Hey, I'm coming back to cali from an overseas tour and I desperately need a car around or under 20k preferably. I'm stuck between an ap1, s52 m coupe, and an audi tt quattro. I've only driven the s2k before out of the lot and loved it. I'm wondering if I'd be missing anything from the other two from those who have driven those before? I'm going to be using the car as a daily driver, and I came from a del sol so a two seater isn't a problem, but a 4 seater would be nice..

pros/cons

s2000- great handling, most reliable, most tuneable / least practical, most common?, typical asian guy to get a honda

m coupe- great handling, exclusive (only 1500 on the streets), looks the best, torque / maintenance cost, tuning cost and options

audi tt coupe(edit)- most practical, great interior, awd, 4 seats / maintenace cost, tuning cost and options, slow

 

ok a few suggestions

Audi TT is a two seater not four. Yes is it is considerably slower than the s2k, the s2k top ends the audi TT.

I think audi TT you either love the shape or hate it. Nice car a friend has one, they have extra features that the s2k doesnt have, like heated seats and everything has a button etc. There is a lot more room and storage space than the s2k. The audi TT is a relaxing everyday driver. I have heard that TT convertible roofs have issues so make sure you check it before you buy.

The s2k is a lot smaller package, with race style handling and driving experience. You may find it annoying as an everyday driver, and limited room can get crampy at times and i'm only a 5'9 skinny bloke. You can never stretch your legs out all the way.

the M coupe....well you really have to decide whether you want convertible or coupe. My advice would be to test drive all of them, that way you can make an informed descision on which one you like best. I agree the M coupe is a wicked car, a mates dad had a red one. They are quicker than the s2k/Audi TT, it has the same engine as the e36 M3. Dumped on chrome rims its sex!

I think if your not concerned about how fast the car is, and prefer luxury options and more space, go the TT

if you dont mind it being a bit smaller, love the look of the s2k and its 9k rpm revving engine and the race style driving experience, go the s2k

if you are willing to sacrifice convertability, the M coupe is definately a wicked car,and as you have said a rare model that will turn heads.

 

audi TT Coupe is a 4 seat
audi TT vert is a 2 seat

 

Thanks, that's probably what I'll end up doing, test driving all the cars. Yea, I forgot to mention that id rather have the tt as a coupe (looks way better than convt). How easy is it to get power out of the 1.8t?

 

My Dad's got an S54 M Roadster, and it's a riot to drive - but it doesn't have the same BMW build quality as the rest of their models. I noticed a lot of rattling and gaps before he decided to get it all fixed.

I know the S52 isn't nearly as powerful as the S54, I think it's 240hp vs 315hp, but if you're not looking to dump some money into it to it to get the kinks worked out - it will be annoying as hell as a daily driver.

Oh, and my Dad's been driving my car around and almost has his mind set on buying one and putting the M in storage.

Definitely do some test drives, it'll make this decision that much easier.

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Just noticed you're not in the US, the numbers on the M might be a tad different there.

 

i used to have an s54 m coupe, it was a great car, i ended up trading it in for an s2k because i needed to free up some $ for a loan. i loved the car but i actually prefer the s2k how i have it now. if your gonna keep them both stock maybe the m coupe, but in terms of a pure drivers car the s2k wins for sure.

 

if you able to up your budget a few thousand, you might be able to get a g35 coupe. the g35c has a torquey engine, great handling, and seats 4.

 

Buy my NSX Its up for sale. Only 162,000 trouble free miles. hehehe.

 

i've driven my friend's tt quite a few times. the interior as you mentioned is far superior. however if you need a daily driver (hence dependable) i wouldn't pick it. my friend's had many problems with his...mostly electrical issues and they are expensive to fix. they also don't have a good record for reliability in consumer reports.
the s2k is certainly the best handling car but also the most uncomfortable of the three.
if i had to choose the best daily driver for all around performance, looks and comfort it would be the bmw.
there's no substitute for test driving them though...good luck!

 

There are people on this site who have (or still have) all of these cars and loved them. Mr. Clean has a TT 3.2 DSG and has nothing but praise for it. Also, I believe SteveC might have had an Mcoupe (S54 though, AFAIK). They could provide more accurate comparisons considering that they have spent a great deal of seat time in their cars and the S2k.