Has Top Gear gone wacko? Audi TT BETTER than the new BMW 3-series coupe?

I think the TT probably looks better and has performance that is much better than people might think it has. It will weight about 500-600 pounds less than the 3 series coupe.

the funny thing about this is that they JUST TESTED the new TT against the Z4 Coupe and were split as to which one of THOSE was better. One guy liked the TT better because it was more civilized and liked the looks, the other liked the Z because it was a better sports car and more fun to drive.

I'd still take a 335i Coupe over either, but I don't get how the TT won this award when they couldn't even come to a consensus which was better in its own class.

Yes they drove the 335ci heres a bit of the article-

The 3-Series is beautifully engineered and finished; some models are quick, some are economical and most are both; it handles like a dream; it looks just fine; and it holds onto its value.

Yet here's a thing. Here's the best-looking, fastest, most fun 3-Series of the lot. Sure to be the most widely admired and desired. But is it sexy? Absolutely not. There's something slightly haughty and offhand and reserved about this thing. Too perfect, too literal, too passionless. And sorry generalise, but I tend to ascribe the same qualities to its owners.

Does my view of those drivers inform my view of the car? Or is it the other way around? Probably a bit of both to be honest, but the result is BMW has bust a gut to build a brilliant 300bhp-plus two-door sporting coupe and I can't quite fall in love with it.

here's the link:
http://www.topgear.com/drives/A4/E2/roadtests/48/04.html

i would have to agree this guy just care much for BMW,its like someone idiot from one of these posts got a job reviewing cars, what does his negative opinion of people that bmw buyers have anything to do with the car....its a car...review it lol...an audi tt is far from being better than the 335i in any regard, performance, handling, you name it, the article saids it all he qualified it as the better car, than saids but basically i dont like bmw or people that buy them, somebody has personal issues with a car brand pretty sad...lol

Saw the new BMW 3 series coupe. Pretty nice, not bad. A bit plump. Saw the old coupe within few seconds, much more agressive.

The new Audi TT I have yet to see, but from the photos it is very nice indeed. Audi TT FTW.

001, why is it that when a publication states that an Audi is better than a competing model (that S8 vs. S550 article, for instance), you write an article flaming Audi and singing the praises of the other car? Do you have a hatred for Audi- and have you ever even driven the new TT?

When I read something outrageous i must repsond.

Not a diss on Audi.

They make nice products.

But the new 335 is unreal...it's the best motor of ALL time.

And yes, I've driven the new TT.

Real nice, but not as good as the 335.

And I think the new 335 exterior design is stunning, contrary to the opinion of Top Gear.

001

It's worse. Top Gear chose the FWD TT! (Says how bad the V6 engine is. It's bad. The turbo's better.)

What a classic case of overthink! He's sending BMW a message, obviously. You don't own this show. Whatever!

I love the new 335i coupe- it's beautiful, fast and precise.

But the TT is completely different. It's a chick car. Boo-hoo for you if it beat the 3er to the punch.

"Top Gear chose the FWD TT!"

You are SO annoying! You don't like ANYTHING!

You haven't driven the TT, you obviously don't own a TT, you probably haven't driven an A3, and heck- I bet you haven't even seen the new TT in person!

And yet, you make relentless assumptions.

Even as a FWDer, the TT 2.0T and A3 2.0T are the most fun you can have in their ranges of price. What's a 1 Series, again?

S4cabrio, you have yet to understand the nature of the male race. When he feels that something that represents him is being attacked, he must compensate somehow. Sometimes the response is an excuse, an offensive, or even material items. For instance, a man with a small reproductive organ can turn to Bavarian MotorWerks for a "confidence booster". There are also others within the male race who let the ridiculous fly straight through their ears.

S4, I have seen the TT in person, both coupe and roadster. The folks at Audi didn't have the cars unlocked at the LA Auto show, however.

I have driven the A3 multiple times. Almost bought one. One of our cars is an 04 GTI, so I'm very familiar with the limits of FWD design. I'm sure it's much better on the new TT... but choosing a 200 hp FWD car as "best coupe in the world" is a bit of a stretch. The fact that you'd bring up the 1-series as a competitor is just what the issue is. I'm sure the TT/A3 is a great platform, just not a 335 killer.

