Compare the2023 Audi TTVS 2023 Lexus RC

The TT has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RC doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the TT. But it costs extra on the RC.

Both the TT and the RC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems and rearview cameras.

The TT’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RC’s (12 vs. 6 years).

There are over 25 percent more Audi dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the TT’s warranty.

The Audi TT’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the RC’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the TT’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the RC’s camshafts. If the RC’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

The battery on the TT is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the TT’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The RC’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

As tested in Car and Driver the Audi TT is faster than the RC 350 3.5 DOHC V6:

On the EPA test cycle the TT gets better mileage than the RC:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the TT (except RS)’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The RC doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Audi TT uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The RC requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The TT has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The RC doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Audi TT at emission levels ranging from “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) to “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Lexus RC is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

The TT offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The RC doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The TT RS’ launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The RC doesn’t offer launch control.

The TT RS offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The RC doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The TT stops much shorter than the RC:

For better traction, the TT has larger standard tires than the RC (245/40R18 vs. 235/40R19). The TT’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC (255/30R20 vs. 235/40R19).

The TT 45 TSFI’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RC’s standard 45 series tires. The TT’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the RC’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TT offers optional 20-inch wheels. The RC’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Audi TT may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 550 pounds less than the Lexus RC.

The TT is 1 foot, 8 inches shorter than the RC, making the TT easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The TT Coupe has a much larger trunk than the RC (12 vs. 10.4 cubic feet).

The TT has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The RC doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

The TT’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The RC’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The TT’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The RC’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the TT to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RC doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the TT has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RC doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi TT has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The RC doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Audi TT comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Lexus RC isn’t available as a convertible.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi TT, based on reliability, safety and performance.