Slideshow: Audi TT RS vs. Porsche Cayman S

Let Battle Commence!

Since its inception way back in 1998, the Audi TT has more or less lived in the shadow of the mid-engined Porsche Boxster/Cayman platform. Fast-forward 20 years and it seems Audi is fed up playing second fiddle to Porsche as they have finally released their new no holds barred TT RS hot-rod to challenge the venerable Cayman S. One look at the new Audi tells you that this little coupe means business, but is it enough to dethrone one of the world's best sports car?

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Packed With Power

The big talking point around the new TT RS revolves around the massive increase in horsepower that it has received. As expected, the TT RS uses a traditional DOHC 20-valve inline-five-cylinder engine that displaces 2.5 liters, but the new design featuring TSFI direct-injection and an intercooled turbo setup that is 57 pounds lighter than the old engine thanks to its redesigned aluminum block, hollow crankshaft, and magnesium oil pan. Audi was able to extract an impressive 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque out of the little 5-pot. In comparison, Porsche ditched their naturally-aspirated flat-six when switching to their new 718 platform, so the Cayman S is now powered by a 2.5L turbocharged flat-four good for 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. Although it has lost a bit of its character, the new turbo-four is a considerable upgrade in the power department for the Porsche, but it is trumped by the class-leading 160 horsepower per liter Audi straight-five.

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Drivetrain Layouts

The layout of the two cars couldn't be more different as the Audi is a front-engined design that utilizes their patented quattro all-wheel-drive system, whereas the engine in the Cayman sits midship behind the driver and is driven only through the rear wheels. This greatly changes the driving dynamics of both cars as does their transmissions. The Cayman is available with arguably the best dual-clutch transmission in the car industry (PDK) or a fabulous, yet traditional 6-speed manual for the purists. By contrast, the TT RS is only available with a lightning-quick 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission to make the most of its extra horses. In skidpad testing, both cars were equally matched with the Audi just barely edging out the Cayman by .01g (1.05 vs 1.04). That said, the Cayman still lives up to its mantra of being one of the best handling sports cars in the world as it provides steering feel and feedback that is otherwise muted by the all-wheel drive of the Audi.

>>Join the conversation about the TT RS vs the Cayman S right here in the AudiWorld Forum!

Dimensional Differences

In many respects, the Mk3 Audi TT resembles the styling found in the Audi R8 but condensed down into a smaller package. The TT RS receives a much more aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes than that found on the TTS as well as a tasteful rear wing and large oval exhaust tips. The Audi sits on 20" wheels with oversized 14.6" front brake rotors and mega 8-piston calipers that outperformed the Cayman in 60-0 braking tests. In recent years, the Cayman's styling has shifted from the smooth, flowing design that resembled that of the 911, to a something that is sharper and inevitably more distinctive. The overall length of the Audi is 7.2" shorter than that of the Porsche, but measures slightly larger in height, wheelbase, and track width. Both cars are striking on the road, but when placed next to one another, the Porsche tends to have a more low and sleek look to it that is more akin to that of a high-performance sports car.

>>Join the conversation about the TT RS vs the Cayman S right here in the AudiWorld Forum!

Interior Idiosyncrasies

The interior cabin of both cars are quite sporty and reek of quality, but the Audi takes the cake on the interior design front. The attention to detail in the interior of the Audi is second to none as form and function are seamlessly intertwined. A digital-dash, diamond-stitched seats, Alcantara wheel segments, deviated-stitching galore, and sweet vents that incorporate all HVAC controls create a stylish environment without it feeling excessive. On the other hand, the Cayman feels more traditional and a bit blander. To get this level of styling inside of the Cayman will require spending a day playing with the Porsche options configurator that has been known to costs souls thousands of extra dollars whereas the Audi interior comes standard (although it can be optioned to your liking as well). Perhaps the biggest selling point of the Audi is that it offers four seats versus the Cayman's two, making it a much more practical car. Although the TT RS sacrifices a bit of room to accommodate two additional seats, it has 25 cubic feet more space inside the cab while only losing 3 cubic feet in trunk storage to the Cayman.

>>Join the conversation about the TT RS vs the Cayman S right here in the AudiWorld Forum!

The Best Tool For The Job?

The new Audi TT RS and Porsche Cayman S provide totally different driving experiences, yet match up incredibly well on paper. The Audi is noticeably quicker thanks to its extra 50 horsepower & 45 lb-ft of torque as well as its all-wheel-drive system but falls short of the Cayman's razor-sharp handling, feedback, and balance when curves are thrown in the mix. That is not to say the Audi is a slouch in the twisties, but the driver feedback becomes a bit muted when pushing the envelope, thus making it difficult to know when you are at the limit. The TT RS is the more comfortable car of the two as the suspension is more compliant over city roads and the cabin is quieter at highway speeds. Simply put, the Audi TT RS is the more practical sports car that is better suited as a daily driver, yet can provide the thrills associated with a high-performance car. The Porsche Cayman S is the more engaging car to drive and is at home on the canyon switchbacks as opposed to stop-and-go traffic or navigating steep city driveways. With both cars starting around the $65,000 MSRP mark, it largely boils down to your wants and needs, but considering that Audi has built a car that is able to compete head to head with the renowned Porsche Cayman is truly a testament to how good this TT RS really is.

>>Join the conversation about the TT RS vs the Cayman S right here in the AudiWorld Forum!

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