Audi TTRS Goes Head to Head with BMW M3

By Andrew on Tue, Sep 22, 2009

The M3 and TTRS are cars most typically wouldn’t compare given the way they both dispatch their duties of being sports cars. The TTRS relies more on forced induction, all-wheel-drive and a lithe, somewhat petit 2.5L 5-cylinder engine compared to the M3 coupe which uses a more brute force with a 4 liter V8, rear-wheel-drive and a more hotrod style. However, both duke it out in the same sports car market of near-911’s, Caymans, 370Z’s, RS4’s and C63’s.

However, in a head to head battle, which would win? Autozeitung pitched that question to its staff to see what sort of results might come back.

For those that don’t know, the the yet-to-be-destined-for-the-U.S. TTRS is the first iteration of a TT model tuned by quattro GmbH. The TTRS comes with a 5-cylinder turbocharged engine pushing out 340HP, has quattro all-wheel-drive and a 6-speed manual transmission. On the other side of the equation, we have the BMW M3 with a very light-weight V8 pushing 420HP through a manual or double-clutch transmission to the rear wheels only. Interestingly, in this comparison the TTRS edged the M3 out in the 0 to 62 times with the Audi clocking a 4.5 second time and the M3 returning a time of 5.1 seconds. We’re honestly a bit surprised given the significant power differential of the M3 over the TTRS though the TTRS does carry a bit of a weight advantage on the M3.

However, that said, check out the translated article here at Autozeitung. What do you think? Is it fair to compare the M3 and TTRS? Can these two be held in the same regard given their power, price and dynamics? Let us know!

(Source: Autozeitung via BMW Blog)

Autozeitung, comparison, dct, M3, Quattro, ttrs

4 Comments For This Post

Kevin G Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:04 am

In my opinion, Audi would like to compare the TTRS with the M3 since they currently have no other car for the US market that will compete with the Bimmer; until a new RS4 comes over. The new S4 is clearly underpowered in comparison.

Simba Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm

The TT shouold be compared to the next Z4M, not a full size sedan/coupe M3! Furthermore, you forgot to mention that the M3 is naturally aspirated, unlike the TTRS with its forced induction. In a true motorsports world, NA is valued higher than turbo this and that.

TTRS is a 4×4, whereas the M3 is a true sportscar with rear wheel drive. Just like the 6L Merc, I am sure that the M3 will go around the track much faster than the TTRS.

Weight is also another factor that must be carefully considered. From other reports, the M3 tends to have perfect handling. The terrible handling of the TTRS is definitely no match.

Based on looks, this womanly TT turtle is trash compared to the stately M3. So no comparison there.

Lastly, which one is considered a true sports car? Based on the engine alone, the M3’s V8 has won so many awards and is well known for its superiority. The TTRS engine is a bit shy next to this big brother (or enemy).

So, no, this is not a fair comparison. Wait for the Z4M

Andrew Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm

Well, the S4 has been repositioned with the B8 to be more of a 335i Sport/ M Sport competitor, so no, the S4 shouldn’t be competitive with the M3, as shown by $10k pricing differential between the two. I think it is a fair test as these cars go head to head with in terms of price and roughly the same performance. But as we said, they both dispatch their duties in a different manner.

Regarding Simba - as usual, his comments hold no value or show deep thought. The TTRS and the 5-cylinder motor are quite reputable and if you’re going to knock on turbocharged engines that aren’t successful then by all means why did BMW 2002tii do so well? Have you ever heard of the BMW 320 Turbo that raced in the late 1970’s? Oh and then the turbocharged M10 engine that powered Nelson Piquet’s Brabham-BMW to a World Championship in F1? Good think I didn’t bring up the Audi Quattro or Ford RS200.

DaveBSC Says:
September 26th, 2009 at 6:58 am

Actually Simba, BMW’s Motorsport dev is ditching their high strung, unreliable, oil guzzling engines in favor of twin turbos. X5 and X6M use a twin-turbo V8, did you notice? Guess what the next M5 gets? If you think its going to stay a NA V10, you are wrong. I guess turbos are only good when BMW uses them huh?

Audi’s eventual answer to the M3, whether it will have two doors or four, will destroy the BMW on a track, you can take that to the bank. Torque-vectoring AWD is simply unbeatable when it comes to lap times. Just ask the Nissan GT-R.

Kevin G Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:04 am
In my opinion, Audi would like to compare the TTRS with the M3 since they currently have no other car for the US market that will compete with the Bimmer; until a new RS4 comes over. The new S4 is clearly underpowered in comparison.
Simba Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
The TT shouold be compared to the next Z4M, not a full size sedan/coupe M3! Furthermore, you forgot to mention that the M3 is naturally aspirated, unlike the TTRS with its forced induction. In a true motorsports world, NA is valued higher than turbo this and that.

TTRS is a 4×4, whereas the M3 is a true sportscar with rear wheel drive. Just like the 6L Merc, I am sure that the M3 will go around the track much faster than the TTRS.

Weight is also another factor that must be carefully considered. From other reports, the M3 tends to have perfect handling. The terrible handling of the TTRS is definitely no match.

Based on looks, this womanly TT turtle is trash compared to the stately M3. So no comparison there.

Lastly, which one is considered a true sports car? Based on the engine alone, the M3’s V8 has won so many awards and is well known for its superiority. The TTRS engine is a bit shy next to this big brother (or enemy).

So, no, this is not a fair comparison. Wait for the Z4M
Andrew Says:
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Well, the S4 has been repositioned with the B8 to be more of a 335i Sport/ M Sport competitor, so no, the S4 shouldn’t be competitive with the M3, as shown by $10k pricing differential between the two. I think it is a fair test as these cars go head to head with in terms of price and roughly the same performance. But as we said, they both dispatch their duties in a different manner.

Regarding Simba - as usual, his comments hold no value or show deep thought. The TTRS and the 5-cylinder motor are quite reputable and if you’re going to knock on turbocharged engines that aren’t successful then by all means why did BMW 2002tii do so well? Have you ever heard of the BMW 320 Turbo that raced in the late 1970’s? Oh and then the turbocharged M10 engine that powered Nelson Piquet’s Brabham-BMW to a World Championship in F1? Good think I didn’t bring up the Audi Quattro or Ford RS200.
DaveBSC Says:
September 26th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Actually Simba, BMW’s Motorsport dev is ditching their high strung, unreliable, oil guzzling engines in favor of twin turbos. X5 and X6M use a twin-turbo V8, did you notice? Guess what the next M5 gets? If you think its going to stay a NA V10, you are wrong. I guess turbos are only good when BMW uses them huh?

Audi’s eventual answer to the M3, whether it will have two doors or four, will destroy the BMW on a track, you can take that to the bank. Torque-vectoring AWD is simply unbeatable when it comes to lap times. Just ask the Nissan GT-R.

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