daudi81

I'm pretty much set on an A7, but other than price and obvious powertrain upgrades, what are the major differences? They all look nearly identical to me as well (from the outside). Are there any cons to just getting the full blown RS7 or S7 over the A7?

This will mostly be a daily driver, and I do not track it or anything. I like fast cars (who doesn't?), but I'm not looking for something with a completely JARRING ride that I won't feel comfortable in driving 150 - 200 miles to see family every other weekend. I drove the A7, and it feels pretty quick, but it's not as peppy as my 335i. Am I being ridiculous?

Price is not really an issue, as my budget is around $120k - $130k. I'm also looking heavily at the MB CLS550 or AMG, but there's just something about Audi.

The problem is there are no dealerships with the RS7's so I have no idea how they feel.

daudi81

FYI - I live in Utah with high elevation. I think that's why the A7 didn't feel as peppy as the 335i - as turbo engine's do a lot better in high elevations. That's why I'm leaning towards the S7/RS7.

onthebeam

S7 is 8 cyl. and mighty fast. No need to go up to RS7. I opted for A7 because I like a 6 cyl. for a good combination of relative fuel economy and still lots of power for me. I think it's 330 horsepower--just right for all I need coming from an Infiniti G35 that's just over 300 hp and plenty fast.

nyca

I think I read on the RS7 blog that there is a 9 month wait for it. That said, if I was in the market for the V8 - I think I would go for the RS7 because it will hold its value, especially if Audi makes it for only 2 model years and then stops.

1centaur

It was noted in a recent thread that the RS7 does not have a spare tire. That would be a significant negative for some on a daily driver. If you are not a big fan of an aggressive engine note the RS7 might be tiresome, based on some videos I have heard. And depending where you drive, the extra .3 seconds 0-60 might not get much workout.

The S7 is a very (very) nice daily driver with plenty of acceleration for most of the opportunities the vaguely law abiding citizen will face.

amelen

Both the A6/A7 and BMW 535xi felt slower to me than a 335. It has to do with the extra weight. Once you're up to speed, passing power is probably better on the A7 than the 335i, but I definitely could see it "feeling" slower. I came from a 135i and was seriously considering the 335xi.

moosehead1

Very simple comparison per manufacturer. Note chassis, body, and other dimensions are from the same platform so essentially identical.

A7:

3.0L V6 Supercharged
310 HP & 325 ft lbs torque
8 speed auto tiptronic
0-60 in 5.4 seconds
Available in S-Line and Sport Trims giving some aesthetic of S7, coil suspension

S7:

4.0L V8 Turbocharged
420 HP & 406 ft lbs torque
7 speed stronic dual clutch
0-60 in 4.5 seconds
Upgraded brakes, air suspension, quilted sport seats, etc

RS7:

4.0 V8 Turbocharged, substantially upgraded internals
560 HP & 516 ft lbs torque
8 speed auto tiptronic
0-60 3.7 seconds
Upgraded brakes, coil or air suspension, RS7 exterior and interior trim, etc.

Short answer, you got the coin to buy into supercar status with the RS7. Many run it as a kick **** DD.

amelen

I believe the S7 & RS7 are a little heavier than the A7 (mostly due to the engine). Also, the S7/RS7 seats 4, the A7 (2013+) seats 5.

emcman

So your finding AMG on the lot? Whether it be AMG, M's or RS
I usually have to drive the closest thing to it and then guess what it would be like with more power and if I want it. If I do find one it is never the model line I am looking for.

HaveBlue

I came from a Lexus IS350 which is 300hp in a compact car. It definitely was more of an animal but A7 is such a cruiser. It handles better and feels more stable at speed. I drove both the regular A7 and the sport suspension model. The sport drove nicer for me. Not harsh, but firm. The regular one wallowed to much for me on highway dips.