Was looking at the specs of the 2012 Audi TT Coupe which starts at $38,300 and was surprised to learn that with a comparable weight and HP to the 2012 JCW Coupe it was much faster 5.3 sec vs 6.1 sec 0-60.

Is this because of the increase in torque (258 vs 192 lb-ft), standard Quattro all wheel drive and 6 speed dual clutch transmission?

 

Torque is what gets you moving and all-wheel drive puts it to the ground. Pretty hard for a FWD car to out accelerate an AWD car with similar specs IMO. The Audi auto box is also probably pretty quick - but i'm not sure of the specs.

 

Yes... AWD, and DSG trans. That's exactly why it's faster.

That said, peak torque can be misleading, and is a lot less meaningful than one might think. You don't need much torque to accelerate quickly, as long as you can multiply the torque you do have.

 

One of the biggest challenges with rapid, straight-line acceleration in a FWD car like the MINI JCW is simple physics -- just keeping traction on the drive wheels:

All other things being equal, as you begin to rapidly accelerate, Mr. Newton sees to it that the weight of the vehicle shifts toward the rear wheels. This works to the advantage of a RWD vehicle, as more weight on the drive wheels naturally helps to provide traction under high torque loadings. Better traction means more of the engine power can be transmitted to the wheels and to the road. The opposite occurs with a FWD vehicle; weight shifts from the drive wheels, which makes it more difficult to maintain traction when you want it the most... AWD vehicles with adaptable systems can compensate by biasing toward RWD when it senses slip in the front drive wheels, so they also provide better wheel traction under heavy acceleration.

 

Thanks guys. All your comments make sense - I think I understand it now!!!

 

This is why I would like to stiffen my rear suspension. I don't like how much the rear dips when I take off hard. I'd like the Coupe to remain nearly level. Wishful thinking, eh?