Pretty tough choice. On paper, the Audi is clearly the better buy - it's almost $20 grand cheaper, has AWD and with rear seats folded down, the hatch adds some decent cargo space. But the Cayman, holy hell, makes my heart sing. Damn I want that car.
http://www.autos.ca/car-comparisons/comparison-test-audi-tt-rs-vs-porsche-cayman-s/
The RS uses that sexy 5 pot but it is REALLY hard not to love a flat six at full song. Plus, the dynamics are in favor of the Cayman (IMO). Both are awesome and way out of my league.
This is the first TT I have actually given two E36 M3s about.
Like I can afford either? I'd take the Audi.
The closest I'll get to either is probably playing Forza, but I'd definitely take the Cayman.
Cayman FTW!
Lesley, you lead a pretty rough life - not sure how you cope, but thanks for sharing 
singleslammer wrote: This is the first TT I have actually given two E36 M3s about.
Amen! And the mags say it's also quicker round the track than the V8 verision of the R8... but I'd still prefer the Cayman S in my driveway.
That was a tough job. But I was happy to make the sacrifice. 
Long as I'm not paying for it or have to maintain it, gimme the Cayman. I heart mid motor cars.
And yeah Lesley's got it tough. 
Curmudgeon wrote: Long as I'm not paying for it or have to maintain it, gimme the Cayman. I heart mid motor cars. And yeah Lesley's got it tough.
I bet the Cayman will be downright reliable and maintenance free compared to the TT. Porches has consistently been rated one of the most reliable auto makers in Europe. The 911 is to thank for that.
The Cayman is a nicer driving experience. The TT RS feels like you're in a squashed New Beetle.
I have no good experiences with Audi products reliability or longevity but since they depreciate like stones sink... I'd be willing to try a new TT in 3 years when it's a $14k car.
Neither are remotely in my price range or the kind of car I'd usually go for...but if I could afford them I'd go for the Porsche. Looks FAR better, handles better, less "computer assisted driving."
I also would go for the Cayman. While it costs more, it would likely hold its value far better than the Audi. I also imagine it would be more fun to drive.
The Audi is actually quite fun to drive - but holy hell is that suspension harsh over rough roads. I loved the shifter and clutch - but the steering is too boosted for my liking. I prefer a little heft. I loved the previous Cayman but this one is even better. I would sell body parts to own one.
What's the point of a car comparison when you can tell what the outcome will be?
It was a tough comparo - the Audi has more space, more power, all wheel drive, and was 20 grand cheaper. For me though, the telepathic contact of the Cayman made it the better car. Seriously though, I sure wouldn't complain if someone gave me the TT RS, it's a riot.
Straight 5s (does anybody make a V5?) make an unholy, spine tingly sound when at redline and full throttle.
The Flat six though... is sublime.
As capable as the Audi was.. I would not even think twice about getting into the Cayman
mad_machine wrote: Straight 5s (does anybody make a V5?) make an unholy, spine tingly sound when at redline and full throttle.
Ony if you have the right manifolding on them.
An old 10v Audi mostly sounds like half a Viper. One of my friends said my Quantum sounded like an old 8-bit video game.
I can only say that the 5 cylinder in my old Volvo 850 was the most enthusastic part of that car. It had "the sound"
Never been a big fan of the TT. It's a Golf or Beetle Convertible. I think Audi would be better of making a cheap, smaller R8 called the "R6" or something.
The Cayman is really a lighter 911.
I've never felt the TT captures the heart of the Audi's past supercars.
This is closer:
The regular TT, perhaps. The TT RS is honestly a terrific car. I've been lucky enough to take one home three times now, if Porsches didn't exist I'd be perfectly happy with the Audi.
The inline five does have a raspy bark, but after a while it does tend to drone on.
Even though its a touch choice, the cheapass and utility side of me is coming out and I'd pick the TT due to the cheaper price, the usable hatch and three pedals.
Give me a stripped down Cayman S at 20k cheaper. Now the choice isn't hard at all.
My wife and I had this conversation so many times. We ended up with a 911.
I think ending up in a 911 would be an okay consolation. Damn, I loved the 7-speed Carerra 4S I had a couple of weeks ago.
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