- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
3.2i, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
184kW, 320Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 9.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Luxury performance coupes: Audi TT v BMW Z4 v Mercedes SLK v Porsche Cayman
Fly the coupes
To the average consumer, luxury performance coupes appear little more than automotive indulgences. They are the 101-inch plasma televisions of the transport world. No one could ever justify spending close to (or more than) six figures to carry just two people and a few small bags of shopping.
But coupes aren't about practicality.
The people who crave them are drawn to their scintillating performance, their expertly crafted curves and their ability to put a plus-size smile on the owner's face every time the engine fires into life.
Porsche is the acknowledged master of this breed, as it should be after nearly 60 years building little else. Its Cayman has successfully filled a void that had appeared over the past two decades, as Porsche's main model, the 911, went up in size. And performance. And price.
But nothing attracts competition like success and the Porsche Cayman is under attack on several fronts. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have returned to the stove-hot small coupe scene with the Z4 and the SLK respectively. An equally impressive challenge comes from Audi with its second-generation TT coupe.
So, which of these four respected brands builds the best performance coupe for everyday use?
In hindsight it was unfair to bring the Mercedes-Benz SLK280 along on this shootout, because its design brief was not as keenly focused as the rest.
It's the bluntest tool in this shed and, though it's far from disgraced dynamically, it doesn't have the kit to make up the deficit.
The BMW Z4 embodies flawed genius. It has a long equipment list and a brilliant engine in a drop-dead body that's pleasant enough to live with around town.
Ultimately, though, the Z4's Achilles heel is its lack of grip, especially in wet conditions. A busy ride, touchy throttle and lacklustre interior design further dull the shine.
The TT V6 is not the most involving to drive of our four, but it is almost the cheapest, it's well equipped and very quick. Its 3.2-litre V6 and DSG gearbox combine to shine brighter than even the BMW's technically adept drive-train. The TT is the fastest in a straight line come rain, hail or shine, thanks to its all-wheel-drive. And once on the move it responds powerfully to every throttle prod.
The TT is sharper the second time around, no question, but still cannot match the Cayman's connection with driver and road.
Interestingly, the cheaper 2.0-litre TT is a more cohesive performance package than the heavier, more powerful V6. But the TT 3.2FSI justifies its $20,000 premium in other ways.
The Cayman's weakness is that it demands more compromise as a daily driver than any other. It is under-equipped and expensive, and it is boomy, stiff and often testy as you'd expect of a thoroughbred. Would you ask Makybe Diva to pull a plough?
That makes the ultimate decision a case of horses for courses.
Those chasing the sharpest drive and the dream should draw the Cayman from its holster and forgive its everyday imperfections. If you're after the best everyday performance coupe for the money, then it has to be the Audi TT V6.
Audi TT 3.2 V6
Engine: 3.2-litre V6
Power: 184kW at 6300rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 2500 to 3000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automated manual
Driving wheels: All
Fuel rating label: 9.4L/100km
BMW Z4 3.0si
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder
Power: 195kW at 6600rpm
Torque: 315Nm at 2750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Driving wheels: Rear
Fuel rating label: 8.9L/100km
Mercedes Benz SLK280
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Power: 170kW at 6100rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 3500rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Driving wheels: Rear
Fuel rating label: 9.5L/100km
Porsche Cayman
Engine: 2.7-litre six-cylinder
Power: 180kW at 6500rpm
Torque: 273Nm at 4600rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Driving wheels: Rear
Fuel rating label: 9.3L/100km