How fun is a tuned TT RS compared to a GT-R?

[parkern]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm planning on buying a car at the end of this year. Originally it was going to be a GT-R, but I'm now also interested in the TT RS and maybe an RS3. Normally I'd go test drive all three and answer this question myself, but there is not a single TT RS for sale in Utah, new or used. There is only one used GT-R for sale, and it's older than what I'd get and is modified. And there is only one used RS3 for sale but it is stock (I'm happy buying stock and tuning myself, but I'd prefer to test drive a tuned one for a better comparison). I know I'll most likely end up buying out of state and that's fine. But without being to test drive all three cars back to back it's hard to make a decision. So I have a question for anyone who has driven both a tuned TT RS (or RS3) and a stock GT-R. Which one is more fun?

To give a little more detail into what I'm looking for, this car will not be a daily driver. I'll be using it to run random errands and to take leisurely drives, either around town or up to the mountains. I might drive it to work once a week. I drive like an old man and rarely go over the speed limit. But I do love the feeling of being pushed back in my seat and I take advantage of that when I can. I also like going to the mountains early morning (usually around 4:30 AM) when no one else is up there and having some fun. If I ever track it, it would be once a year or less. So I'm assuming the handling of either car will meet my needs. I really don't care about comfort/convenience/features. I'm comfortable with the reliability and maintenance costs of either car. I just want whatever will push me back in my seat hardest. I know that a TT RS is about as quick as a GT-R in the 1/4 mile with a tune only or maybe a couple bolt ons. To me that says it might throw you back as hard as a GT-R, but without driving one it's hard to know. Some cars just feel quicker than others even if they are technically equal. I have a feeling the GT-R is still going to feel more intense during acceleration. But if anyone has personal experience with both, your input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[RSpeeds]

There might be a couple people here that have driven both but this forum isn't super active so I will chime in with my TTRS impressions and what I have heard others say about the GTR.

A tune only TTRS will feel fast from a dig but run into boost taper as you climb into the rev range. When you're running higher octane then timing is upped pretty substantially to make more power. The launch feel great stock and tuned, if you have the traction. Because these are Haldex cars you will get more of a pull sensation rather than a push sensation. The transmission is fantastic, super quick but also very smooth when you're not WOT. Driving in D mode is a little bit of a disappointment because it just shifts earlier than you would want it to. I find myself driving much slower than I normally would when in D. When stock the car pulls hard through first and second gear feels okay. When tuned you get a much better sensation though 60mph. The only thing I find disappointing about my purchase is the haldex system. The car would be much better with a rear wheel drive bias to the AWD system.

The feedback I have heard from many GTR owners is that the car can be hard to launch at the track when tuned, the ride is pretty uncomfortable, and the transmission is jerky.

I am assuming you would be spending the same amount of money when looking at these cars. If that was the case you would be getting a more used GTR vs a newer RS3 or TTRS. I'm not sure if previous abuse is a concern for you, I assume not if you don't mind one with mods. I was going to buy a used TTRS, somewhere around 20,000 miles or so. I went to the local dealership that had one and took it on a test drive. I thought to myself there is no way that someone buys this car and doesn't just beat it up with every drive. In the end I found one with 1,700 miles that had been owned for 6 months by an older man. The car had one launch on the counter and I am happy to have saved nearly $15,000 off of sticker.

[wildtouch83]

I don't know if you'll find my input useful, but I'll share anyways since you asked.

I sold my 8S TTRS last year. I had taken delivery of it in June of '17. Drove it stock for a year-ish, then did ECU/TCU tunes, downpipes and upgraded intercooler. I thought the car was a rocket when I first picked it up. Those little upgrades made it feel like there was a booster on board! It was a great car. Something that could be driven daily or just out for fun.

I find it very difficult to compare this car to a GT-R. They aren't anywhere near the same class or platform. From the 30,000 foot view, only taking some bare factors into consideration, I don't think I could ever choose a GT-R over a MKIII TTRS. The GT-R is big. Feels big when you're in it. Yes, it's powerful and it should be for what it is. Had opportunities on track with the early ones and was pleasantly surprised how planted such a big car felt. You could really push it into bad situations in corners and the car would help you find your way out. But on the inside, I died a little looking at the GT-R interior. I know it's personal preference, but it's one of the least appealing sports car interiors I've ever seen. Again, it's really difficult to compare the two, but the TTRS was beautiful inside. put together functionally, good quality materials and not overdone. The GT-R has buttons and switches galore.

