Long time lurker here.

This is a dilemma I would guess neither manufacturer had foremost in their minds when thinking about their competition.

I've been driving a B6 S4 for a couple years and love it, but I'm getting that itch to play around a bit, and not only does the S4 not lend itself well to modification (just not a whole lot to be gained in terms of power), but it's just too darned nice for me to be comfortable messing with it.

Also, it turns out that I no longer really need 4 doors or even a back seat for that matter.

So I have been pondering my options and the two that seem most prominent in my mind at the moment are the TT coupe (Mk1 AWD 225 6-spd) and a C5 Corvette. I like the idea of the performance of an AWD TT coupe with 300-350 hp, plus I am familiar with how well appointed the interiors of these cars are, but it is hard to argue with the performance per dollar of the C5 (350 hp out of the box, easy and cheap to modify, handle nicely, etc.). For about the same investment, I can have a mildly modded TT or a nearly stock C5 both with about the same power and handling.

So I am looking to my Audi-lovin bretheren for some more good reasons to not go to the dark side and buy a Vette.

Thanks in advance.

 

realy vettes are cheap to mod? I had no idea that was the case, how about you go get an srt-8 charger or challenger then you wouldn't be dissapointed at all in the long run lol.

Hey cincy, i went out last night to look at a Jeep Commander 4x4 Limited Edition.
that comes with the SRT-8, i fell in love with it and i want to get it lol.

 

Well, cheaper than the B6 S4 for sure, and there is gobs of power possible with bolt-ons for the C5 without having to upgrade rods and such. For comparisons sake, starting with a TT 225, for about $7k you can add the APR stage 3+ and reach the upper 300s in power, but more than likely you'll need to upgrade to stronger rods. Starting with a base C5 you can get to the same level of power with an exhaust and headers (which are generally a bit cheaper than the what is available for the TT), or for the same money you can get well into the 400s in power (nearly 500). Suspension bits, intake manifolds, brakes, etc. are usually about 10-20% cheaper for the C5 than what comparable bits would cost for the TT.

:S Not sure how to respond to that...

 

yea but i don't think your comparing an apple with an apple. The vette and the TT are a totally different style of sports car. The vette is for straight line the TT is meant for corners. Try looking at a b5 S4 or an m3. just me .02 cents.

 

Let me start by pointing out that I am playing devil's advocate here...my heart is pulling for the TT (but my brain is telling me that the C5 may be the smarter way to get the type of performance I am seeking more efficiently). So while I am definitely taking the arguments in favor of the TT to heart, I'm gonna defend the C5 a little just to keep the discussion lively (I'm not trolling to try to prove the C5 is superior or anything - they are different types of cars for sure)...

I'm not sure I am buying that argument - the TT is a more tightly engineered package, but I think you would be very surprised how well a C5 can handle. I'm an avid autocrosser and have seen the C5 in action...let me assure you that it isn't just for straight line performance. For a data point, consider what the Vettes have been able to accomplish in the ALMS and SPEED World Challenge series.

Both very good alternatives that were on my short list. I think the B5 S4 suffers from being too much of a sleeper IMHO, and the M3 is a bit overplayed (although the same could be said for the C5 I guess). I like where your head is at though (more so than a Charger SRT-8 )

 

^ if the money's right, i'd go 135i. track all-star w/ loads of power potential (vishnu tuned =) ?) all while at the same time give you the luxury/gratification of a bavarian motor works vehicle.

used 335i's have steeped as low as mid to high 20k range, along with e46 M3's.

though STi's and Evo's have dipped in the mid to high-teens these days. with the amount invested in buying the cars above in one of these 4 bangers, you'd have one hell of a jdm monster prowling the streets, with awd to boot.

 

In 3-5years, VW/Audi will still be here.... Will GM???

Anyways, a C5 should have much more than 350hp. A TT can easily be made into a C5 killer with a larger turbo and a rebuilt engine with rods. Read the BT and HP sticky for more info.

 

I wonder if you'd be asking the question a few months back when gas was @ $5.00/gallon?
The C5 is a well engineered beast, however paying for expensive fiberglass body repairs has taught me a lesson. Never again.

 

i would much rather have a tt tt. imo it has more style than a vette... Gets more looks too lol. I see vettes all over the place. I rarely see tt's out driving around...

 

I'm not sure I am buying that argument - the TT is a more tightly engineered package, but I think you would be very surprised how well a C5 can handle. I'm an avid autocrosser and have seen the C5 in action...let me assure you that it isn't just for straight line performance. For a data point, consider what the Vettes have been able to accomplish in the ALMS and SPEED World Challenge series.



Both very good alternatives that were on my short list. I think the B5 S4 suffers from being too much of a sleeper IMHO, and the M3 is a bit overplayed (although the same could be said for the C5 I guess). I like where your head is at though (more so than a Charger SRT-8 )[/QUOTE]

yea im not trying to argue or anything I've never driven a vette personally I don't like them but i was going on how the lay out of the car is just doesn't seem like it could respond in the corners as well as an AWD car.

Shot in the dark but have you ever thought of a Porsche 951 (aka 944 turbo) I have a 944 and its fast stock and it handles like a go cart. The 951 is even more powerful and cheaper to buy than a TT or a C5. Once again my .02 cents.