give me everything i've always wanted. If I figure out a way to get into it, I'll jump in a heartbeat.


Sent from Tapabish

[HBspeed]

Braking distance has little to do with overall vehicle weight. One of the key variables between the 2 cars in those tests, or any braking comparison for that matter, are the choice of tires. The stock Toyo T1 Sport's vs stock Michelin PS2's is a significant advantage for the M3. All vehicle metrics in those tests would improve for the TTRS with a change to Michelin PS2 tires, thus increasing it's lead in the roadholding, lane change, and acceleration tests. Also bringing the braking distance test much closer or even switching the advantage.


The overall contact patches are approximately equal:

255 front / 255 rear for the TTRS
vs
245 front / 265 rear for the M3


The weight distribution does hurt the TTRS in the braking test more than any other test however. It is the same reason why 911's tend to dominate braking tests as their weight distribution is biased alternately to the rear.

[///M Kevin]

Originally Posted by RSRlover4life

Amazingly, I saw a red e46 M3 yesterday and I think I want to get a red one now

Also, this really shows just how sexy the e46 is

Second best color for our M3. Had an IR for a few years before going AW.

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by HBspeed

Braking distance has little to do with overall vehicle weight. One of the key variables between the 2 cars in those tests, or any braking comparison for that matter, are the choice of tires. The stock Toyo T1 Sport's vs stock Michelin PS2's is a significant advantage for the M3. All vehicle metrics in those tests would improve for the TTRS with a change to Michelin PS2 tires, thus increasing it's lead in the roadholding, lane change, and acceleration tests. Also bringing the braking distance test much closer or even switching the advantage.


The overall contact patches are approximately equal:

255 front / 255 rear for the TTRS
vs
245 front / 265 rear for the M3


The weight distribution does hurt the TTRS in the braking test more than any other test however. It is the same reason why 911's tend to dominate braking tests as their weight distribution is biased alternately to the rear.

Are Michelin PS2's the Audi OEM spec tire for the TT-RS? I don't disagree that the Michelins would be an upgrade over the Toyos, but I would expect a more focused car to be wearing have the better rubber; especially if the manufacturer recommended the Michelins for optimized performance.

Whatever the differences, between the two cars it seems to be a driver's race based on the relatively little head to head data available. Even with the TT-RS Plus, it is still a driver's race. vvv

http://www.fastestlaps.com/compariso...udi_tt-rs.html

http://www.fastestlaps.com/compariso...plus_2012.html

[rave426]

^

[Rac10000]

Just based on their underlying characteristics, I have no doubt the M3 is the faster/more fun car on a race track.

According to EVO ... BMW 1-series M Coupe v Porsche Cayman R, Audi TT RS, Nissan 370Z ...

Few of you will be surprised that the Audi would be our last choice of the four for trackday fun. As on the road, the five-cylinder engine is an absolute cracker, but the TT’s Haldex-controlled all-wheel-drive system simply doesn’t allow you to make enjoyable progress on track. This car’s standard-fit 18in wheels and tyres don’t help the cause at Bedford either. Late braking sees the TT RS reluctant to turn in, yet even when you do nail the braking point you can’t get on the power as hard and early as you’d like because it washes resolutely into understeer when you do. The lap time of 1.27.3 is a second slower than we’ve previously recorded with a TT RS on 19s.

The Audi doesn’t need to be a trackday hero, but it should – and could – be more fun.

from the verdict ...

Perhaps the best way to describe the TT RS is to say it’s a high-performance car, but not a sporting car; it does the job of going fast, but derives little joy from the process.