Originally posted by QuikVR6:
In what way isn't better than the IS300?
Not to start a war, but there are a few other reasons why someone may prefer the IS300:
1. Reliability. Toyota/Lexus vehicles are well known as being as reliable as it gets. Not to say that Audi's aren't reliable, but they certainly aren't regarded as highly in that respect.
2. 215hp naturally-aspirated engine. Again, turbo engines are in general less reliable than NA engines. This is of course a non-issue right now, but it'll figure 5-7 years down the line, right about when many people will be unloading these older cars for new cars. It will be an issue for maintaining resale value.
3. Dedicated platform. And as we all know the TT Quattro's platform is based on the A3/Golf, which was originally penned as a FWD platform (which explains why it's the only Audi with a transverse engine orientation), but with a viscous (electrohydraulic) coupling, driveshaft, and rear axle grafted a la Mitsubishi Eclipse. Some people prefer non-adapted designs, not that adapted designs are necessarily lessers.
4. Not AWD. Although it is commonly agreed that AWD is the way to extract maximum performance when power is "more than adequate" and traction is the limiting factor, the 225hp/3274lbs of the TT Quattro is "well-powered", but certainly not R34 GT-S or Lancer EVO VI "well-powered". That's not to say that it doesn't help, but that fair weather advantages aren't all that major, if at all.
5. RWD. Again, AWD is the accepted method of extracting maximum performance when traction is a limiting factor relative to huge engine power. But its also common knowledge that many enthusiasts prefer the feel of RWD at more plebian power levels, especially for having the option of provoking low-to-mid speed power oversteer (think switchbacks), which is just about impossible to do with plebian-powered AWD.
And do remember that 0-60 in 6.3sec is for the manual version of the TT Quattro. The upcoming manual version of the IS300 will do that in 6.5sec. Not bad for being able to seat 4-5 adults.
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051/LP/SR/LD/HH
[This message has been edited by DtEW (edited January 19, 2001).]