Deciding between 2014-2016 RS7 and 2016-2017 RS7 Performance

[alexbai94]

Hey guys,

Looking to get some input from you guys in terms of what you would do given you were in my position.

I am looking into getting in a RS7 (CPO if the price is right, hopefully) but I am a little lost in terms of whether there is any point to getting the RS7 performance vs the regular RS7 if I am going to be Stage 1 ECU tuned eventually anyway.

In my area it seems that 2014-2015's are selling for around $70-80,000 depending on the mileage, whereas 2016 RS7 Performances are right at around $100,000. This is all in CAD mind you.

I read that the brake changes are a costly wear and tear item and also read that the carbon ceramic brakes from the performance RS7's last over 100,000 KM, even up to 150,000KM. Is this, alongside the small differences in power stock worth the extra ~$20-25,000?

Ideally I would like something around 40,000KM or less.

Any expected maintenance items that have been a big problem for you or have heard of would also be very insightful! I will be coming from a B8.5 S4.

[widebodyfx]

I have a 2016 Performance. I would compare 2016 to 2016, pre facelift is a different variable to me, they are starting to come off of warranty and are a different look.

Was not looking for a Performance model and I would have been fine without it. I didn’t have a huge premium above a non Performance as far as I could tell when watching the market over the summer. I still see 2016 Prestige RS7s with higher asking prices and (12.5 at the time) higher miles than what I paid so over the last 3 months of ownership I haven’t seen a ton of other Prestige’s that I would have bought instead of this one.

The plus side of the Ceramic brakes are little to no dust and no squeal, RS7 wave rotors are quite expensive in their own right and from reading here they can wear quick with a heavy fast car. Downside of the Ceramic brakes would be larger disc 420mm vs 390mm so less selection of 20” wheels and cost if you need to replace the discs which are high dollar.

Performance models have red boost gauge in the cluster, soft close doors as standard and nicer standard wheels (taste varies).

Performance models are DRC only so no air suspension. I was hesitant at first on this one since air suspension is very convenient. Running KW HAS now and it surprising feels less stiff in dynamic compared to the stock springs. Slamming the car with factory air has its advantages but I haven’t regretted the DRC.

For tuning yes any negligible difference with overboost numbers from the Performance model goes out the window but it’s not like the difference in price is all about peak power numbers. If and when you sell the Performance moniker would be a separator to an non-Performance models.

Any good RS7 will leave you grinning from ear to ear. They are fun and ridiculously fast for the size.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Chiromikey]

I have a 2016 Performance. I would compare 2016 to 2016, pre facelift is a different variable to me, they are starting to come off of warranty and are a different look.

Was not looking for a Performance model and I would have been fine without it. I didn’t have a huge premium above a non Performance as far as I could tell when watching the market over the summer. I still see 2016 Prestige RS7s with higher asking prices and (12.5 at the time) higher miles than what I paid so over the last 3 months of ownership I haven’t seen a ton of other Prestige’s that I would have bought instead of this one.

The plus side of the Ceramic brakes are little to no dust and no squeal, RS7 wave rotors are quite expensive in their own right and from reading here they can wear quick with a heavy fast car. Downside of the Ceramic brakes would be larger disc 420mm vs 390mm so less selection of 20” wheels and cost if you need to replace the discs which are high dollar.

Performance models have red boost gauge in the cluster, soft close doors as standard and nicer standard wheels (taste varies).

Performance models are DRC only so no air suspension. I was hesitant at first on this one since air suspension is very convenient. Running KW HAS now and it surprising feels less stiff in dynamic compared to the stock springs. Slamming the car with factory air has its advantages but I haven’t regretted the DRC.

For tuning yes any negligible difference with overboost numbers from the Performance model goes out the window but it’s not like the difference in price is all about peak power numbers. If and when you sell the Performance moniker would be a separator to an non-Performance models.

Any good RS7 will leave you grinning from ear to ear. They are fun and ridiculously fast for the size.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

I just picked up a 2016 prestige with DRC. I was hoping to find one I wanted with air but it met my main requirements so DRC wasn’t a deal breaker. Are you lowered on your KWs? I’m coming from 15 years of AMGs and with very little adjustability they were a nightmare to align at stock height not to mention when lowered. Are you having any alignment or tire wear issues?

[widebodyfx]

Just put the KW on last month, waiting for them to settled before adjusting a bit (raise the rear a little) and get a better alignment. I don’t drive a ton but the C7 does have some aftermarket options for the front arms to get things back into alignment. I had a S6 prior to this RS7 and drove with the air suspension pretty low all the time. Never really noticed terrible wear.

