TTS vs. TTRS

[nikuhina]

Inspired by my post on Stage 2 S3 vs. (Stock) RS3

I currently drive a Stage 2 S3 but want to switch to a coupe, and am looking at TTRS and the TTS.

Does the TTRS's larger turbo and larger engine mean that it takes longer to "come onto power" than the TTS? My s3 feels pretty snappy and even though I know the 5cyl's are waaaaay faster than the 4cycls past ~4k RPMs, I do love how peppy the 2.0T is under 4000.

[Spike Spiegel]

Inspired by my post on Stage 2 S3 vs. (Stock) RS3

I currently drive a Stage 2 S3 but want to switch to a coupe, and am looking at TTRS and the TTS.

Does the TTRS's larger turbo and larger engine mean that it takes longer to "come onto power" than the TTS? My s3 feels pretty snappy and even though I know the 5cyl's are waaaaay faster than the 4cycls past ~4k RPMs, I do love how peppy the 2.0T is under 4000.

All things equal, a larger Turbo takes longer to spool than a smaller turbo due to it needing more exhaust air to turn their turbine and so they will make boost high up in the rpm range. "On the other hand smaller turbo has lower turbo lag because less exhaust gas is required to spin it so they will make boost even at lower rpms but at higher rpms it won't make enough boost so top end power won't be as much."

The trade off on how wide a power band is for each car with their own turbo configurations. But typically the size of the Turbo isn't the only difference. Also have to account for diameter of tubing used, length of tubing used due to different circumstances (such as engine bay space and engine configuration, etc). All which effect air flow that is needed for the Turbo to spool in X amount of time. I'm certain others can provide a much more detailed explanation than I did or even add corrections. But that is my understanding.

[SpideyTT!]

Does the TTRS's larger turbo and larger engine mean that it takes longer to "come onto power" than the TTS? My s3 feels pretty snappy and even though I know the 5cyl's are waaaaay faster than the 4cycls past ~4k RPMs, I do love how peppy the 2.0T is under 4000.

I know this is subjective, but all I can say is that my stock TTRS feels like a rocket. I put down my foot and it GOES, without delay.
Keep in mind that the advertised 0-60 for the TTRS is 3.6 seconds...

[GaBoYnFla]

The noise the TTRS makes is worth it. I had 2 TTS and now 2 TTRS....unless it's a financial issue, get the TTRS.

[HighlyCromulent]

The noise the TTRS makes is worth it. I had 2 TTS and now 2 TTRS....unless it's a financial issue, get the TTRS.

This. There’s nothing like a 5-cylinder burble and bark. BRAAAAP.


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[Spike Spiegel]

The noise the TTRS makes is worth it. I had 2 TTS and now 2 TTRS....unless it's a financial issue, get the TTRS.

I agree with this. Shopped an S3 and RS3. RS3/TTRS 5 cylinder is nearly worth the price alone for me.


Best,


Space Cowboy

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2019 Daytona Gray RS 3 | Instagram: SPCECB

[mikemounlio]

I own a mk3 TTS and TTRS so this is simply my opinion.

TTS comes on to power fast and with less throttle input.

TTRS comes onto power about the same but it seems to take even more throttle.

TTRS has bigger turbo but also a bigger motor toback it so they about equal out. The RS however has way more up top power.

[Huey52]

I had an S3 loaner not too long ago Spike and was surprised that it seemed to accelerate more effortlessly around town than my TTS (same drive-select settings). It could however be a difference in gearing with the TTS favoring the top end. Your Stage-2 S3 must be a real treat to drive.

So, I too would vote the TTRS for the unique sound of the 5 cylinder if nothing else (and if money is no relative object).

Of course you'll lose back seating convenience, but gain liftback utility and ....

[JessieP]

I came from a full bolt on stage 2 S3, I did everything possible to get the car sounding as good as I could (AWE Track with APR cast DP along with most of the engine bolt on's aside from a new intercooler)..

The TTRS engine note alone (with just a mid pipe delete) has such a better tone, even though the S3 with AWE track with DP was much louder, the sounds are entirely different...

The S3 stage 2 was much quicker in normal driving situations as it makes boost so early, The stock TTRS takes some time to spool up but when it does, the power is a glorious surge that sometimes requires two hands on the wheel...

If finances are not an issue and your ready to move into something different, You wont regret it... Also, the cabin is simple but very nicely finished, the seats in the TTRS are worlds better than anything I have driven without having to spend 100,000+ lol

DO IT lol

[comingabriel]

I recall making no real effort running a single passanger Golf R stage 2 apr against my stock RS3 (edit: with three passagers). We were neck and neck until we hit higher speeds, as the slight pull away started to occur.

Now, if I drove it in manual mode, esp off and in the right RPM, outcome would have been slightly better.

Now, Stage 2 S3 vs my stock TTRS would yield less results than the above. In my favor.

TTRS, even in stock form, is much more violent in performance than a Golf R or S3. We have a half more litres than the 2.0, so lag is relieved a bit there. There is not even a close comparison, no less at higher speeds.

My 19 TTRS is faster than my former weighted18 RS3. JS. IMHO.