Agent 001:

How could you have driven the new TT when it's not even out yet?

Stop lying and just admit your BWM bias.

I haven't seen any 335s on the road yet, but I still love it. The TT is good, but too small and cutesy.
Hey, anybody remember the episode where Top Gear trys to destroy a Toyota Hilux? They drowned it, crashed it, and dropped it off a building but it still worked. Well, I came across that video on youtube and it was a good laugh.

(BTW, I went to the Infiniti dealer a few days ago just to glance at the FX35. Well, I walked in the door and was stunned. Every car had an incredibly ugly aftermarket billet grille. Awful, what were they thinking! Anyways, I walked in and saw a FX45(it was in an exclusive gold color).A salesmen walked up, and without taking my eyes off the FX45, I said, "do you have any 35's?" He said," coupe or sedan?" Wow. I was looking directly at the FX, but when he heard "35" his eyes must have lit up, because he thought I was talking about the G35. Not the M35 or FX35, but the G35. They must really be counting on that new G35.... But anyways, he seemed embarrased and showed me the FX45 because they didn't have a single new FX35 in the dealer (only an older 2005). It had pretty bad visiblity, and the back was a tad cramped. I'm sure it was fast, though, and cheaper then an X5.)

I haven't driven an FX45, but I love the way it looks. However, it's a very one-dimensional car. Too sporty, not enough refinement. That exhaust note must be very tiring, and it has no trunk space- the RX's trunk is a house in comparison.

I did, however, drive the Cayenne S and RR Sport HSE. I was more impressed with the RR Sport, oddly. Cayenne felt like a tank- I was disappointed in Porsche. RR Sport was equally heavy, but that's what I was expecting, and it had a more upscale interior design. Neither of the cars is good for us, however. RR Sport is too thirsty and horribly unreliable, Cayenne S is just too much car (too fast for her, to truckish for her).

My buddy has a Murano (or is that "FX35-Lite"???) and loves it. My neighbor has had his FX45 for over a year now and likes it. But when it came time to replace their aging Ford Explorer, did he get another FX45? no. How about another Japanese car? nope. They bought a VW Touareg! I haven't had a chance to ask him about the decision behind that, but I'm curious.........

PS: If you're used to a Japanese vehicle, the 5500 pound VW or Porsche SUV's will feel like a tank. (its an acquired taste! ;) But is you're used to driving a German vehicle, then many people say the Japanese ones feel like a tin can. It all comes down to what you are used to an comfortable with, I guess.

PERSONALLY, I WOULDN'T TURN DOWN A TT OR A 3-SERIES. SEND ME YOUR REJECTS! :)

Are you talking to me? I didn't say the FX was too sporty. Well maybe I did, but that would have been a few months ago. The suspension is pretty stiff. I did not get the sport pack on my X5 because it was too firm and I could not live with it. I was told the suspension is similar on the FX.
I do use every ounce of cargo room in my X5, which isn't much. The load floor on the FX is incredibly high, and is somewhat mis-shaped. Good amount of 'sport' but not enought 'utility' IMO.

I almost rented one in L.A. last August. They had an FX35 waiting for us. I opened the trunk (as I always do) to make sure it was suitable for a five people worth of baggage. I was appaled. The trunk in that car is tiny. I probably have more space in my A3.

It's one-dimensional because it's ONLY sporty. On the pre-update model, the interior came straight from a Nissan, or so it appears.

Why are you mentioning how sporty it is? The whole reason it's one dimensional- I JUST SAID THIS -is because it's ONLY sporty! It's just a ridiculous vehicle, and if you want any utility at all, you shouldn't have bought one.

No worries...this is one magazine versus countless others that have recognized that the new BMW 335 coupe is the best car in its segment in the world.

The day Top Gear chooses the Bimmer over whatever...I'm exagerating to some degree but seriously, only Clarkson could come up with a review like this!

I feel the same as the writer of the article. The 335 coupe is an excellent car, but I just can't fall in love with it. The Audi TT, however, has that quality BMW is missing...

