Video shootout: Audi TT vs. Nissan 350z

The Nissan 350 Z is a classic in the making, as well as the TT, but looks as though the old Fairlady beat out Audi's car...rear wheel drive, fun to drive, and great to look at... Go 350!

Good job 350Z, you rock, show those european car what Japanese car is made up. That should stop those who hate Japanese car. In my opinion a true auto fan should like all cars; it does not matter what country they are made from. If it has the look, realiability, quality and performance it should qualify that vechicle as a great car. Good job again 350Z, what next? perhap the IS500 beat the M3 and RS4? and LF-A beat the M-6? only time will tell.

The TT is a fairly old car, the new one that debuts on April 6 will be much more sporty. Waiting for a rematch.
Some 90% true pciks of the next generation.
http://www.bilnorge.no/vis_artikkel.php3?aid=28521&tid
The grille seams like the only thing that will be different in the production version

You are right, the original TT was a great car style wise, but it was never a sports car, it did not have than great of handling or acceleration. Even the special edition that is in the video. But just as the video says, it is seven years old.

Only problem with Audi is that they love to weigh down their Autos. Even the S4 with all its power is a tank weight wise. Audi A4 3.2 = ~3750lbs vs BMW 330i = ~3350; Audi =255HP, 6.7 to 60 vs BMW =225HP, 6.4 to 60. Wish Audi would make the quattro an option since it losses allot of power to the wheels and weighs too much. Not to mention the Tiptronic crap and making a 6sp available.

As for TT, it would have done better if the ESP did not hinder the driver's ability to have fun and drift more like the 350Z. That's why the Nissan was more fun to drive. The TT has too many electrical safe guards that hinder its pontential.

Only problem with Audi is that they love to weigh down their Autos. Even the S4 with all its power is a tank weight wise. Audi A4 3.2 = ~3750lbs vs BMW 330i = ~3350; Audi =255HP, 6.7 to 60 vs BMW =225HP, 6.4 to 60. Wish Audi would make the quattro an option since it losses allot of power to the wheels and weighs too much. Not to mention the Tiptronic crap and making a 6sp available.

As for TT, it would have done better if the ESP did not hinder the driver's ability to have fun and drift more like the 350Z. That's why the Nissan was more fun to drive. The TT has too many electrical safe guards that hinder its pontential.

All of your Euro vs Japanese rides feud is funny. Keep it up!

This movie is perfect. No matter what you think of the 350Z styling, performance or japanese cars in general. This clip shows how much of a monster the 350Z is on the track. Really, the 350Z is much like an American Muscle car in that you have 6 gears, RWD, and (in the base model) you don't have the interfering vehicle stability controls. And unlike an muscle car, it handles like a dream. You get the best of best worlds.

MN_Audi, there is nothing wrong with platform sharing. It saves money. I believe that the TT should have pushed 300+hp when it came out originally, especially with the heavy quattro system. The platform sharing reminds me of Nissan's variations of the VQ35. Which is in almost everything they sell, Nissan or Infiniti.

I think the Z should be compared to the RX-8, new Mustang, and S2000. However, I don't think the TT and 350Z are in the same class

correction above:
"You get the best of (both) worlds."

Lets be clear on one thing. The 350Z is a relatively new, driver-focused coupe. Hence the large, naturally aspirated engine, rear drive and engaging chassis.

The TT is an ageing, although capable coupe which is unashamedly design-driven. Sublime dynamics probably weren't in the brief given to Audi engineers. That is why a bespoke platform was not produced for the TT, as the contemporary design wasn't aimed at those who prefer curves in the road, rather those who prefer curves in bodywork, if you catch my drift.

This video was conducted as a way of bench-marking the new TT (the driver-focused version, hence the bucket seats and stripped out interior). Sadly, although it is a cracking wee car on the road, 4WD and a dated golf-derived chassis doesn't exactly work well on track.

We can all agree the 350Z is dynamically a better car, but if you know anything about Automotive trends, you will be able to appreciate what the TT did for car design as a whole.

The current TT ain't no track hero, but is certainly a design hero.

Case Closed.

What's the point of yelling back in forth at each other. Both cars have their place in the industry. Both cars have their place in people hearts. Guys....chill. It's ok, really.

They are both great, very capable that we would love to or, in some cases, do own. It's one thing to voice you opinion but its another thing to try to beat the opposition into submission. It isn't going to happen. Let it go.