[mikemounlio]

TTS vs TTRS comes down to only 1 factor for me. Price. If its in the budget to go TTRS then by all means do it. It is so much more car and if you decided to mod it a little goes a long way. A modded TTS is only the start of an TTRS. I would buy TTRS again over another TTS all day.

[tt-ho]

TTRS if you can make it work for sure. I came from mk2 to mk3 tts then traded it in for mk3 ttrs when i found a good deal on used one. TTS pretty quick but the RS just a different beast specially the top end. It just keep pulling. Plus the sound of the 5cyl is amazing. RS also has a better DSG as well with 7spd DQ500.

[Kadab]

A TTRS is quicker and faster than any of the previously mentioned cars. The throttle mapping is not good though, because you really have to move the pedal to get much response. I think a device such as a Sprint Booster is needed that remaps the throttle with various settings. I installed one and made it much more aggressive and responsive. My TTRS is stage 2 and really is a beast.

[tt-ho]

A TTRS is quicker and faster than any of the previously mentioned cars. The throttle mapping is not good though, because you really have to move the pedal to get much response. I think a device such as a Sprint Booster is needed that remaps the throttle with various settings. I installed one and made it much more aggressive and responsive. My TTRS is stage 2 and really is a beast.

That was the case too when i had TTS .. must be Audi thing with they're dsg. Tempted to get something like the sprint booster since others have mentioned it for better response 👍

[Thumper3]

There is little to no lag in the TTRS, the larger engine gives it enough torque to deliver power until the turbo spools, it is NOTHING like the stock S3 (I had a 15 and the turbo lag was atrocious). On Stg 1 any lag that even the most anal person could find is gone.

The TTRS is witchcraft, pure and simple.

[Ross_T_Boss]

There is little to no lag in the TTRS, the larger engine gives it enough torque to deliver power until the turbo spools, it is NOTHING like the stock S3 (I had a 15 and the turbo lag was atrocious). On Stg 1 any lag that even the most anal person could find is gone.

The TTRS is witchcraft, pure and simple.

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this - I have the 2.0 in my wife's Golf R so I get to compare all the time. I also have a 420hp RS2 with the 2.2T engine. It's so funny switching between them... high compression, DI, variable valve lift, modern turbo tech have us spoilt really.

The RS2 is LAGGY. And that is improved over stock, as it has a ported head and modern compressor wheel to make 5-7psi for 1000rpm before it really kicked in. Old school turbo cars were flat off-boost with big injectors that didn't perform well at low IDC, low compression, and timing and valve lift biased to on-boost performance. Even in the power band there is a lag as the turbo spools up each time you lift (hence anti-lag when used in the Rally cars of the 80s). And it all comes in like a crescendo around 4k rpm.

In comparison the Golf R/2.0T is instant! Feels a bit flat compared to the 2.5T but at 2500rpm then it just takes off. Kinda like the turbo diesels, making strong torque in the mid 2000s, but this one holds on as the rpms rise.

TTRS, the power doesn't come in for another 500rpm I'd say, but it is not laggy. That extra displacement is noticeable when it's not on boost. Above 4k the turbo comes on song as quick as you can get your foot to the floor. What amazes me is that it does this with a turbo large enough to make 550hp on pump, with no additional fuel upgrades without the compromises.

To the OP's point - both are a fantastic drive train - in my opinion lag is not an issue, you may find your driving style adjusts a little. Personal note - I also found the throttle mapping not to my liking, putting it in Linear mode with VCDS and I'm happy with it now. I do opt to take the Golf alot round town, but getting in the TT always feels a bit special, the 5cyl engine was and is worth the extra for me.

[BeTTo RS]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this - I have the 2.0 in my wife's Golf R so I get to compare all the time. I also have a 420hp RS2 with the 2.2T engine. It's so funny switching between them... high compression, DI, variable valve lift, modern turbo tech have us spoilt really.

The RS2 is LAGGY. And that is improved over stock, as it has a ported head and modern compressor wheel to make 5-7psi for 1000rpm before it really kicked in. Old school turbo cars were flat off-boost with big injectors that didn't perform well at low IDC, low compression, and timing and valve lift biased to on-boost performance. Even in the power band there is a lag as the turbo spools up each time you lift (hence anti-lag when used in the Rally cars of the 80s). And it all comes in like a crescendo around 4k rpm.

In comparison the Golf R/2.0T is instant! Feels a bit flat compared to the 2.5T but at 2500rpm then it just takes off. Kinda like the turbo diesels, making strong torque in the mid 2000s, but this one holds on as the rpms rise.

TTRS, the power doesn't come in for another 500rpm I'd say, but it is not laggy. That extra displacement is noticeable when it's not on boost. Above 4k the turbo comes on song as quick as you can get your foot to the floor. What amazes me is that it does this with a turbo large enough to make 550hp on pump, with no additional fuel upgrades without the compromises.

To the OP's point - both are a fantastic drive train - in my opinion lag is not an issue, you may find your driving style adjusts a little. Personal note - I also found the throttle mapping not to my liking, putting it in Linear mode with VCDS and I'm happy with it now. I do opt to take the Golf alot round town, but getting in the TT always feels a bit special, the 5cyl engine was and is worth the extra for me.

Amazing write up and amazing cars! Would love a RS-2, that’s the first of the RS and all the Porsche bits and badging are something special.

Could you be so kind and share some pictures of your RS-2?