TTS vs 370Z

spearfish25 · 05-30-2010, 01:04 PM

A few weeks ago my dad picked up a sweet orange TTS Roadster. Until today, I hadn't had a chance to give it a shakedown, but I finally got to take it for a short spin. Here's a little comparison, given we've seen a number of 'reviews' between the two already. (Mostly in snow driven by large-nosed Austrian women).

Look:
Well, the blaze orange is HOT. With the S-line silver side-mirrors, the car has gorgeous lines and curves. The front grille is very aggressive, which is a nice change to the otherwise feminine looking TT. I'm not crazy about the rear-quarter of the car which loses some of the purpose and sportiness of the rest of the car. In contrast, the rear-quarter is one of my favorite body-areas of the 370.

Fit/Finish:
The TTS is tops here. Beautiful two tone leather seats (black and orange) with excellent support and adjustability. The car interior is top-notch Audi, just as they all are. While the Z interior has been improved nicely for the 370, it's still no comparison.

Ride:
I didn't get to play with it much, but the TTS definitely has a more supple ride. Dial in the magnetic ride suspension (push the button) and the 'sport' indicator illuminates in the dash and the car stiffens up. Going through a quick set of twisties, the car is very nimble and flat. It feels like a much smaller car than the 370. It did have a tendancy to understeer and felt nose-heavy, but I think this could be corrected with some throttle...I didn't have the chance to try it with dad in the car and on public roads.

Engine:
Well, this is where I'm not as impressed as the 'official' reviewers. It's a turbo-charged 4 cylinder. It definitely has the turbo whoosh of power once to get cranking to 3,500-4,000 rpm. From there on up, she just goes goes goes. In terms of overall speed, it's right on par with the 370. Here's the kicker though. While they claim very respectable 0-60 times for the TTS, the amount of turbo lag would have the 370 about 12 car lengths ahead of the TTS by the time it really started moving. Having the car in 'sport' mode at a stop and mashing the accelerator, I felt like there was a good 3 seconds where the car was trying to figure out what the hell it's supposed to do. Then it's like "oh yeah" and takes off. The Z is much more linear and just rockets off right when you want it to. Yes, there is no exhilarating turbo boost, but the Z is just thrusting you from the beginning of the run.

Overall, I'm happier with my Z. I wouldn't trade for the TTS, even if they cost the same. On a track, the TTS may give the Z a run for its money but that's only once it's moving and the revs are in the sweet spot.

Long live the 370