S7 vs. RS7 Is there really a big performance difference?

[Tnmax]

My 2016 S7 is probably the finest car I've ever owned. After 2 + years of ownership, I still get a kick out of driving it. It's heavily optioned and has everything I'd ever want in a daily driver. That said, I'm always looking for "the next one" and stalk all the usual suspects from MB and BMW. One car I've not driven, however, is the RS7 and have always wondered what the difference would be compared to my car. Reading/watching reviews online would lead you to think they're almost too much for the street and how "raw" they are compared to the A7. The S7 rarely enters the discussion.

So, to anyone who has owned and/or driven both, is there a marked difference? 110 horse power and 150? lbs torque in a car weighing 4500 pounds doesn't seem like it'd make a HUGE difference (considering the weight), but then again, I've never driven one. I'd have to think the dual clutch is way better than the slush box in the RS. Stats on paper are one thing, but what's the real world experience? There's usually 7 to 10 used ones within 100 miles of my location and they look to be a bargain at $60K to $70K. Is it all hype? Are they really that different? Should I rush right out and trade mine in for one?

Any opinion and insight would be appreciated. Sorry if this has been discussed before. Many thanks!

[MSq5]

I think stock RS7s at sea level are low to mid 11 second quarter mile cars with trap speed at 125 mph or so. That’s a good bit quicker than a a stock S7 which would be about a whole second slower or so at 12.4-12.5 seconds and a full 10 mph slower trap speed.

That works out to being at least 10 car lengths behind at the end of the quarter.

And, with minor mods, you can get deeply into the 10s in the quarter and destroy all but a very few super cars.

But, that may not be your main priority.

[blackout85]

Driven both. Own an RS7 now. It's a silly question imo. The performance is night and day different. With a few relatively cheap mods on the RS7, you will beat anything on the street unless you run into a real new age supercar... But even still my RS7 destroys my 2013 Gallardo Superleggera (in a straight line yes). Makes my Lambo look as fast as a Ford Focus lol

Good luck!

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[gk1]

YES!
A huge difference.
FWIW +50HP is a big difference...+110 & +150 lb-ft is massive.
There is not enough difference between transmissions to make up that power difference. S-tronic may upshift a minuscule amount faster and you can get "true" neutral drop style launch control, but the ZF8 is so well made and AudiSport tuned that an RS7 brake boosting will be as faster or faster (60ft) than an S-tronic launch and the ZF shift times are not far off from the dual clutch.
Just check out dragtimes.com. My miracle run 60ft. time is 1.607s. Average is closer to 1.7+ and that is Stage I with +80HP & +175 lb-ft over stock and a TCU tune. (My stock 60ft average is closer to 1.8s)
A stock RS7 can pull off a 1.7s 60ft. so no real dual clutch transmission advantages there.
Stock S6 1/4 mile ~ 12.2-12.4
Stock RS7 1/4 mile ~ 11.2 - 11.5
If you don't know drag racing 1 second is huge.

I love my S6 too, but an RS7 is a big performance step up from a stock S6.

Also something to think about that is often forget the s-tronic is usually slower to downshift than a traditional automatic. Basically since it is often "prepared" to upshift quickly, a sudden downshift (especially a couple gears) costs it some time.
S4/S6 S-tronic is a cool dual clutch for it's time (circa 2010) but it is nearly equaled by many excellent ZF's today and not as good as a modern Porsche PDK.

IMO fro whatever reason they dropped the S-tronic in the C7 S6/S7 knowing they had the excellent ZF waiting in the wings for the RS7...similar to today dropping a similar RS5 V6 in the C8 S6 when they knew they had a 500HP V8 waiting in the wings for the SQ7 & SQ8.

[JGood]

I've been having these thoughts recently as well. With my APR Stage 1 S7, it is more than fast enough for me though. I can hit the 1/4 in 11.7 and 60mph in mid 3 second range. I just can't seem to justify the price difference for an RS7 compared to what it would cost for me to upgrade the turbos and add extra cooling. Plus I know the parts are new and the basic weak points of the car would be taken care of. I decided to just keep mine and take the price difference and throw it into go fast parts.

[flyfishing]

Well I don't have an rs7, but have a stage 3 s7 that I upgraded from stage 1 to 2 to 3.

3 is wicked fast.

rs7 is supposed to be faster. a tuned rs7 is supposed to super faster.

the stage 3 is already so fast that sometimes it scares me. so to answer your question, even without an rs7, yes, the upgrade would be significantly different!

