Audi TT vs. Nissan 350Z

[drifter_for_life06]

Before you say use the search key, i have and i couldnt find an relavent threads, if there is one please post it.

i was just playing some Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec and i was using my Audi Quattro TT 1.8T, and as i was driving i noticed, it almost lookst liek Nissan took the platform(shape, styling etc.) from the 1.8T and used that to make the 350Z, do you think it looks anything alike 350z vs. 1.8T?

just something i stumbled across during a race, and thought i would post. Let me knoww hat you guys think.

[Checkered-Member]

Yes Nissan “borrowed” the shape Welcome to the automotive industry of the world: Everyone rips off everyone else

If you went out more and not play that much video games, you will know this.

[drifter_for_life06]

well actually i do get out a lot, thats the frist time ive palyed the game in about 6 months, and i was wondering if thats where nissan got the idea, because i had never looked at the TT the way i did, so yea

[SmithSR]

TT is rounded, akin to it's platform sharing cousin New Beetle!

And yeah, when I see the Z33, all I see is an updated and more sleek Z32, but I have prescription sunglasses, much like Leykis, only not as cool/wealthy.

[drifter_for_life06]

lol, i know i see a Z32 aswell but the shape to me looks a good bit like the TT

[C-Kwik]

Actually, I don't see it that way as much. I followed the concepts of the Z33 release and the earliest forms(when it was powered by a 200 HP KA) and you can see the evolution progressing from there. It certainly has similarities, but I don't think Nissan was looking at copying the TT.

Interestingly, although I can see the similarities, the cars still lok very different to me. The TT looks like crap and the Z is, well...just beautiful.

[ArcherV20]

I think automotive people are just like any other industry out there. Well not so much as I think as "no **** archer".

Take for example, Coke, it sells big, so local stores try and rip it off. In Canada we've got "safeway select" "RC Cola" Crap like that.

Now into the car world you see - the Honda Civic. Many new cars are coming out and taking the same sort of form that the civic has. (The Hatchback sorry) I saw some weird brand the Daewood - and the car was identical.

Story is. Go with what works.

[masticatingcow]

The TT looks like crap and the Z is, well...just beautiful.

Indeed.

But it's true, the consumer-based automotive world does very little original work. When a shape looks like it's selling, every car company wants a piece of the action. It's just business. I mean, really... how easy would it be for us to say that the new-gen Chevy Impalas are ripping off of the R34 Skyline tail lights? And the Vette pulled hers off a Ferrari? Pretty damn easy. But are they doing it effectively?

Nissan plays the game, sure, but the z33's shape probably didn't originate with the Audi. But if it did, wouldn't you say Nissan basically handed Audi's a$$ to them? That TT is fugly, and the 350 is a work of art.

[entity]

Anyone notice the Hyundai Elantra's front lights looks like they're trying to copy the Skyline? The MR2 similar to a Ferrari, now a Boxster?...hmmmm

[Bubba1]

I take my Z to Audi functions regularly and yes, they have a very similar shape. It seems obvious that the 350z designers looked at the TT when they drew up the Z. But TT is hardly ugly, It's one of a very few cars that look good from every angle. The car was considered extremely attractive when it was first introduced. Unfortunately, in typical Veedub tradition, Audi has done virtually nothing with the exterior since it was introduced. I don't know about computer games, but on a real racetrack in real life with similar skill drivers, I find myself passing the stock TT's in my stock Z, not getting passed.

[xyster]

A bit off-topic, but still loosely related...

Didn't Audi recall some TT's at one point, because the back end creates so little downforce they were flipping off the Autobahn? I remember reading something...I think is said the TT with a factory rear spoiler creates less downforce at high speed than a Z3 with no spoiler. That could have been an unfounded rumor...can anyone confirm?

[jbsr20fiend]

The TT ugly? What are you guys smoking? My girlfriend just bought one of the 2002 TT Lemans Edition, there are only four hundred of the silver w/ red interior made in the country. The car looks like a chop top, could probably win just about any car show I have been to just with the way the interior looks alone, and it has awd and a 225hp boosted engine to boot. And yes there is some similarities and I am biased to nissan, but there is no way in he// that you can say the Lemans edition is not better looking than the 350z.

[[Zero-S]]

I can. The TT is just plain ugly. I'm not showing any nissan bias here, just my opinion.

And my car looks like a ferrari;)

[jbsr20fiend]

Do a google search for the lemans edition and try to tell me otherwise. The thing comes with 18's stock! Way better looking than just the regular TT.

[drifter_for_life06]

thanks for all the input guys, i knwo where you are all comign from with the whole "company's take others design" thing. So yea i guess we can agree there are some similarities int he two cars. But i dont think the TT is THAT fugly, i tihnk its its an attractive car, but not the best looking in the world

[[Zero-S]]

Do a google search for the lemans edition and try to tell me otherwise. The thing comes with 18's stock! Way better looking than just the regular TT.