I know I haven't been the most unbiased person here about this audi vs bmw. i do have to admit that i love bmw. the thing is that i truly believe that you cannot really judge a car from simply the way it look or that one single test drive you had.

the way a car looks certainly have to do with the person's opinions about how cars should look and the person's opinions about badges. badges often times blind people and prevents one from being objective.

i like rear wheel drive cars and there's so many reasons why. at the same time, i don't deny that front wheel drives cars like honda or audi make good handling cars. tt may be a good opponent to 335, but how you love a cars depends on soooon many factors.

one thing i do know is that no one can really judge a car's handling based on a single test drive. sometimes you gotta really push the car to its limits to determine if it's the handling if right for you. some people like understeer, some people like neutrality, some people like side way actions.

to be honest, i can't really give an opinion about either of the cars other than my stupid belief that bmws are nice and great. call me stupid if you want to.

I actually don't consider them competitors at all. The TT is much smaller, and even in the more powerful iteration, is significantly less powerful than the 335i coupe. I love them both, but I'd much rather own a 335i. TT is still a girly car- like the SLK, the image lingers, even if it is that much better to drive. I do admire its design a lot, however. Very chic. But then, so is the 3.

I think the Audi TT and the 3-series coupe is in different leagues. Their both great cars but different kind of car. 3-series more of a GT/luxury coupe. The TT on the other is more sport oriented than the 3-series. Performance depending on which engine could be comparable but that's where the line is drawn.

3-series coupe more GT/luxury? I think you might have the 3-coupe's mission statement mixed up with the 6-series, because the 3-coupe without question is a pure everyday sports car...Not GT.

It may not look as sporty as the TT does, but believe me, the 3-coupe is a better sport at heart...Just look how he handled the loss to the TT ;)

Did u 4get that Top gear h8s the idrive so that must b y the 3er coupe (Best car ever in my opinion) lost. Ive seen a silver 335i and hell i was impressed!! Pictures dont do it any justice. Its simply amazing!

I just lost alot of respect for top gear.

I don't think Top Gear said anything radically bad about the 3 series.
I mean, a car is an object that represents engineering and art, would I say an "engineering masterpiece".
Due to these two qualities that define a car, it is bound to draw mixed emotions:
1. As a machine
2. As an art piece.
As a machine, our reviews are purely "objective". Clearly defined matrixes exists in the form of performance. Based on these matrixes, we can evaluate the car as "people will go crazy car ", "just another car" and "not so much car". The matrix gives us a set of expectations that are within practicality.

Now the subjective nature of art also brings along a varied degree of emotions. Beauty they say is in the eyes of the beholder.
So, statements like " it's an ugly car" or "it's a beaut" are all subjective, they are based on emotions.

I think Top Gear's evaluation if you read clearly heap tons of praises to the performance of the car, but like the author said, it failed to stir up the "wow" emotions. For others, that is different, I have seen the car in person and I think it is beautiful.
To each his/her own.

While the BMW coupe may be a nice car, why on earth would anyone buy a $45,000 vehicle with crappy run flat tires and no options for a spare? Crappy run flats - ride harsh, are extremely noisy, drive poorly, wear ridiculously fast, cost $300 to fix a flat, and won't be avail;able when you need them on your trip through the west. It's beyond me. After 10 BMWs, I can no longer buy a new BMW and won't until run flats are greatly improved and available, or until there is provision for a spare.

Jim

dramitacilly

Interesting perspective.

You left BMW just because of the tires? Are they really that bad?

You spelled "dramatically" wrong, so I question your age... as I do with others...

Audi will always produce better performing sports cars than BMW. BMW's technology is still antiquated. Steel frames are out. 68% Aluminium frames are in. Quattro systems with 60/40 rear bias split is in. RWD is out. Craftmanship, high quality materials, and unsurpassed fit and finish are in. Cheap plasitic, rough edges, and terrible ergonomics are out. The TT is pure sports car, not a two door coupe.

I think European and international owners (as they've already shown a pref. for a number of Audi models over BMW) are more likely to see your points as valid, than status conscious, impressionable Americans.

