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      04-13-2013, 10:40 PM   #12
pal
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Drives: Z4 M Coupe
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Seattle, WA

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Quote:
Originally Posted by marinb
Quote:
Originally Posted by pal View Post
The first generation TT (MK1) had a Gen I Haldex AWD system that had some lag transferring power to the back. That was remedied with a performance controller from Haldex.

The second generation TT (MK2) uses a Gen 4 Haldex system in the 2.0T and TTRS and a Gen 2 system in the 3.2 engined cars. Both of these are superior to the first generation right out of the box and all 4 wheels always 'feel engaged' all of the time.

In addition, all MK2 TTs use a chassis that is 68% aluminum and most body panels are aluminum as well. Steel is used for the rear hatch and rear floorpan areas to help balance out the front weight bias.

The end result is a much lighter car (my 3.2 TT Coupe 6MT weighed 3180lbs with almost a full tank of gas) that handles a lot better then MK1s and feel lively. If you get the magnetic ride suspension, the sport mode all but removes the need for an aftermarket suspension. Dial up front camber and get a good alignment, and these cars can be setup to have a lot of fun on the track.

They will never feel like a Z4MC but were not meant to either. They serve a wider purpose- all year round fun in addition to track days. The Z4MC feels like it was built for track days and can be used for daily driving in 3 seasons.

I was sure my next car would be a used e92 M3 down the line. After driving a Stage 2 TTRS, I am not so sure anymore. Car availbility and my circumstances will decide now as I consider both to be at the top of my list.

For now I hold on to my Z4MC as hard as I can
I've only ever driven the MK2 TTS. I've driven it a few times and one time at autocross. It definitely doesn't feel 4 wheel engaged like an RS4, nor does it feel rear wheel bias like an R8 (driven both of those as well). In my opinion the TTS feels like a front wheel drive bias car. I definitely don't like that. The TTS also has some serious turbo lag. Never driven the TTRS, I image the turbo lag is improved but the awd system is most likely the same.

Other than that, it's actually a surprisingly practical car. A lot of room in the rear seats and the trunk. My friend was even able to load a Christmas tree into the back of his with the rear seats folded down.
Yes, that's a MK1 to MK2 comparison. Coming from RWD cars it most def is a FWD biased system and given that almost 59% weight is on the front axle, it can only feel so good. The A4 based cars use Quattro that always keep the front and rear mechanically engaged whereas Haldex does not. My point was that the newer gen Haldex units have a lot of preload built in and react so quick that when driven under load, you will be able to engage the rear. Never like a RWD car though; like I said the comparison is not even fair as the cars have different missions in life- I have a 2008 TT 3.2 6MT and the Z4MC and they could not feel any different than they do while seeminly in the same 'sales and marketing bracket'. I love both cars for this reason.
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