I read the latest issue of Road & Track where they tested the Crossfire against the TT. Crossfire beats TT on every performance category except quarter-mile and ties on 0-60. They noted about the TT's turbo lag and understeer in the corners, and the Crossfire's superior grip, cornering, and smooth power delivery. They even rated the Crossfire better on styling! The conclusion? "We prefer the TT because it just feels better." Just goes to show that advertising dollars = great reviews, and in this case thay were too afraid to **** off the Audiphiles.

Did anyone else read this article? What do you think?

 

A gorgeous rwd sports car blows the doors off of an AWD car in the slalom and skid pad and clobbers it in braking, posting numbers that should have it hanging around with more impressive hardware than a VW Golf in an arguably cool wrapper. Conclusion: The $4000 more, lower performing car is the winner. Must be that new Math they taught when I was younger..... :roll: I don't know how one can post such performance in a vehicle with such numb touring tuning. To the author's credit, they do agree that the "performance is inarguable, the looks stunning, and the value exceptional." He also said they were a little "sun-addled," a condition that may explain the conclusion... :?

 

I never take these Nike "swoop" wearing-label minded BIASed reviewers seriously. Take a look at the 15-point comparison for instance. The Crossfire out braked the TT and yet they gave the TT top score of 15 and the Crossfire a 12. If a big fat 3-star was on the Crossfire grill, you can bet the review would have been favorably Crossfire.

SSB 2-tone slate gray 6spd #1115

 

I used to own a lowered 1.8t Beetle, and I've driven the TT on a couple of occasions, not much difference. While they handle pretty good, they're still based on front-drive architecture, which means they are dynamically front-heavy. Fat tires and stiffer suspensions only delay the inherent understeer that happens at the limit. The Crossfire is truly lightyears ahead when it comes to balance and RWD driving dynamics. It's one the best-handling cars I've driven!

 

The Crossfire should be compared with the 350Z, Infiniti G35 Coupe and Mazda RX-8 all serious rides, but it will take a few more horses for it to come out on top. Chrysler is working on it. As for me, I don't miss the horses, it's plenty fast enough for me as is. However, I may trade-up after availability and I read the numbers.

 

I'm keeping what I have. I'll look at what kind of after-market stuff comes out to grab a few more horses. I've already done K&N air filters. Now need to think exhaust and computer. :twisted:

 

I don't think we have too much to worry about with the Mazda RX-8, since Mazda recently admitted that it really only makes 198 hp (oops!). As for the Z and the G35, they definitely win on straight-line acceleration, but I believe the Crossfire still wins on handling and braking. The SRT-6 will make minced meat out of everybody, including my Crossfire! I guess I'll take the Road & Track cop-out and say my Crossfire "just feels better!"

 

I agree the Crossfire is a much better all around sports car. It is by far the best looking and fun to own sports car out there. The Audi TT is just yesterdays news.

 

Wow,

I just checked Mazda's website. You're right. 197hp in automatic trim. They were advertising projected hp of 280-300 early in the development, then 280, the 250, then 247, now 238 for the six speed and 197 for the auto. What a joke.

Hyundai did that with their 2.7 V-6 Tiburon. Rated it at 181hp, the dropped in to 170 in an "I'm sorry" letter offering an extra year of warranty. Who's keeping these mfg'ers honest?

Well I hope the Xfire is honest. They're already on the skinny side.

PK