All of these bare bones 325i with no options and 24 month leases you see rolling around, owners thinking of themselves as "the shit", simply because of the propellor emblem cheaply imprinted, and nearly falling off their hoods.

But soon enough, Audi will rise to prominence in the US.

As a very satisfied owner of a current A4, my next purchase will be a 335 coupe. I like the TT...but if I wanted something that small I would pony up and buy a 911 instead.

Have no doubt, the performance of the 335 is stunning. According to Edmund's Inside Line: "The 335i may have only 300 hp, but it torched the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds and hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. With an automatic. The last Ferrari F430 we tested only beat it to 60 mph by two-tenths. And what's the M3's extra 100 or so horsepower going to get you? A couple of tenths, maybe? Then consider the 335i's optional six-speed manual. Not only does it offer the possibility of even faster acceleration times, it's guaranteed to be better than the M3's dreaded SMG setup."

Edmunds got what is called a "ringer" it overboosted.

Nice choice... I believe that's what GermanNut is doing, also.

Well, I do think you should wait until the new A5 Coupé comes out to finalize your decision. When do you plan on purchasing your next car? A5 will debut at Geneva in March.

The SRT is heavy. Duh?

If you can wait, get the 08'A5 Coupe with the 265 HP naturally aspirated FSI V6 with DSG and Quattro. 0-60 should be the same as the 335. Also, it will have considerably more torque and will be slightly bigger than the 335. Keep in mind that more horsepower does not mean better performance. You should stay in the Audi family.

I hope it has more power than that.

BTW, the Audi TT has lots of performance.

The TT 3.2 Quattro does 0-60 in 5.1 seconds and covers the 1/4 mile in 13.7 seconds @ 100 mph. Very nice performance.

"1uberaudi"

Your dreaming if you think a 265 hp A5 will outrun the 300hp 335i. We shouldn't even be arguing this, but if the smaller 255 hp Audi TT does 0-60 runs in 5.1 sec's, I wouldn't expect the bigger A5 with only few more lb-ft of torque and 10 hp to be any faster!

On top of that you somehow believe "Audi will always produce better performing sports cars than BMW"...Are you out of your mind? If that was the case Audi would be considered the benchmark and not the underdog.

You even try and say RWD is out! You moron RWD is back 'in' like it was new! Audi may be ahead on their frame game, but thats not to say a non-aluminum framed Z4 or 7-series won't outperform a TT & A8, because they will...

Uhh, please don't mention the 7 Series. I like most of your posts- but the A8 EASILY outperforms it. Less power and all.

0-60 isn't everything, by the way. And for 2007, with the 350hp V8, the A8 should be as quick, if not quicker. Audi quotes 5.9 seconds; most of the time they're three tenths to even a whole half second slow.

I hate the Z4.

I also hate the X3.

I do love most of the others- except the 525i. WHY???

Has BMW produced a sports car that hasn't failed? The R8 is here now.

Z1 and Z8 have been terrible failures. M1 has also failed.

The A5 should have more than 265 hp available to challange the 3 coupe.

will have

So because a magazine publication, like an increasing number of other magazine publications, recognizes Audi engineering, the BMW boys get all upset.

Reality: Audi is getting very serious in terms of challenging BMW (much more so than MB). The TT and 335 are not in the same league, but the fact that this publication recognized a TT in some way as superior suggests that it cannot be dismissed.

Utilizing technology harvested from racing successes, diesel engine knowhow, shared Lambo engineering, and a switch to 40/60 RWD bias, means only one thing--BMW better watch the *(&% out.

"S4" I share the same respect for your posts but The 7 does indeed outperform the A8 (I know the S8 outperforms all 7 models)...The 7's quicker to 60, shorter braking distances, and faster through the slalom than both the S8 & A8. That said I'd still take the A8's executive interior & smoother ride over considerably stiffer ride in the Bimmer, stylistically both look great IMO.

I know why you don't like the 525i...It's hideous. In fact Your showing the 5 some much needed (not deserved) respect by not including the 530i & 550i on your 'dislike it' list...The 5-series thanks you I'm sure!

the 3 series is so much better. the TT is not even in the same league.