Can post some photos later. There are a few KW HAS DRC guys on the forums, never really found a very good thread though. ABT has a HAS option as well, they would look like a rebranded KW but heard they are supposed to be different (assuming different spring rate).


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[alexbai94]

I have a 2016 Performance. I would compare 2016 to 2016, pre facelift is a different variable to me, they are starting to come off of warranty and are a different look.

Was not looking for a Performance model and I would have been fine without it. I didn’t have a huge premium above a non Performance as far as I could tell when watching the market over the summer. I still see 2016 Prestige RS7s with higher asking prices and (12.5 at the time) higher miles than what I paid so over the last 3 months of ownership I haven’t seen a ton of other Prestige’s that I would have bought instead of this one.

The plus side of the Ceramic brakes are little to no dust and no squeal, RS7 wave rotors are quite expensive in their own right and from reading here they can wear quick with a heavy fast car. Downside of the Ceramic brakes would be larger disc 420mm vs 390mm so less selection of 20” wheels and cost if you need to replace the discs which are high dollar.

Performance models have red boost gauge in the cluster, soft close doors as standard and nicer standard wheels (taste varies).

Performance models are DRC only so no air suspension. I was hesitant at first on this one since air suspension is very convenient. Running KW HAS now and it surprising feels less stiff in dynamic compared to the stock springs. Slamming the car with factory air has its advantages but I haven’t regretted the DRC.

For tuning yes any negligible difference with overboost numbers from the Performance model goes out the window but it’s not like the difference in price is all about peak power numbers. If and when you sell the Performance moniker would be a separator to an non-Performance models.

Any good RS7 will leave you grinning from ear to ear. They are fun and ridiculously fast for the size.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

I appreciate the response and thank you for your insight.

The reason I mentioned the carbon ceramics was because I will probably own the car for around 3-4 years, and if I can avoid doing a brake change because of how long they last vs 2-3 changes of the wavey rotors, I may come out ahead and save myself some headache.

But from what you're saying, it seems to be at that big of a gap you would probably opt for the cheaper option? Facelist vs pre face-list aesthetically I like both and is not a big factor to me. I just want to have a good idea of what type of maintenance comes with one or the other and would like to mitigate it as much as possible, even if I can afford it.

[widebodyfx]

I'm not the best person to suggest Ceramics or not, I put them on my previous S6 so they are worth it to me. Our brake systems do a brake wipe function during rain, windshield wipers coming on = the brakes will try to wipe away water every so often, being in Seattle that meant very dirty wheels all the time. I haven't had to pay any extra attention to the wheels in between washes with Ceramics. They should last quite a long time with non autobahn speed limits and regular driving, think Porsche guys might have more input on how long they last.


For other maintenance, the oil separator and oil screen are a problem plaguing the C7s. We have lots of threads on those topics, not something that can be diagnosed easily before turbo oil starvation. Perhaps all of us C7 guys have blinders on. We end up paying for the work and maintenance of changing those out to latest revisions on our own to not end up stranded.

[rabbitdog]

I came from ‘14 A7 to ‘16 S6 and now ‘14 RS7 ( 3 months ownership so far). I choose the ‘14 RS7 because it was one of the last low mileage ones covered by CPO and it had all the extra stuff I wanted (phantom black, night vision, B&O, comfort seats, black optics, carbon fiber, air suspension). I opted for Audi care - Used and MBP 2 yr plan.
If not mistaken Canadian models don’t get the soft close doors as standard. We don’t get a lot of stuff as standard.
Being a Canadian car there is a lot of surface rust under neath but I spray my own rust check.

For brakes I bought EBC red stuff they are cheap, but will replace the oem ones after the winter so I don’t completely waste them. I probably still have decent life on the rotors plus I don’t drive that much.
I was much happier that the C7/‘14 VCDS still can change a lot of settings where as my ‘16 S6 had a lot of restrictions like the VIM or engineering menu.

Plugged in rsnav and a new Milltek non res Exhaust and I got a big smile on my face :).

Don’t think I would tune it as I want to keep the warranty for while, besides it’s not like I can rip it up on the Public roads.

[Chiromikey]

I'm not the best person to suggest Ceramics or not, I put them on my previous S6 so they are worth it to me. Our brake systems do a brake wipe function during rain, windshield wipers coming on = the brakes will try to wipe away water every so often, being in Seattle that meant very dirty wheels all the time. I haven't had to pay any extra attention to the wheels in between washes with Ceramics. They should last quite a long time with non autobahn speed limits and regular driving, think Porsche guys might have more input on how long they last.


