140.6

I am getting a little frustrated, just like I thought I would, with the search for C2 or C4 Coupe. I know my "wish list" thread is only a few weeks old but I have been looking on an off for the last 3-4 months. In that time I have passed on three cars that were close but not quite what I wanted and missed one that I would have bought by a few days.

So I had some time off this week and decided to go and drive an '07 C4S w/ 30k miles and a '12 Audi TTRS w/ 3k miles. I'll probably get crucified for the following but below is an assessment of each.

'07 C4S: Felt heavy, more like a GT car, and the sound-track was just ok. Ride was decent enough, I might even go so far as to say comfortable. It really felt like I was almost disconnected from the experience. I really didn't get to push it too hard as it was a local dealership but I drove a combination of highway and back twisty roads. I have to say it was really nice on the highway as cruiser but on the back roads it almost felt bloated. Even though prices are coming way down on the 997.1 I just cannot see the appeal over a 993, beyond being "faster."

'12 Audi TTRS: Felt much lighter than it's real weight, sound-track was awesome, and it was exceptionally quick. The ride was very taught and you could easily drive the car to its limits, the car actually would tell you when you were reaching the limits (and they are pretty high). It is a very easy car to drive very fast, it almost seems as if it was built for the track or at least back country roads. I would say the actual ride was more connected than that of the C4S. However, the "back-seat" is even more useless in the TTRS than a 997 or for that matter a 993, even when you think about weekend type luggage. Comparing the two, and this is sacrilege but, the TTRS was much more fun to drive. It's still to "boy-racer" looking but it was a lot of fun.

All this did was to reinforce my decision to find a 993 C2 or C4. Unfortunately it didn't do anything for easing my frustration. I was at least hoping that if I got really frustrated I would have some other options but alas I don't.

Back to search mode.

CorrdoBrit

Love Audi's. Now if only they would bring the S3 Stateside. That would be my dream DD.

140.6

I actually placed an order late last year for a RS3 on the extremely slim chance it came to the states, but in Audi NA's infinite wisdom they decided against bringing it over. That's when I began looking on and off for a 993.

tanger

Jumping on the audi theme...I will be picking up an '08 RS4 next week (assuming PPI goes well)

skl2

The TTRS is an awesome machine. You stated "it almost seems like it was made for the track or twisty roads"...and I would say IT IS made for that.

140.6

That's a fair statement. What I should have said was it seems to be an excellent balance of street and track/twisty road vehicle. It is light years better than the TTS.

993/907

I drove a 997 and had exactly the same feeling, no fun factor at all.
A car Mr. Spock would drive.

Not a fan of Audi's latest designs.....think after a few years of ownership I would start to hate (too strong a word...at least dislike) the looks.
I cringe whenever I see a new Audi heading my way with those silly (to me) grinning LED running lights.

The looks of my 17 year old DD still puts a smile on my face every morning when i walk into the garage.

Gordo

Knight

+1.

It's perfect if you must say daily drive it to work everyday. But yes driving feel is so artificial compared to a 993.

kjr914

Oh, yeah, we'll crucify you for THAT conclusion....

I looked for a year to find my car, and still didn't end up with exactly what I was after (Arena Red/anything but grey). It takes time to find "the one". The hunt is part of the journey...

Zed.

I hate too share this but I replaced a 40th anniversary edition with a 3.2 Audi TT and have never looked back. It's the best daily driver, all season car I've ever had. It corners like a cat. Not as powerful as the 996 but more sure footed, more fun, and much easier in traffic.

140.6

Ok, maybe not for the conclusion that there is no substitute for the 993. But I thought the conclusion/observation that the TTRS is a better driver's car than the 997 would draw some ire, but then again I am not posting this on the 997 forum.

Quadcammer

none? not even an ounce of fun? completely joyless?

come on

csmab

I think a Cayman S or R would be a better comparison to the TTRS. It will give you that lighter more connected feeling vs a 997.

993/907

I was very much looking forward to trying the 997, thinking I could be ready to move on from the 993.

Admittedly I didn't have the opportunity to toy with it's limits, but it felt like like an old guy's Porsche; I'm only 68 and not ready for one of those yet.

Just sayin' Quad....it's a car that would bore me and I would greatly miss the 993's antiquated visceral joys.

I'd rather drive my brides Cooper S any day.

Quadcammer

ok, thats your perogative.

I'm not huge on the standard 997s for weekend toy use either, but sayings its no fun at all is a bit much.