That said, you mentioned you're looking for what pins you to the seat. The TTRS sitting around 500whp was the first car, I could remember, that gave me that push in the driver's seat. It's easy to feel it on the passenger side. It's quite apparently on accelerations from 0; not so much in the top end. The GT-R, while I didn't feel that punch in the driver's seat, you do on the passenger side and it's powerful and steady.

If you're somehow able to get into both of these cars that will be a world of good for you. you may instantly find one is just a better fit and feel for you. Good luck in the process! I hope you find what you're after and make the right choice.

[parkern]

There might be a couple people here that have driven both but this forum isn't super active so I will chime in with my TTRS impressions and what I have heard others say about the GTR.

A tune only TTRS will feel fast from a dig but run into boost taper as you climb into the rev range. When you're running higher octane then timing is upped pretty substantially to make more power. The launch feel great stock and tuned, if you have the traction. Because these are Haldex cars you will get more of a pull sensation rather than a push sensation. The transmission is fantastic, super quick but also very smooth when you're not WOT. Driving in D mode is a little bit of a disappointment because it just shifts earlier than you would want it to. I find myself driving much slower than I normally would when in D. When stock the car pulls hard through first and second gear feels okay. When tuned you get a much better sensation though 60mph. The only thing I find disappointing about my purchase is the haldex system. The car would be much better with a rear wheel drive bias to the AWD system.

The feedback I have heard from many GTR owners is that the car can be hard to launch at the track when tuned, the ride is pretty uncomfortable, and the transmission is jerky.

I am assuming you would be spending the same amount of money when looking at these cars. If that was the case you would be getting a more used GTR vs a newer RS3 or TTRS. I'm not sure if previous abuse is a concern for you, I assume not if you don't mind one with mods. I was going to buy a used TTRS, somewhere around 20,000 miles or so. I went to the local dealership that had one and took it on a test drive. I thought to myself there is no way that someone buys this car and doesn't just beat it up with every drive. In the end I found one with 1,700 miles that had been owned for 6 months by an older man. The car had one launch on the counter and I am happy to have saved nearly $15,000 off of sticker.

Thanks for the input. If I get a GT-R I'm expecting to spend about $20,000 more than if I get a TT RS. There's a FBO 2015 GT-R I'm currently interested in with only 6900 miles asking $75k. I'd be getting used either way, but low miles. I assume most people drive these cars somewhat hard, as they should. In the past I've just been picky about the previous owner. If it's an older person with multiple nice cars who only puts on a couple thousand miles/year on each, I feel totally fine buying the car and knowing it's probably been taken care of. Based on your description I think I might be happier with a GT-R. I haven't ever owned a car that had a FWD based AWD. I've had AWD Infinitis that were RWD based, and Subarus that were "real" AWD. I can't stand FWD when it comes to performance cars and I wonder if the haldex system would bother me too. So that's good feedback, thank you.

[parkern]

I don't know if you'll find my input useful, but I'll share anyways since you asked.

I sold my 8S TTRS last year. I had taken delivery of it in June of '17. Drove it stock for a year-ish, then did ECU/TCU tunes, downpipes and upgraded intercooler. I thought the car was a rocket when I first picked it up. Those little upgrades made it feel like there was a booster on board! It was a great car. Something that could be driven daily or just out for fun.

I find it very difficult to compare this car to a GT-R. They aren't anywhere near the same class or platform. From the 30,000 foot view, only taking some bare factors into consideration, I don't think I could ever choose a GT-R over a MKIII TTRS. The GT-R is big. Feels big when you're in it. Yes, it's powerful and it should be for what it is. Had opportunities on track with the early ones and was pleasantly surprised how planted such a big car felt. You could really push it into bad situations in corners and the car would help you find your way out. But on the inside, I died a little looking at the GT-R interior. I know it's personal preference, but it's one of the least appealing sports car interiors I've ever seen. Again, it's really difficult to compare the two, but the TTRS was beautiful inside. put together functionally, good quality materials and not overdone. The GT-R has buttons and switches galore.