For other maintenance, the oil separator and oil screen are a problem plaguing the C7s. We have lots of threads on those topics, not something that can be diagnosed easily before turbo oil starvation. Perhaps all of us C7 guys have blinders on. We end up paying for the work and maintenance of changing those out to latest revisions on our own to not end up stranded.

I’ve been reading a bit about this. When did the revisions take place for the turbo oil separator and screen? If I have a ‘16 that was a mid to late ‘15 build, should I be concerned?

[15 Phantom S6]

I’ve been reading a bit about this. When did the revisions take place for the turbo oil separator and screen? If I have a ‘16 that was a mid to late ‘15 build, should I be concerned?

It will still have the old revision parts.. I think it was in 2017 when they did the revision but even then, it will depend when the engine was built, not when the car was built..

[Phantom75]

If I was looking at a year post face lift, I would certainly wait to find the performance model. They command a premium but not a huge amount as a used car. The wave rotors are super expensive as are the pads. I didn't know the P model came with the carbon as standard - good to know. I wouldn't mind the carbon brakes, but you will need to make sure anyone messing with your wheels/tires is really carful during service not to chip them. I wonder if you could take out a small insurance policy just for the brakes!!!

If you found the perfect deal on a non-P and there was a significant cost difference, I wouldn't hesitate. You can tune well past anything the P model offers. I wouldn't look at it as a deal breaker but I would still have it as a want if possible.

[Chiromikey]

It will still have the old revision parts.. I think it was in 2017 when they did the revision but even then, it will depend when the engine was built, not when the car was built..

Good to know, thanks. Any chance owners are getting Audi to preemptively replace these under warranty or are there any service bulletins to make them aware of potential problems?

[alexbai94]

I came from ‘14 A7 to ‘16 S6 and now ‘14 RS7 ( 3 months ownership so far). I choose the ‘14 RS7 because it was one of the last low mileage ones covered by CPO and it had all the extra stuff I wanted (phantom black, night vision, B&O, comfort seats, black optics, carbon fiber, air suspension). I opted for Audi care - Used and MBP 2 yr plan.
If not mistaken Canadian models don’t get the soft close doors as standard. We don’t get a lot of stuff as standard.
Being a Canadian car there is a lot of surface rust under neath but I spray my own rust check.

For brakes I bought EBC red stuff they are cheap, but will replace the oem ones after the winter so I don’t completely waste them. I probably still have decent life on the rotors plus I don’t drive that much.
I was much happier that the C7/‘14 VCDS still can change a lot of settings where as my ‘16 S6 had a lot of restrictions like the VIM or engineering menu.

Plugged in rsnav and a new Milltek non res Exhaust and I got a big smile on my face :).

Don’t think I would tune it as I want to keep the warranty for while, besides it’s not like I can rip it up on the Public roads.

Thank you for the response. I'm hearing brake changes even bought from outside dealerships are around 4-5k USD for fronts and rears. This is why it's making me second guess whether it makes more sense just to look for a performance with ceramics so I can avoid the brake change before moving on to a new car.

If you don't mind me asking what was your before tax cost on the car and what was the mileage? I've heard the milltek on a local RS7 and the popcorn downshift burbles are filthy!

If I was looking at a year post face lift, I would certainly wait to find the performance model. They command a premium but not a huge amount as a used car. The wave rotors are super expensive as are the pads. I didn't know the P model came with the carbon as standard - good to know. I wouldn't mind the carbon brakes, but you will need to make sure anyone messing with your wheels/tires is really carful during service not to chip them. I wonder if you could take out a small insurance policy just for the brakes!!!

If you found the perfect deal on a non-P and there was a significant cost difference, I wouldn't hesitate. You can tune well past anything the P model offers. I wouldn't look at it as a deal breaker but I would still have it as a want if possible.

Currently the gap seems to be about $20,000 CAD, maybe even a little more. Seeing as I'm mainly looking for a CPO one, I suppose it's a toss up depending on the limited selection we have.

[15 Phantom S6]

Good to know, thanks. Any chance owners are getting Audi to preemptively replace these under warranty or are there any service bulletins to make them aware of potential problems?

I have only ever heard of these parts being replaced when getting turbos swapped out under warranty..

[mavpsire]

I was in the exact same situation as you and would have opted for a 2016+ performance model if I hadn't come across a great deal on a 2015 (see sig) complete with literally every mod I wanted to do AND in the colour I wanted.

