Audi just recently announced its latest entry into its high-performance RS model line with the addition of the highly anticipated Audi TT RS. The new Audi TT, based on VW Group’s successful MQB platform, is the best TT in the model’s history. It’s fast, fun and good looking, a real competitor in the segment this time around. The Audi TT RS variant will be the highest performing in the model’s current lineup and should be set to impress many in the industry.
In many ways, the BMW M2 is similar to the Audi TT RS. Both are coupes, both use small displacement turbocharged engines and both are the brand’s smallest high-performing sports cars. In Europe, the Audi TT RS will go for 66,400 euros, which is quite a bit more than the 56,700 euros of the BMW M2. However, these two are currently the closest competitors each brand has to offer. So let’s take a look at how they stack up.
The BMW M2, as we already know, makes 365 hp from its 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine, which allows it to get from 0-60 mph in a claimed 4.3 seconds with the DCT gearbox (the TT RS only gets a dual-clutch). The Audi TT RS uses Audi’s world-famous 2.5 liter turbocharged I5 engine, which has been upgraded to develop 400 hp and, with Audi’s S-Tronic gearbox, it can get from 0-60 mph in just a claimed 3.7 seconds. Where the BMW M2 only sends its power to the rear wheels, the Audi TT RS sends it to all four, via Quattro. So it seems, as least in the performance department, that the Audi TT RS will be a very difficult car to beat. But the M2’s rear-wheel drive and more fun chassis might make it the enthusiast’s choice. Only time will tell.
In terms of looks, these two are very different cars. The Audi TT RS has almost a baby-R8 look to it and almost seems as if it’s mid-engine, despite its front-engine layout. Though, this TT RS is probably the best looking TT yet, with its massive front air intakes and fixed wing spoiler, as it just looks so aggressive. But it doesn’t look overly aggressive and it doesn’t look too flashy. It’s a very attractive coupe. On the other hand, the BMW M2 is equally as attractive in a very different way. It’s more of a traditional performance coupe, with its three-box styling and massive fender flares, and it looks downright mean. Both are very attractive in their own way and this will come down to preference.
From the front, they’re both equally as aggressive and good looking. Although, it is interesting to note how similar each car’s front air intakes look, as they both seem to have a sort of fanged design in them. In profile, they’re both very different but the M2 seems more muscular and powerful, while the TT RS is sleeker and more dynamic looking. From the rear, I think the M2 leaves the TT RS for dead, as those muscular wheel arches are really prominent and the quad exhaust pipes seal the deal. In comparison, the TT RS has sort of a boring rump, with those two massive exhaust pipes that look like the back of a tuner’s Honda and the sort of cheap looking rear diffuser. The fixed rear wing is cool though and reminds me of cars like the BMW M4 GTS.
On the inside, I think it’s safe to say that the TT RS has the nicer cabin. Not that the M2’s is bad, because it isn’t, but it’s just a bit boring. BMW intended to do this, however, as it wanted to make a no-nonsense cabin that wasn’t meant to distract from the driving experience. Nothing fancy. The TT RS on the other hand, in typical Audi fashion, has a gorgeous cabin with its diamond-quilted leather and alcantara everywhere. It’s just a lovely place to be and looks more premium than the M2’s. While the BMW M2’s interior is cool, functional and laid out almost perfectly, it can’t match the TT RS’ in terms of design.
So to sum it all up, we have two very different cars with very different styling and very different dynamics that could both compete in the same space. While the BMW M2 is a no-nonsense sports car in the old-school sense and is downright fun to drive, the Audi TT RS brings a modern take on the sports car with all-wheel drive, a ton of power and a gorgeous cabin. If I were a betting man, my guess would be that the TT RS is going to be the better car to have everyday, thanks to its all-wheel drive capability and nicer cabin, but the M2 is going to be the more fun car to drive. Both look great in their own, very different, ways and both will likely be great fun in different ways as well. It’s hard to pick a winner here so we’ll leave that up to you fine readers.
[Photos: Bimmertoday]
