10 Audi TT Competitors to Consider for 2019

2019 Audi TTRS Red Driving Track Front Quarter ・ Photo by Audi

The Audi TT has been refreshed for 2019 with an updated exterior and interior. All models now get a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and base models gain an extra eight horsepower (for a total of 228 horses). Starting at around $44,000, the TT has attractive styling and a very upscale interior with all the modern tech you’d expect, including the Audi virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster. The driving experience is good, as well. Base versions can get to 60 miles per hour in just over five seconds, standard all-wheel drive means the TT is good in all weather conditions, and hard-top versions of the TT are relatively light at under 3,200 lbs.

But are there better options out there? To find out, we’ve compiled a list of 10 Audi TT competitors to consider for 2019.

2019 Alfa Romeo 4C

The Alfa Romeo 4C is a mid-engine sports car, and though said engine is only 1.75 liters in displacement, thanks to a turbocharger it generates a healthy 237 hp and can get up to 60 miles per hour in just over four seconds. Styling is exotic and handling is sharp, thanks to its lightweight largely carbon-fiber design, but the 4C is a handful and short on luxury and amenities.

The 4C is a fair weather car, and one you won’t want to drive every day. But on the days you do choose to take it out, you’ll have a blast. Unfortunately the 4C Coupe won’t be back for 2019, but the Spyder will remain available, starting at around $66,000.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2019 BMW Z4

2019 will bring a new version of the BMW Z4, one that brings the car back to its soft-top roots (and also happens to be closely related to the upcoming Toyota Supra), with the added bonus of aggressive low-slung good looks. This should make the new version lighter and hopefully more fun to drive than the last Z4, though unfortunately it doesn’t seem like a manual transmission version is currently in the works.

We expect base models should start somewhere in the low to mid $50,000 range, with power coming from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor that puts out 255 hp (though of course a more powerful turbo inline six also will be offered).

Photo by BMW

2019 Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette starts at $55,495, and for that money you get a 460-hp 6.2-liter V8 that sends all of its power to the rear wheels via either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. The sprint to 60 miles per hour takes just 3.7 seconds, and the Corvette has handling to match its acceleration.

The interior is decent but not spectacular for the money, but the exterior makes it obvious what the Corvette is all about. No all-wheel-drive system is available and not many people would drive their Corvette in the winter, relegating the Corvette to second-car status for all but the bravest of souls in the snow belt.

Photo by Chevrolet

2019 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is one of the best values on our list of 10 Audi TT competitors to consider, with a starting price of $26,120 for a fastback and $31,620 for a convertible. Base models are powered by a 310-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, backed by either a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission (while the 5.0-liter V8 also remains an option).

The rear-wheel drive Mustang doesn’t have the same all-weather capability as the Audi TT and weighs an extra 400 pounds or so, but it’s good fun to drive, especially when equipped with the EcoBoost Performance Package which includes a Torsen limited-slip rear, oil pressure and boost gauges, bigger brakes, heavy-duty front springs, and a larger radiator.

Photo by Ford

2019 Jaguar F-Type

The Jaguar F-TYPE is available with all-wheel drive (on higher-end versions), but unlike the TT, most models are rear-wheel drive. There are a number of engine options available (including powerful supercharged V8s), but base models (starting at $60,750 for a coupe) are powered by a 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can get the car up to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds or less.

Handling is good (but not exceptional) with a good ride, making the F-Type more of a grand tourer than a sports car. Though it has been on the market for some time now, the interior is nice and quiet, and the exterior styling is still gorgeous (especially from the rear).

Photo by Jaguar

2019 Lexus RC

The Lexus RC is just about the sportiest car in the brand’s lineup (especially in top-of-the-line RC F trim), but it still offers all the luxury and quality you’d expect from a Lexus model. The RC starts at $41,145 and isn’t particularly sporty or agile, though the ride is very good.

Base models come with a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission, a combination that isn’t particularly quick, with Lexus advertising a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 7.3 seconds (though the top of the line RC F, with its 467-hp 5.0-liter V8, can get to 60 in a much more respectable 4.4 seconds).

Photo by Lexus

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata

For many cross-shopping the Mazda with the Audi, it will be the MX-5 Miata RF with its folding metal roof that’s most interesting, but we think the lighter weight (and cheaper cost) of the soft-top makes it the better choice.

With only 181-hp from the normally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is admittedly down on horsepower compared to the Audi TT, but with half of the driven wheels and 750 fewer pounds (or 650 pounds if you go for a hard-top model), it’s just as much (if not more) fun to drive. It’s also down on luxury and features, but that just means less distractions and helps bring the starting cost down to $25,730 for the soft-top and $32,345 for the hard-top RF.

Photo by Mazda

2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster

Starting at $48,950, base SLC 300 Roadster models come with a folding roof and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 241 hp, along with a 9-speed automatic that work together to get the Benz up to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds.

The SLC is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz, but it looks better from some angles than others. Handling is acceptable and the car feels solid, but the Mercedes places more emphasis on luxury than sport, with a composed ride and features like the Airscarf neck-level heating system. If you want a car that’s a bit more brisk, an AMG-tweaked version with significantly more power and marginally better handling is available.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2019 Porsche 718 Cayman

The Porsche 718 Cayman starts at $56,900, and comes with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that can get it up to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds or less. All-wheel drive, while great for traction, can have some detrimental effects, including added weight and a higher center of gravity. The Cayman suffers from none of these problems, and uses a mid-engine rear-wheel drive layout for better weight distribution and the great handling you expect from a Porsche.

That added weight over the rear end also helps make the Cayman remarkably good in foul weather (with the proper tires, of course). For those seeking open-air motoring fun, the soft-top Boxster also is available.

Photo by Porsche

2019 Volkswagen Golf R

Starting at $39,785, the Volkswagen Golf R is slightly more affordable than the Audi TT, while also being more powerful, heavier, quicker, and more practical. But despite their drastically different looks, the two cars have much in common. Both feature all-wheel drive and both use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the Golf R’s makes 292 hp, an extra 64 over the base TT.

The Golf R has a very nice interior (though not quite as nice as the TT’s), with plenty of room for four. Acceleration to 60 miles per hour takes under five seconds, and the R is good around the corners, but its extra weight and higher center of gravity mean it isn’t quite as nimble as the TT.

Photo by Volkswagen