The only downside is that its kind of boring now as it came with everything and I have only an exhaust left to do lol.

Brakes as everyone mentioned are indeed expensive, but I knew that going in and started saving for them the moment I got the car. I have always done the brakes on my cars myself so cost for this did not concern me.

To me the extra $20-25k is worth the 2016+ performance price (Warranty, Stage 1 comparable, updated styling, ackro exhaust), unless you find a steal of a deal on a C7 RS7.

Stage 2 with downpipes will run you approx $7-8k CDN installed.

Hey guys,

Looking to get some input from you guys in terms of what you would do given you were in my position.

I am looking into getting in a RS7 (CPO if the price is right, hopefully) but I am a little lost in terms of whether there is any point to getting the RS7 performance vs the regular RS7 if I am going to be Stage 1 ECU tuned eventually anyway.

In my area it seems that 2014-2015's are selling for around $70-80,000 depending on the mileage, whereas 2016 RS7 Performances are right at around $100,000. This is all in CAD mind you.

I read that the brake changes are a costly wear and tear item and also read that the carbon ceramic brakes from the performance RS7's last over 100,000 KM, even up to 150,000KM. Is this, alongside the small differences in power stock worth the extra ~$20-25,000?

Ideally I would like something around 40,000KM or less.

Any expected maintenance items that have been a big problem for you or have heard of would also be very insightful! I will be coming from a B8.5 S4.

[rabbitdog]

Thank you for the response. I'm hearing brake changes even bought from outside dealerships are around 4-5k USD for fronts and rears. This is why it's making me second guess whether it makes more sense just to look for a performance with ceramics so I can avoid the brake change before moving on to a new car.

If you don't mind me asking what was your before tax cost on the car and what was the mileage? I've heard the milltek on a local RS7 and the popcorn downshift burbles are filthy!

Brake changes DIY = Free. Rotors don’t cost $20k ( if not mistaken $2-3k)
My limited time list price was CAD77k with 44,000km. Still don’t see anything on market similarly spec. I would have had to pay CAD90k for a ‘16 standard RS7 with non of the goodies.

[alexbai94]

I was in the exact same situation as you and would have opted for a 2016+ performance model if I hadn't come across a great deal on a 2015 (see sig) complete with literally every mod I wanted to do AND in the colour I wanted.

The only downside is that its kind of boring now as it came with everything and I have only an exhaust left to do lol.

Brakes as everyone mentioned are indeed expensive, but I knew that going in and started saving for them the moment I got the car. I have always done the brakes on my cars myself so cost for this did not concern me.

To me the extra $20-25k is worth the 2016+ performance price (Warranty, Stage 1 comparable, updated styling, ackro exhaust), unless you find a steal of a deal on a C7 RS7.

Stage 2 with downpipes will run you approx $7-8k CDN installed.

You're in Calgary. I'm jealous of that 5% tax on your cars! When I purchase this car it'll be 15% tax on top of the purchase price. If you don't mind me asking what was the price/mileage at the time of purchase before taxes?

Brake changes DIY = Free. Rotors don’t cost $20k ( if not mistaken $2-3k)
My limited time list price was CAD77k with 44,000km. Still don’t see anything on market similarly spec. I would have had to pay CAD90k for a ‘16 standard RS7 with non of the goodies.

I was saying that buying a ceramic brake kit costs around $20,000 and they are known to last 100-150,000 KM supposedly so I would be able to avoid a brake change before selling was my logic, but not sure it checks out.

[rabbitdog]

I was saying that buying a ceramic brake kit costs around $20,000 and they are known to last 100-150,000 KM supposedly so I would be able to avoid a brake change before selling was my logic, but not sure it checks out.

Yeah, which is why I am happy with the steel brakes more cost effective in the long run. If I did get a car with that option my plan would be to swap them to steel brakes later on instead of getting new ones when it wears.

[mavpsire]

You're in Calgary. I'm jealous of that 5% tax on your cars! When I purchase this car it'll be 15% tax on top of the purchase price. If you don't mind me asking what was the price/mileage at the time of purchase before taxes?

Hah yeah, but prices out east and in BC should reflect the difference between the taxes.

I paid 100k @ 27,000km including all the mods as well as AudiCare exactly a year ago. Slightly overpriced, but worth it to me for not having to figure out the $$ to mod it after the fact.

[widebodyfx]

Just to follow up on CCB, had a service appointment for the PODS repair and they inspected the brakes. Service Advisor said disc and pads still look brand new at 14k miles. Don't mind the tire air pressure, dealers put way too much in there for max load.