[97B518TQM]

Stock vs stock, huge difference. I contemplated the same thing. Didn’t like the look of the 7 though and lack of middle seating spot in the back so I ended up with a S6. After a few months I went through stage 1 and up to stage 3. At stage 3 I’m making about 35hp more than a stock RS7 at the wheels so I’d say pretty similar to driving an RS7 with a small bump in power. The difference between stock and current power is night and day.
The ZF8 is definitely not a slush box though, don’t confuse it with a typical automatic. If you already have a S7 I’d suggest just modding it to stage 1 and that will narrow the gap quite a bit between the rs7. I’d consider getting the rs7 if I wanted even more power because it has that extra potential. If you are going to keep it stock and you already have a S7 just tune the S7 and see how it is.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Nosferatu]

I own an RS7 but I do have a Gen 2 R8 (S-Tronic DCT). I daily both cars so I can give you a good idea of how both transmissions behave.

To simply summarize:

If driving and manually shifting the car yourself, the S-Tronic is superior. This applies to both down shifts and upshifts. If you didn't drive an S-Tronic you'd feel the ZF is fast enough. ZF isn't slow rather the S-Tronic is simply faster. It's like video game quick.
On the flip side, when in automatic mode, the ZF has a slight edge. Regardless of D or S both are similar in upshifts at both part and full throttle applications. However, as someone else stated, the ZF is superior on a kick down to lower gears when both are in automatic. S-Tronic can be sluggish kicking down several gears from a stab of the throttle.

Lastly, both can launch violently. The DCT in the R8 is a 4500rpm clutch drop. I'm not sure how it feels in an S7 but on the R8 holy crap it can take it but man it feels like stuff will break. VBOX it's a 2.5 0-60 with the 1-foot roll out!!! Preloading a stall converter feels more graceful, relatively speaking, when I say graceful. Both cars have one heck of a launch. RS7 Performance I've clocked mine with the VBOX at 0-60 3.08 seconds with the roll-out and an 11.1 @ 125.7 MPH.

EDIT: Here's Milltek exhaust only (so basically stock) RS7 Performance in Mexico...

[Serpex13]

Went from an Stage 2 S6 to RS7. Night and day difference.

[blackout85]

I'm happy the consensus is RS7 lol

Although great point made in that you have to decide whether the difference in price for RS7 is justifiable considering you can buy all the "fast parts" for the S7.

But still... Stage 3 S7 will not beat the current modded set ups we have on the RS7 now. Do it! Haha.



Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[kebabman]

The RS7 is 100% worth the extra money over the S7, I drove them back-back before I bought my RS7P and to say it’s night and day is an understatement. The RS7 is in a different league, at least in stock form. My RS7 was stage 2 APR and is now DS1 and if I’m honest it’s a ridiculous amount of power for a daily driver, way way too easy to do speeds that will get you in serious trouble.

[OlyS6]

Agree that the RS7 is more powerful and generally worth it (the 2020 version sounds even more amazing), but I’d be real careful about buying someone’s used car- there are plenty of folks who buy or lease new, beat the shit out of the car, and then trade it in. Especially high end fun cars like the RS7. In my opinion there is great value in knowing the full history of your car and upgrading what you have, rather than potentially buying an unknown set of problems that are even more expensive to fix. Highly recommend getting one with a CPO if you get a used RS7, or at least one with the lowest possible mileage you can find.
For what it’s worth, a Stage 3 S7 is also stupid fast and powerful, and will only have slightly less hp than a stage 1 RS7, although still about 40 ftlbs less torque than a stage 1 RS7.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OlyS6]

I've been having these thoughts recently as well. With my APR Stage 1 S7, it is more than fast enough for me though. I can hit the 1/4 in 11.7 and 60mph in mid 3 second range. I just can't seem to justify the price difference for an RS7 compared to what it would cost for me to upgrade the turbos and add extra cooling. Plus I know the parts are new and the basic weak points of the car would be taken care of. I decided to just keep mine and take the price difference and throw it into go fast parts.

Happy to help you go Stage 3 when you’re ready....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zabds319]

I owned both. A stage 2 2016 s7 and now a 2016 stage 1 RS7 performance. Stock vs stock the RS7 wins by a wide, wide margin. Stage 2 s7 vs stage 1 rs7, the rs7 is certainly much faster, but the S7 was awesome. The sound was actually better in my stage 2 s7, APR downpipes and center suitcase delete, than my current RS7 with akra titanium exhaust. But that is very subjective.

The S7 with air suspension was much smoother and despite being far louder on the exterior was actually quieter in the cabin. It was a really really fast (and loud if I wanted it to be) luxury car.

The RS7p is a rougher ride, and louder in the cabin. It is a 4 door sports car that seems like it wants to go to the track. I don’t say that to downplay its driveability, it’s a pleasure, and I love it. But it’s a different animal and not for everyone. I personally am happy with the upgrade.

