BD_TT_225

Both were 2009 DSG Quattros just off the boat. Neither had mag ride but were otherwise identical Meteor Grey coupes with black leather/alcantara interior and Nav/Bose.

I drove each one on the highway and local city roads and I think I like the 3.2L engine more on the highway. Putting the much celebrated "soundtrack" aside it felt a bit smoother and more confident above 60 mph than the 2.0, although I'm not sure if the car is really any quicker.

In sport mode I didn't have the sense the engine was going to explode (the 2.0 really screams at high revs) as it approached the red line, it just hit the line and then downshifted as though it was just part of the job, not an extra effort.

The dealer said the torque curve is broader on the 2.0 - is this true? The 3.2 did seem to shift more frequently accelerating from 50-80 mph in sport mode so maybe it is.

An idiot in a tricked out honda tried to cut me off in a tunnel at about 55 mph. A quick downshift solved this one - I think the engine sound scared the crap out of the guy - more than my car flying past him anyway (his windows were open).

One note on the 3.2 soundtrack. The sound of the 09 seemed to be a little more refined than an 08 DSG 3.2 I drove last weekend. The 08 really growled like an american muscle car during acceleration. This one had the deeper 3.2 sound but much less growl. Not sure if there is any difference in the tuning of the 09 versus 08 3.2.

Driving around town in sport mode the 3.2 seemed very similar to the 2.0, except that the 3.2's downshifts were more noticeable in terms of sound and deacceleration - I can't decide if this was annoying or enjoyable. It gave the 3.2 a more manual feel in some ways.

Using the 3.2 engine to slow the car was more effective, again making the car feel a bit more like a manual. Dropping the gear in the 2.0 doesn't have as much impact on braking the car at any speed it seems.

I am really torn on this one. The extra cost, weight, and worse mpg are the negatives. The upside is more get up and go (I think), the more confident feel, the soundtrack, and the symmetrical tailpipes (I do think they make the car look more serious). I kinda want something quicker than my 225 MK1, and the 2.0 doesn't feel that much faster even though it is ~250 lbs lighter.

If I drop the mag ride and upgraded leather (neither seem necessary honestly) I can close the price gap significantly ($2400). I am definitely going with the ice silver and turbine wheels - its the classic look for this car.

I am going to use the car to commute 80 miles (round trip) 2-3 days a week and trips to Tahoe now and then so I am looking for the better highway car. The 2.0 turbo will be better in the mountains and deliver better mpg, but it does seem a bit harsh above 60 mph.

This article sheds some light on the 2.0 vs 3.2 debate...<ul><li><a href="http://cars.uk.msn.com/Reviews/article.aspx?cp-documentid=555742">http://cars.uk.msn.com/Reviews/article.aspx?cp-documentid=555742</a</li></ul>

miwim

I get about 30 mpg on highway in 3.2... it around town that kill the milage

Olliett

Nice write up. Interesting to see how the motors compare to one another back to back

Mr. ragTTop!

I can't see any of this as a 2.0 Vs. 3.2 ...
To each their own based on personal preference and with that being said..

<a href="http://cars.uk.msn.com/Research/article.aspx?cp-documentid=9259432">other good write up on the TTS Roadster</a>

<a href="http://cars.uk.msn.com/Reviews/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8212658">and a older article on the TTS Driven</a>

BD_TT_225

I may just get the 2.0 Q and then trade up to the TTS in 3-4 years when I can handle those kinds of payments

TTsteve

If so the chip in the 2.0 will make it a whole new car again and with the Q launches should be very good even with launch control. I like the feel of the turbo kicking in which is why I love turbo cars. I too will be looking at trading in in a year for the TTS. The thought of a chipped TTS getting to 60 in 4.7 secs makes me... well Ill keep that to myself.

Phil G.

I drove my 3.2 TTR ('08) on the highway yesterday and got around 28MPG - not bad (especially coming out of an S4)!!

TTsteve

when the wife and I went out for dinner tonight and I got 30.3 MPG city. Now I didnt even go into S which is probably a 1st for me cuz I love S mode. Now this isnt dowtown city driving but still regular city driving. Never got above 50 MPH during this drive of about 20 minutes each way.

BD_TT_225

I don't mod at all. I don't want to compromise warranty and/or resale value

TTsteve

I have had my DV replaced under warrenty and they know Im chipped.