I've seen the lemans edition, in person (I live five minutes away from an audi dealer). BFD that it comes with 18's stock...VR-4s came with 18s stock. Its personal opinion, the same opinion that makes me say my car is a pos.

[masticatingcow]

But TT is hardly ugly, It's one of a very few cars that look good from every angle.

The TT ugly? What are you guys smoking?

But i dont think the TT is THAT fugly, i tihnk its its an attractive car, but not the best looking in the world

No no, I'm pretty sure it's ugly.

LeMans TT Pic EDIT: Apparently NOT the LeMans Edition. I blame Google.

Yeah... kind of looks like... an Audi TT. With 18s. Still ugly. Still fugly.

And how about being 10K more than the 350? 40K for a 225hp turbo bubble vs 30K for a 287hp N/A Nissan? Now THAT'S ugly.

[drifter_for_life06]

price is a negativity for that but i was jsut getting to the point to see fi anyone else saw similarities that i saw in the car

[Bubba1]

A bit off-topic, but still loosely related...

Didn't Audi recall some TT's at one point, because the back end creates so little downforce they were flipping off the Autobahn? I remember reading something...I think is said the TT with a factory rear spoiler creates less downforce at high speed than a Z3 with no spoiler. That could have been an unfounded rumor...can anyone confirm?

From what I understand, it was the lack of that little decklid spoiler on the non-quattro TT's which created the insufficient downforce problem. The ugly little spoiler is what cured it. The spoiler was already standard on the 2 quattro versions, but only an option on the FWD base model. Car needed the extra downforce of that little wing at over 100mph. High speed handling was "squirrelly" without it.

I don't think there was ever a recall in the US for it due to the low speed limits, though I believe that spoiler is now standard on all new TT's.

[Bubba1]

And for those TT haters, you really gotta drive one to understand their charm. My only complaint with TT's is the poor visibility, but they are very fun cars.

[jbsr20fiend]

Sorry my friend but that pic of the lemans is not a lemans. They only make them in a coupe not convert. Personally I do think that all the TT's are ugly EXCEPT for the lemans edition. And yes the visibilty is pretty bad but a very fun car to drive.

[jbsr20fiend]

Also in the comparison of the bang for the buck aspect in performance you are probably right. You also have to look at other aspects of the vehicle, ie awd, wicked interior, excellent styling and so on. And as far as that 18's comment I could really give 2 shiats about what size rims you have. I am personally going with 17's myself but I feel that those 18's belong on the TT, stock 18's not aftermarket.

[C-Kwik]

From what I understand, it was the lack of that little decklid spoiler on the non-quattro TT's which created the insufficient downforce problem. The ugly little spoiler is what cured it. The spoiler was already standard on the 2 quattro versions, but only an option on the FWD base model. Car needed the extra downforce of that little wing at over 100mph. High speed handling was "squirrelly" without it.

I don't think there was ever a recall in the US for it due to the low speed limits, though I believe that spoiler is now standard on all new TT's.

Flipping at high speeds would be more likely a result of high speed lift rather than not enough downforce. Downforce can help counter, but reducing lift is the better approach. Which is something Nissan claims the Z does.

[Bbill528]

i read that they handle like ****, very low number on the skidpad?

[C-Kwik]

Well, I've watched TT's on the track. Hard to say from the outside, but I never heard so much tire scrubbing in my life. It looked slow coming off the skidpad section off Streets of Willow.

[drifter_for_life06]

anyone have any links fro test results with the car? i.e. from car and driver or motortrend soemtihng along those lines

[masticatingcow]

LOL... and here I thought you were only interested in aethetics... ask and you shall receive.

Car & Driver Motor Trend

There are a lot more reviews than these. Both C&D and MT have easily selectable menus that guide you to their reviews. i hope this helps.

[Bubba1]

i read that they handle like ****, very low number on the skidpad?

Well, they do understeer like most AWD's, but their high speed handling is actually pretty good and predictable. I personally wouldn't use just skid pad numbers to make a decision. But that's just me.

[Bbill528]

well i know that, but i recall slalom and other stuff not being that great.

[BadMojo]

My girlfriend at one point loved the TT...install she saw one in person. To me it looks somewhat squat and stubby and has the "bubble" look of the new Beetle. Some may like that, but I don't particularly care for the shape of the TT or the Beetle.

I can't comment on the performance of the TT, but aesthetically I find the 350Z more pleasing and much more aggressive. Except for the somewhat sketchy door handles, I love the look of 350Z.

Hmmmm...I wonder when one will depreciate enough for me to afford it.