Audi
TT
Nissan
350Z
Audi TT vs Nissan 350Z: 2020 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Audi TT comes out ahead of the Nissan 350Z on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. 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.
350Z
Overall
The sentiment among owners is predominantly positive, with the vehicle widely regarded as a reliable, durable, and fun-to-drive sports car. The VQ engine is consistently praised as a "beast" that can "cop a fucking beating without breaking a sweat," with reports of engines lasting well over 250,000 miles with proper care. The platform is described as a "stout design & construction" that is "not considered a problematic used car model." Owners appreciate its dual-purpose capability as both a reliable daily driver and a "full hard track day capable" vehicle.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim or year. However, detailed technical discussions highlight engine variant trade-offs: the early '03-'04 DE engines are noted as solid and economical; the '05-'07 "Rev-Up" DE engines are powerful but notorious for oil consumption; and the '07-'08 VQ35HR engine (also found in the G35) is considered the most stout and powerful NA option.
Known issues
- ⚠Electrical system faults: encompassing no-crank/no-start conditions, fuel pump and sensor failures (P0183, P0462 codes), window regulator failures, bizarre turn signal behavior, and Body Control Module (BCM) failures.
- ⚠Oil consumption: specifically associated with the '05-'07 "Rev-Up" (DE) engine variant, described as a common and significant problem. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Overheating: difficult to diagnose issues potentially related to air in the cooling system, faulty thermostats, or underlying problems not easily identified. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Audi TT is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Nissan 350Z, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Nissan 350Z is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi TT or the Nissan 350Z?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi TT and the Nissan 350Z. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi TT or the Nissan 350Z?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi TT is classed as a Cabriolet, the Nissan 350Z as a Roadster, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi TT or the Nissan 350Z?
The Audi TT is more fuel-efficient on paper: 8.7 L/100km combined versus 11.4 L/100km for the Nissan 350Z, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi TT or the Nissan 350Z?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.