The gap between the turbocharged 4-cylinder and the V6 engine is vividly displayed in a grand showdown featuring all generations of Audi TT sports cars.
YouTube's CarWow team, led by Mat Watson, procured all three incarnations of the Audi TT for a thrilling drag race comparison. P pitting a contemporary powerhouse against its predecessors might seem predictable, but the contest unveils surprising revelations about the old warhorses. In this duel where engine displacement challenges turbo power, a behemoth engine finds itself outmatched by its petite competitor due to the handicap of weight.
This friendly competition among various TT generations might aid potential buyers in deciding between 4-cylinder and V6 variants of MK1 Audi TT models. In light of dwindling sales and a strategic focus shift, Audi bade farewell to the TT marque in 2023, thus discontinuing its 2024 model. The sports car had a run spanning 2000 to 2023, experiencing significant transformations over three generations since its inception.
The 2000 debut saw the introduction of a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 178 hp and 173 lb-ft, which later amped up to 222 hp (225PS) and 206 lb-ft through enhancements in forced induction and exhaust systems. All-wheel drive was an optional feature across all variants. Those seeking a pre-owned Audi TT may be drawn to the allure of the 3.2-liter Quattro version, equipped with a beefy 3.2-liter VR6 engine pumping 'out 247 hp and 236 lb-ft.
The featured video showcases a 2005 Mk1 Audi TT Quattro Sport with an upgraded power output of 237 hp (240 PS) and a 247 hp (251 PS) V6-powered TT. Despite its weight disadvantage, the V6 model's efficient DCT transmission could offer a speed edge. The Quattro Sport variants shed nearly 170 lbs courtesy of weight reduction measures. As expected, the MK2 and MK3 Audi TTs seize victory in the drag and roll races shown in the video, interspersed with host Mat Watson's delightful repartee with other drivers. The MK2 sports car flexes 335 hp (340 PS) via a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine, while the MK3 Audi TT RS 'Iconic Edition' boasts the same engine size but a potent 400 hp (406).
Despite the V6-powered Mk1 Audi TT sporting an extra ten hp and a dual-clutch transmission, the turbocharged 1.8-liter MK1 Audi TT consistently outperforms it. The additional 200 lbs burden is akin to carrying an extra passenger. Although it produces a more pleasing sound, the V6 engine's extra horsepower is insufficient to compensate for the extra heft. The first-generation Audi TT commands around $12,000 in auction on the secondary market.
The Quattro Sport models fetch higher prices, while the less powerful, early 1.8-liter turbocharged cars attract lower bids. The 222 hp 1.8-liter turbo model with a manual transmission might be the golden middle ground, providing more power than the 178-hp model while ensuring lower operational costs than the more fuel-guzzling V6 variants.
Check out the video here and tell us your favorite Audi TT.
Silvian may be the youngest member of our team, being born in the 2000s, but you won't find someone more passionate than him when it comes to motorsport. An automotive engineer by trade, Silvian considers the Ferrari F50 his favorite car, with the original Lamborghini Countach a close second. Full profile
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