Audi TT-RS vs SLK55 AMG

[JaredVannett]

Audi TT-RS [8J]



SLK 55 AMG [R171]



Looking for a small coupe for my daily commute, and these two are on my shortlist.

Both can be had for around the same money.

Priority is not b-road driving 'handling', it's needs to be able to do the daily slog well.

Both engines in these cars interest me, and would add some excitement to the commute.


If it were you making the choice, which one would you go for?

[JaredVannett]

Thanks all, will give it some thought.

The all wheel drive is appealing for the TT-RS, but can't help thinking that SLK 55 is like a little pocket SLR lol.

[JaredVannett]

Appreciate the recommendations on BMW's but I've had a few and fancy a change... the Z4M would certainly hold its value I'm sure.


I found a video of a TT-RS and SLK55 going at it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWbrYNfe2YU

^ assuming the TT-RS has S-Tronic gearbox, it does point to the SLK's slower box.... but that V8 noise!

Welshbeef said:

All 238bhp/tonne
TTRS 234bhp/tonne

So it’s AWD traction that makes it 0.5-1.0 second quicker to 100mph.
5 cylinder warble is lovely (I remember my Fiat Coupe 20VT)
8 cylinder burble AMG style is special too really special

OP don’t think you can go wrong TBH either way

I think you're right pal, can't go wrong either way.

I had a passenger ride in the SLK 55 two years ago. I didn't get the chance to drive it, and all I remember is holding on for dear life while the owner let it rip. Never sat in any TT, driving an Audi 5-cylinder is on my list.

With both being performance orientated I know they won't be the comfiest cars out there... but I do wonder of SLK will more compliant on bad roads compared to the TT, I normally hear performance Audi's can have a harsh ride? - I know enough that I would not have one with Mag Ride option... it's supposed to harsh a fk.

[JaredVannett]

ZX10R NIN said:

So OP have you booked in any test drives.

Not yet, but this will be the deciding vote as it's getting tough to choose between the two.

On paper, the TT-RS does seem to tick the boxes for the daily great engine, 4 wheel drive, great gearbox (s-tronic), and a little less thirsty.

But it's hard not to become smitten when you hear that roaring V8 in the Merc!

I've been listening to both all week:

TT-RS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4WU5bdrXkQ

SLK55 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMugZ7DqkV0

irocfan said:

GTID said:

The noise of the 5 cylinder may not be as thunderous as the V8 but my word with the sports exhaust it does a decent impression of a screaming V10 above 5k rpm. Stage 1 remaps turn them into seriously fast cars if that's your thing.

How often can you get above 5k revs on the roads these days?

When the test drives happen, I'll also be looking out for how they pull in the lower revs to simulate real life commuting.

I owned a N/A M3 before, wonderful machine especially when you let it sing towards 7k.... but it was a pig to move in traffic.

I expect both of these to be little torque monsters.

Edited by JaredVannett on Thursday 20th September 21:45