Performance Review: Audi TT 1.8T 180 - [1998]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Audi TT Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Audi TT 1.8T 180 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1998. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the .This particular Audi TT has a 1781cc Turbo Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V4's includes the 1969 Ford Capri 2000 GT

The TT shares its Petrol V4 engine configuration with the likes of the 1969 Ford Capri 2000 GT and the If you're looking for other fast cars which share the TT's All Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the or the .

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1419 kgs (3128 lbs) this makes the Audi TT 1.8T 180 in the same weight category as the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto or the give or take 50kg.

The Audi TT shares the same bhp with the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp)

In terms of power the 1781cc 20V V4 engine produces 181 bhp (134 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (197 bhp).

The Turbo V4 throws out 173 lb-ft (234.5 Nm) @ 1950 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Audi TT you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2003 MG ZT 4.6 V8 260 (152.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Audi TT.

The Audi TT has a Power to weight ratio of 127.5 bhp per ton and 121.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1998 TT competing with the 2003 MG ZT 4.6 V8 260 (152.3 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TSI 2.0 Turbo (152.2 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Audi TT generating around 121.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1987 Renault 5 GT Turbo (146.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2000 Audi A4 3.0 V6 Quattro (146.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.1 secs, this made the Audi TT 1.8T 180 as fast as the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the or the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs). This Audi TT 1.8T 180 is also faster than the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (7.90 secs) the 2013 Subaru BRZ 2L 210ps Sportshift (7.90 secs) the 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TDI (7.90 secs) the and the 2011 Infiniti FX 30d 3.0 V6 Diesel (7.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the TT and the 2003 Volvo S80 T6 3.0 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Audi TT on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.66 secs @ 87.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2003 Volvo S80 T6 3.0 Turbo (15.59 secs), the 2004 Renault Clio 2.0 16V 182 Cup (15.60 secs), and the 1997 Honda Civic Type R 1.6 16v - EK9 (15.61 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1998 version of the Audi TT 1.8T 180 has a maximum speed of 134mph.

Top Speed of the 1998 TT equals the 2020 Lotus Elise Sport 220 1.8 Supercharged (145 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1998 Audi TT 1.8T 180 then how about the 2020 Lotus Elise Sport 220 1.8 Supercharged (145 mph), the 2019 Lotus Exige Sport 350 Roadster 3.5 V6 (145 mph), or the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (145 mph).

Related Links:

1998 TT Rivals List.

A Brief History of Audi

Car Comparison