Yes, I have driven both cars and I like them both. Im not a fan of a certain type of car. I like all cars. Yes I know, I may be too diplomatic for some of you, but that's fine with me. If a car strikes my fancy be it German, American, Japanese, Korean, Italian, you bet I'm going to test it. The 350Z kicks a**, has great styling, and a Ward's ten top VQ engine that has won this award every year in its existence. The Audi TT is got great styling as well. In fact I remember the huge deal when it first hit the streets. I liked it! It grew on me the wrong way however and I never purchased one. Audi's Quattro is top notch and this car is respected in most circles.

So to each his own. That's my two cents.

Who cares?

The TT featured in this year-old road test is discontinued.

The new completely redesigned Audi TT is coming out in October with:

- Aluminum body

- Rear-biased Haldex all-wheel drive

- Even front-rear weight distribution

- DSG

I couldn't care less about the 350Z. Sure it's a great car for its price, but I've already saved up for the new, lighter, more agile second generation TT!

I'm not quite sure what "be real" means.

I have owned both a modded 1.8T A4 sedan and a 3.0 A4 Cabriolet. I will be getting a new TT come October of this year. This is real. If you don't think "I'm real", just gimme your email address and I'll send you pics of my recent cars.

Jeez.

And yes, the new Audi TT will of course be more expensive than the 350Z. Audi is a premium brand, Nissan is not. This is a fact, not a point of debate.

But I wholeheartedly agree that the 350Z is far better a sports car than the old discontinued MK-I TT. Of course, that will NOT be the case with the new aluminum MK-II TT! :)

Can't wait!!

Do you know what the new specs are for the MK-II TT?? Nissan and Infiniti are rumored to upgrade to a 3.7L V6 pushing 330 or possibly more hp. This engine will most likely go into most of the Infiniti lineup as well as the 350Z. Plus in 2008 or 2009 the next gen 350Z will be built with targeting Porsche in mind. So I wouldn't say that the MK-II will be a better track car quite yet. Although it could very well be.

Check that. 3.7 V6 315-330hp. I'll be disappointed if it isn't somewhere in the 320+ range with all of the suspense.

MK-2 TT engine power rumors so far (subject to change):

TTRS: 350-400hp
TTS: 300-350hp
TT 3.2: 250hp
TT 2.0T: 200hp

Drivetrain: Rear-biased Haldex all-wheel drive

Body: 80% aluminum

Transmissions:
- 6 speed manual
- 6 speed DSG
- 7 speed DSG (S/RS versions).

Weight distribution: 50/50 front/rear

We will have to wait and see if these impressive figures are indeed true. If so, I'll be in one before the end of the year.

I know that they are still rumors but if they come true the TTS and TTRS will be two crazy machines. Especially with an 80% Aluminum body, 50/50 distribution, and an engine mated with a reliable AWD system.

I'm curious as to how things will actually pan out.

Seems like many people are taking this so personally... you'd think you created and marketed the cars.
Here's the low down. I have owned (at the same time) an audi tt convertible, and a 350z coupe. I drove the z on a day to day basis, and left the audi for weekends. Not trying to show off...but make a point.
I absolutely love the TT... the styling is like nothing else I've owned. Cars are not just about horsepower and speed, it's an experience... driving, styling, comfort, and public reaction. The reason I bought the TT was for it's styling and (at the time) exclusivity. The z is also an incredible car. It's down right mean... the car drives you, you don't drive the car. I loved this car for everday driving. BOth cars are great and serve different purposes. Who cares if it shares the VW platform... as I'm sure everyone knows, audi owns lamborghini.. look at the new gallardo and you will find an audi interior. That doesn't make the gallardo a bad car. the g35 and z are the same cars... so again who cares about platform sharing. I live in Texas, and audi's are not as prevalent as bmw's or mercedes. This alone makes it an attractive choice for myself, and other drivers not wanting to follow the norm. On the other hand... it seems that every immature boy racer is buying a 350z. That really brings the z a notch down in my book.
I have enjoyed both cars, and now that I don't have either, I can say they left me with different experiences and opinions.
If the cars were that similar to each other, I don't think I would've owned both. They both served their purpose.
Audi is by far more prestigious and exclusive
z is by far faster and more driver engaging.
If I had to live with one, I would choose the audi.... but that's just me.