Audi TT Roadster (MK2) vs Mini S Roadster

[Audiophil]

Which one would you pick? I like the Mini more mostly for the standard manual and great handling. The TT is VERY hard to find with a manual and I prefer a manual gear box.

Pros Cons.. Discuss....

[mtbscoTT]

Which one would you pick? I like the Mini more mostly for the standard manual and great handling. The TT is VERY hard to find with a manual and I prefer a manual gear box.

Pros Cons.. Discuss....

Do you mean the MINI convertible, or the two seater roadster that is just coming out?
Pros for the MINI 'vert would be a semi-useable rear seat for when you need it, better mileage if that matters, fun to drive. Be aware that the first gen convertible carried on until model year 2008 I believe, so the first gen II 'vert would be an '09 model even though the gen II coupe came out in 2007. Lots of debate here, but having owned both, I prefer gen II.
The only way you're getting a gen II TT roadster with manual is finding a 3.2 VR6 equipped one, all 4 cylinder gen II TT's in the US have been DSG. It's also a fun car to drive, has sporty handling, and I think has a higher build quality.
If I only needed two seats, I think I'd try to find a nice low mileage 2008-09 TT 3.2 roadster with manual.

[Audiophil]

Thanks for the excellent response!! I did not know that only the 3.2 engine has the manual gear box. I found only 3-4 MK2 TTs for sale that I liked across the US, pretty slim choices. Yes, I am looking at the new 2012 Mini Roadster... will test drive and see how it compares. Thanks again.

[Midlife Crisis 2]

I have a generation II Audi TT convertible which is a 2008 model....they do exist but there aren't very many of 'em. And I still enjoy it every nice day.

[Audiophil]

Yea, the TT is a nice car but with no manual gear box I had to pass. I bought the MINI Roadster, ridiculously fun to drive. May be there will be a MK3 TT with a manual for me to check out in a few years.