Audi
TT
Mercedes-Benz
SLC
Audi TT vs Mercedes-Benz SLC: 2020 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi TT offers power, while the Mercedes-Benz SLC excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Audi TT if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Mercedes-Benz SLC if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
TT
Overall
Sentiment is generally positive, with strong affection for the TT's distinctive design, driver-focused interior, and engaging driving dynamics, particularly in higher-performance TTS and TT RS variants. The vehicle is consistently praised for its practicality as a two-seater, with surprisingly usable boot space, especially with rear seats folded. However, owner sentiment is heavily bifurcated by generation and maintenance history.
Best version to buy
For the Mk3 generation (2015-2023), the TTS is frequently recommended as the best balance of performance, daily comfort, and value over the base TT, while the TT RS is celebrated as the ultimate performance variant with its unique 5-cylinder engine. For earlier generations, the 225-hp Quattro model of the Mk1 is often favored over the front-wheel-drive 180-hp version.
Known issues
- ⚠**Mk1/Mk2 Generations:** Timing belt/chain system failures: Critical maintenance item on 1.8T engines; belt must be replaced every 60k-80k miles (97k-129k km) with water pump; chain stretch issues on later EA888 and VR6 engines.
- ⚠Electrical gremlins: Intermittent faults, failing instrument clusters (pixel loss, inaccurate gauges), faulty comfort control modules preventing window operation. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠DSG (S Tronic) mechatronic unit failures: High-cost repair for automatic models; requires documented service or rebuild at high mileage. Frequency: recurrent.
SLC
Overall
Sentiment is mixed, with a clear divide between appreciation for the car's specific qualities and disappointment in its overall execution. Owners who value the hardtop convertible experience, comfortable cruising, and Mercedes-Benz badge at a relatively attainable price report satisfaction, particularly when purchased used at a significant discount. The vehicle is consistently praised for its comfortable ride, elegant styling, and the practicality of its retractable hardtop.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. Feedback indicates the V6 models (SLC 43 AMG, or the earlier SLK 350) are preferred over the four-cylinder models for their superior power and smoother character.
Known issues
- ⚠Dated and low-quality interior: hard plastics, lack of modern technology and features compared to contemporary Mercedes models and competitors. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Uninspiring driving dynamics: numb steering, lacks sporty engagement, characterized as a cruiser rather than a sports car. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Convertible roof mechanism problems: potential for expensive hydraulic leaks and failures; requires thorough testing and preventive maintenance. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz SLC is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Audi TT, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Audi TT is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi TT or the Mercedes-Benz SLC?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi TT and the Mercedes-Benz SLC. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi TT or the Mercedes-Benz SLC?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi TT is classed as a Cabriolet, the Mercedes-Benz SLC as a Coupe - Cabriolet, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi TT or the Mercedes-Benz SLC?
The Mercedes-Benz SLC is more fuel-efficient on paper: 8.1 L/100km combined versus 8.7 L/100km for the Audi TT, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi TT or the Mercedes-Benz SLC?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi TT than the Mercedes-Benz SLC. See the known issues comparison above.