Vs Comparison Test: 2009 Audi TTS vs. 2009 BMW 135i

[Merc1]

Comparison Test: 2009 Audi TTS vs. 2009 BMW 135i -


There is a point in our lives when that 2-seat sports car becomes an impractical dream. Yes, kids are the obvious reason, but there's nothing wrong with wanting space for a couple of extra passengers. Which brings to mind the 2+2. The king of these is the 911, but for roughly the price of one of those Porsches you could buy both of the 2+2s we have here today — the Audi TTS and BMW 135i.



Both cars offer status and performance in a small package. They are the hottest 2+2s on the market, the TTS being freshly minted from the performance group at Audi. In January 2007, we pitted the new TT against a base Porsche Cayman and found it outclassed. Last year, when BMW truncated its 335i to make the 135i, few cars could challenge its performance, apart from perhaps the 4-door rally twins from Subaru and Mitsubishi. But those cars don't have the panache of the BMW. Does the new Audi TTS have it? To find out, Feature Editor Mike Monticello and I headed off into California's low desert in search of every twisty road we could find.


2009 BMW 135i - Points: 374.7
2009 Audi TTS - Points: 391.3


Road and Track - Comparison Test: 2009 Audi TTS vs. 2009BMW 135i

Data Panel: http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/download/1109_rt_audi-bmwCoupes_datapanel.pdf


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[Zafiro]

My choice is 135i but if it was a TT-RS then TT would be my choice. My biggest issue with TT is that the car feels like you are driving a Audi A3, TT lacks roadster feeling.

 

[Mr Robert]

I love the way they are hinting that the 135i could have been so much better, had BMW gone the extra mile.

 

[Zafiro]

I love the way they are hinting that the 135i could have been so much better, had BMW gone the extra mile.

Here is the solution for 135i

Performance 135i vs Performance 335i

 

[EnI]

^ Exactly.

Audi S models (S3, TTS, S4 or S5) should be compared with 135i / 335i PP with Power Kit - not with stock cars.

The only "advantage" S has is it's stock, while PP+PK is "optional" - although prices are similar in the end.

I hope BMW will soon offer PP+PK also as stock models. Eg. under CS or tii trademark. Or at least spice-up the M-packages: not being as cosmetic anymore (eg. with power upgrade, different exhaust, suspension&steering settings, brakes etc). Right now everything is somewhere in between ...

 

[bmer]

I'd take the 135i. I do like the TT very much but in this case the transversely-mounted 4-banger is a turn-off for me.

 

[Mr Robert]

Here is the solution for 135i

Performance 135i vs Performance 335i

That is one alternative.

Save 1,000 dollars for a real LSD and you are set