Pitting Audi’s TTS against Alfa’s 4C may look like an unusual comparison at a first glance, but once you delve into the details, it suddenly makes sense.

The Audi TT was always a car that was kind of forced to be compared with genuine sports cars like the Porsche Cayman and that wasn’t entirely fair, given that the platform it uses was always getting in the way, coming from much affordable cars like the VW Golf.

The latest generation though has managed to take advantage of the sheer brilliance of the MQB platform, giving it a much more sporty character than before, without compromising the everyday values that made it such a commercial hit.

Alfa Romeo’s proposal, on the other hand, takes a completely different route using a bespoke carbon tub as its base, a feature we see only in top-end supercars even today, and mixes it with a powertrain from the range-topping Giulietta hatchback to give the 4C a genuine mini-Ferrari feel to match its supermodel looks.

The strong focus on lightweight materials and the whole mind-set of its structure also mean that the Alfa Romeo 4C is not a car that you could daily drive with the same comfort as you would with the Audi. Despite the practical drawbacks though, this is still one of the most refreshing and exciting driving experiences you can get for the money.

Can the new Audi TTS with its newfound sportiness and impressive speed win this comparison? Or is the Alfa Romeo 4C with its loud turbo noises and thoroughbred sports-car chassis just too good to be beaten?

Motor Trend has the answer for you in the video linked below.

VIDEO