Depending on how you see the 2012 Audi TT, its rivals can be either small luxury coupes and convertibles or true sports cars.
The Nissan 370Z cuts length to gain in style, handling, and ride quality, but it's still rough and noisy compared to the TT.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK has a folding hardtop, a technically interesting style, and a hot AMG performance edition, but the Audi TTS has a lighter, nimbler feel.
It's probably out of the question for badge snobs, but if a base Porsche Boxster is still too expensive, a fully optioned TTS still checks in below $50,000.
Also, for 2012, BMW is introducing a turbo four-cylinder version of its Z4 Roadster; while the current version of the Z4 feels like more of a grand tourer than an edgy sports car, the more economical engine also puts it back on the board as a TT rival.
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 2012 Audi TTBrowse Used Listings |  2012 BMW Z4Browse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan 370ZBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Porsche BoxsterBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2012 Audi TT gets a burst of testosterone and sports-car cred with a bold new TT RS model; otherwise it's a surprisingly well-rounded (and economical) performer. |
The 2012 BMW Z4 is a great option for the driver seeking a balance of fun and comfort, making it a great light tourer, but it can quickly become expensive with added options. |
It may be the most pragmatic roadster of its kind, but the SLK 350 dares you to doubt its partying skills. |
Performance per dollar, the 2012 Nissan 370Z is a bargain, and it's quick enough in absolute terms to reach toward the domain of much more expensive sports cars. |
Stylish, fun, and capable, the 2012 Porsche Boxster is one of the best roadsters around. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $38,300 | $48,650 | $42,500 | $32,280 | $48,100 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Turbocharged Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas Flat-6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Subcompact Cars | Two Seaters | 2 Seater | Two-Seater | Two-Seater |
| Style Name | ||||
| 2-Door Coupe S tronic quattro 2.0T Premium Plus | 2-Door Roadster sDrive28i | 2-Door Roadster SLK 250 | 2-Door Coupe Manual | 2-Door Roadster |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Coupe | Convertible | 2 Door Roadster | 2 Door Coupe | Convertible |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/Manual Shift | Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Audi TT vs. 2012 BMW Z4 | 2012 Audi TT vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class | 2012 Audi TT vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z | 2012 Audi TT vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
