First, thanks to all of you for your opinions. They were overwhelming in their support of the S4 Avant over the TT 225 Coupe. However, I needed to decide for myself which vehicle would fit my desires.

So, I went to McDonald Audi last night and drove a 225 TT Roadster and a S4 back to back ( they didn't have a 225 Coupe or an S4 Avant, but I figured this would be close enough ). It was the only way I could think of to really let me see/feel the difference between the two cars in real time.

Both cars lived up to all expectations, and both are great cars. So, which one of these fine automobiles won my praise....which one do you think?!? This is the S4 forum, isn't it? The S4 Avant won by just a hair.

After driving both cars, it came down to two things. First, two turbos is better then one. The response of the S4's 2.7T engine is so much better then the TT's 1.8T. The turbo lag of the S4 is less then half of that on the TT. I experienced this first hand in a quick second gear corner last night. Where the TT would bog down for just a second or so before excellerating out of the corner, the S4 was pulling me out of the corner before I even realized I was out of the corner. The difference was truely amazing.

Second, when I was in the drivers seat, the only time I could really feel the difference in handling was under braking. Obviously, the TT stops on a dime. The S4 isn't far off, but you can feel the extra 500+ pounds. However, in acceleration, turn in, body transfer...pretty much everything except braking, you couldn't tell a difference. This reinforced the idea that the S4 Avant will be just as much fun to drive as the TT would and give me all the added bonuses...4 doors, easy access roof rack, more room.

So, after a half hour of driving both cars, the choice was obvious to me...the S4 Avant. Thanks again to everyone, it seems like you all had the right idea, it just took me a little while to catch back up.

Thanks,

 

When I was at McDonald, Ken mentioned that he had a Silver/Onyx S4 Avant coming in before the end of the month. He doesn't know where it came from, since he didn't order it, but it doesn't say it's a "launch" car either, so it should be available for sale.

So, if anyone is interested in getting the first one besides me ( build week 41 compared to my week 46 ), then give Ken a call ASAP at 303-795-1100.

Ken, I hope you don't mind me posting this. :-)

Later,

 

I see them as serving 2 different functions. I own a sedan, and a sport utility, so I'm covering different 2 distinct needs. If I can swing it, I'd like to buy a Porsche. I drove the same TT convertible you did, but wouldn't think of buying it b/c it doesn't have enough torque when compared to a\my chipped 2.7T engine. My point being, I see the TT and Avant at different ends of the spectrum.

Any thoughts? Not looking for a flame, just wondering why you compared these 2 cars.

 

Brett,

No flames taken! Why you ask? Well, check out the link below and see what I posted a couple of days ago. That should shed some light on this. If you have more questions afterwards, I'll be happy to answer them.<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/forum/m/s4/msgs/166904.phtml">My previous discussion...</a></li></ul>

 

From audiusa.com:

S4: 3593 lbs.

TTR225: 3473 lbs.

The difference between the two cars you drove was a mere 120 lbs., much less than the 500+ lbs. you indicated. The weight distribution between the two cars is also pretty much identical. I wonder why the braking between the two felt different? Tires, perhaps? (Or did they both have 040s?)

 

The brochure I have says the 225 TT Coupe is 3274lbs and the S4 is 3593, which is the number you mentioned. So, that's 219lbs. The S4 Avant is listed at 3704lbs, which is 430lbs.

I think I just did a quick 3700-3200 and came up with 500lbs. So, you're right I was off in my post by more then double. The tires on both cars are exactly the same, 225/45/17 BlowTenzas.

Yes, the weight distribution is similar between both cars, but the center of gravity on the S4 is much higher then the TT roadster that I drove. I think a combination of this, and wheelbase made for a car that felt, seat of the pants kinda feel, like it stops quicker/easier.

Just my opinion.

 

Ah. I thought you were directly comparing the braking performance of the two cars you drove: an S4 and a TT <i>Roadster</i> 225, which is 199 lbs. heavier than a TT Coup&eacute; 225. So, yeah, the weight difference between an S4 sedan and the TT Coup&eacute; is more significant at 319 lbs. Then compare the TT Coup&eacute; to an S4 Avant, and yeah, you're talking a significant difference.

I'm still glad you opted for the Avant, though.

 

Sorry, just too many numbers to keep straight...glad you approve of my decision, too! :-)