That said, you mentioned you're looking for what pins you to the seat. The TTRS sitting around 500whp was the first car, I could remember, that gave me that push in the driver's seat. It's easy to feel it on the passenger side. It's quite apparently on accelerations from 0; not so much in the top end. The GT-R, while I didn't feel that punch in the driver's seat, you do on the passenger side and it's powerful and steady.

If you're somehow able to get into both of these cars that will be a world of good for you. you may instantly find one is just a better fit and feel for you. Good luck in the process! I hope you find what you're after and make the right choice.

If this was a daily driver the TT RS would be an easy choice. Because it's not, I really don't have any preferences when it comes to interior. I haven't researched too much into mods for the TT RS since I don't know if I'll get one, but I'm assuming for 500whp you'd need to do a good amount. If that's on the stock turbo you're probably pushing its limits. And if that's the case, that's probably more than I'd want to do. But that does sound fun. It's interesting you both mentioned less power in the top end. Based on the 1/4 times and trap speeds, it seemed to me like it must be comparable to a GT-R even at higher RPMs/speeds. I do prefer the size of the TT. But it sounds like the GT-R might fit me better. That being said, I'm not really in a hurry. Hopefully a TT RS goes up for sale near me soon and I'll go see what I think. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[DKo5]

With a downpipe, intake, intercooler, and a tune you're eating stock GT-Rs for lunch. Before my TT-RS I had an FBO '15 S4 and lots of Subarus. I was worried the Haldex AWD system would bother me, but having gone through a couple track days and plenty of back road bombing it has proven itself as good enough. I can definitely feel the FWD nature compared to Subaru's AWD and the Torsen AWD in the S4, but it isn't frustrating or feel like its holding my driving back. The car is very confidence inspiring at speed, and responds really well to mods for extra power. Its been 10+ years since I was in a GT-R, but if I'm remembering it correctly the only reason I'd get one is if I wanted to go for a high power build (1200whp+). IMO the TT-RS is a far more enjoyable weekend and occasional track day car for the price.

[ZTTRS]

ive owned 3 of each now, TTRS is definitely the better and more fun car. DM me any questions

[Dakayus]

Also the weight is pretty apparent as well as visibility. I was initially debating between an older R8 or a used GT-R however to be honest I can't see anything out the sides and after almost crashing in the R8, I've decided that safety was a bit more important. I'm tuned at a stage 2 and sitting at around a comfortable 500 whp AND I can see everything through the side windows and the huge hatch back glass window. I'd say use turo and RENT each car for a day and see how you feel. Normally GT-r drivers/other cars with bad visibility and most mid engine car drivers just accelerate to make sure they can change lanes safely since you can see anterior to your peripheral vision only. When I rented 458, R8, GT-r, huracan, etc I was very scared due to huge blind spots.

Again not probably what you're looking for, but just a consideration. It sucks to buy a car and to pay taxes just to find out you hate the car and sell it with huge loses.

[Chuckster]

^^^^ This is good advice!

[Huey52]

We have a number of intersections in my cow path initiated neck of the woods with 30-45 degree aft-right merges that are invisible in the TT even with a passenger assisting. There are very few sports cars/coupes with great all around visibility. But yes, in most other situations the TT has better visibility safety than others.

Note that my passenger side door mirror is set at the proper highway "non-blind side" position.

Also the weight is pretty apparent as well as visibility. I was initially debating between an older R8 or a used GT-R however to be honest I can't see anything out the sides and after almost crashing in the R8, I've decided that safety was a bit more important. I'm tuned at a stage 2 and sitting at around a comfortable 500 whp AND I can see everything through the side windows and the huge hatch back glass window. I'd say use turo and RENT each car for a day and see how you feel. Normally GT-r drivers/other cars with bad visibility and most mid engine car drivers just accelerate to make sure they can change lanes safely since you can see anterior to your peripheral vision only. When I rented 458, R8, GT-r, huracan, etc I was very scared due to huge blind spots.

Again not probably what you're looking for, but just a consideration. It sucks to buy a car and to pay taxes just to find out you hate the car and sell it with huge loses.

[RSpeeds]

I am pretty sure the OP has left the thread.

[ZTTRS]

GTRs do not have bad visibility lol