Which should I buy QS240 or TT RS ?

Which should I buy QS240 or TT RS ?

Author
Discussion

F1ledy

Original Poster:

3 posts

36 months

Wednesday 15th December 2021
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Hi All,

First time post, I've been considering for a while buying an older TT for weekends and days away now, 20 years after buying my first Audi TT 225 in 2000 and last being a 2015 TTS both were everyday drivers.

Has anybody got any good advice on whether the QS 240 or first edition TT RS would be a best option, both different animals I know but any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated taking into account aesthetics.

Dr G

15,405 posts

249 months

Wednesday 15th December 2021
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Welcome to Pistonheads!

That's a nice problem to have, and they're both great cars.

The QS probably edges it on looks, occasion, and being a "modern classic".

The RS has that engine, and feels a good bit more modern.

For more regular use I think the RS would probably edge it for me; applying some small tweaks to it would be largely guilt-free as well, as values of the QS will probably remain strongest for lower-miles standard cars.

F1ledy

Original Poster:

3 posts

36 months

Wednesday 15th December 2021
quotequote all
Hi thanks for the feedback, i tend to agree the RS being more useable but the QS being more classic in it's line and commanding high prices for low mileage examples , begs the question tatty RS or solid example for the same price

Dr G

15,405 posts

249 months

Wednesday 15th December 2021
quotequote all
If budget means a good quattro Sport or a crap RS then the decision becomes much easier.

WayOutWest

831 posts

65 months

Thursday 16th December 2021
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It just so happens there is a Pistonheads vid that may help you make up your mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNOmZf9xnb4

I've secretly fancied a QS240 since I saw one brand new in an Audi showroom and was puzzled why such subtle changes made it so much more appealing over the normal TTs. The M3 CSL analogy maybe pushing things a little, but it is a similar formula.
Also been keen on the first TT RS, but never had a chance to try one to see how true all the "very fast but dull" journo cliches are.

And here is Volkswizard reviewing a lightly fettled QS240:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5ZmovcL4Zo

Although I'd also be tempted to get at least a stage 1 map or possibly stage 2 with sports cat & exhaust to bring out the best in the 1.8T. No silly air filters or dump valves though.
You'd definitely need to change the standard 312mm brakes in that case for a Brembo or 3.2 upgrade.
As Dr G said, the trouble is you're then destroying the originality that you've already paid through the nose for, if worried about future resale to some anal collector. The time when you could bag a tidy one of these without large mileage for about 8 grand is long gone.

Anyway, fwiw I ended up getting a 987 Cayman which sits between your two choices in pricing. For comparison my missus has a completely original Mk1 TT 225 roadster, low miles and in great condition. They really are chalk and cheese to drive. I think you could easily ruin the roadster by messing with it and making the ride too hard.
It is a perfectly nice car to take for a pub lunch with the roof down on a sunny day and never exceed 5 or 6/10ths, and they are incredible bargains at the moment.

I think a carefully tweaked/remapped QS 240 would certainly narrow the gap to the Cayman a fair bit and out accelerate my 2.7, but still not be anywhere near as good a drivers car. Maybe worth trying a Cayman unless you are absolutely set on some kind of TT.

As for the TT RS I bet it would make a much better daily than either, and obvs be much faster, in all weathers. But is it a weekends/high days and holidays car? That 5 pot turbo is an absolute belter though. No easy decisions here.





F1ledy

Original Poster:

3 posts

36 months

Saturday 18th December 2021
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Hi,

Thanks' for the video links.

Cayman is a good alternative, I did have a 987 boxster PDK a few years back but it didn't like sitting in the garage for too long as the breaks often seized and one occasion as I tried unseize them it broke the brake system.

I'm looking at the 240 more so as I'm fond of the coupe shape and memories of my first TT 20 years ago