[zabds319]

*now own a 2017 RS7p not 2016

[Tnmax]

Thanks for all the responses to my original question. That's what this forum is all about. I had considered just a stage 1 tune, but worry about voiding the powertrain warranty should something happen and they detect a tune. I'm at 60K miles on my 2016 so I assume ai have some factory warranty left.

So, I assume there's more to the RS than simply turning up the boost? Bigger turbos? Is the exhaust changed? I have the sprt exhaust on my S7. Love snap, crackle, pops!

[15 Phantom S6]

The RS7 has bigger turbos and lower engine compression.. That allows a lot more boost to be shoved into the cylinders.. I'm sure there's more, but those 2 item account for alot of the extra power and potential for more power...

[1flossedS4]

RS7 is a different animal all together.

[blackout85]

Thanks for all the responses to my original question. That's what this forum is all about. I had considered just a stage 1 tune, but worry about voiding the powertrain warranty should something happen and they detect a tune. I'm at 60K miles on my 2016 so I assume ai have some factory warranty left.

So, I assume there's more to the RS than simply turning up the boost? Bigger turbos? Is the exhaust changed? I have the sprt exhaust on my S7. Love snap, crackle, pops!

Voiding warranty is something you have to be prepared for. The ol' pay to play mentality. I voided the warranty on MY 2017 RS7 almost right away... Stupid move? That's subjective as well lol. Yet to have a problem with the drivetrain and unless you get a lemon, and know about common issues... It really is a solid platform to build on. At 60k miles, there won't be much warranty left to void.

Maintenance is very important and cannot be understated. It was mentioned before buying used you never know fully how its been treated and that is right to a certain extent. That's why time and careful homework is important for sure

Although the stage 3 S7 must be a monster... I will argue tho that no one on this planet (Esp gear heads on forums) would be unhappy upgrading even that to the RS. It's just better lol

As for things to mod ... Ya quick search can clue you into the common upgrades. You can also dive head first into full builds and some have (IOWARS7 for instance but there are others). Right off the bat, easy and relatively cheap things to are VAGCOM upgrades = free (there are plenty), exhaust (always a must imo), stage 1. That shouldn't set you back more than 5k and it's worth every penny when considering dollars per smile!

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[dab]

Huge difference in a few ways. Stock rs7 will beat the tuned s7 stage one. Stage 1 rs7 omg....... 700lbs of torque. Seriously you have to have both hands on wheel as quatrro is trying to decide which wheel wins, torque steer awd. The rs7 handles better, less body roll (i have air suspension) runs on 21in wheels and rides very well. On the interstate I compare it to a fighter jet, point the wheel it's there, push the go pedal and your gone. At 120mph it will still snap your head back when punching it. The sport exhaust I happen to love. Don't feel the need for aftermarket exhaust or even to go to stage 2, my apr tuned cars have been reliable on stage 1. Be prepared to buy winter tires as there are very few options for 21in rims. I have had mine for over a year and I drive it hard everyday. Part sports car, part suv, on winter tires part snowmobile.

[christianb5s4]

Another factor I'd consider is long term durability. The RS6/7 has a few key differences with the engine block being stronger and the ZF transmission seems to be much less trouble long term than the DSG in the S6/7, in addition to the RS ZF handling more power with fewer issues and not needing modification to handle that power (i.e. stronger clutch packs needed in the DSG to handle stage 3+ power).

[JGood]

Happy to help you go Stage 3 when you’re ready....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks man! When the time comes I might take you up on that offer. I just bought the SRM intake tubes, thinking about going the DS1 route, then cooling, then turbos.

[97B518TQM]

Thanks for all the responses to my original question. That's what this forum is all about. I had considered just a stage 1 tune, but worry about voiding the powertrain warranty should something happen and they detect a tune. I'm at 60K miles on my 2016 so I assume ai have some factory warranty left.

So, I assume there's more to the RS than simply turning up the boost? Bigger turbos? Is the exhaust changed? I have the sprt exhaust on my S7. Love snap, crackle, pops!

Like I said in my initial response, stock vs stock they are very different in power and performance. So if you are worried about even going stage 1 with the S7 and prefer to stick with stock cars in both cases then the RS7 wins for sure, you just have to pay $20-30k more for it. If you are open to modding and not againt saving $15-20k in your pocket when all is said and done for similar power to the stock RS7 then get or keep the S7 and mod it for $6-8k with RS7 turbos and a tune and you will be slightly faster than a stock RS7. My stage 3 S6 does 0-60 in 2.83 seconds on a good day with just 91 gas. Stock RS7s don't get under 3s. I did all the labor myself with my stage 3 mods. It was a day worth of work in my garage to put in the RS7 turbos/inlets and AMS downpipes but as far as cost goes that's about $7.5k worth of parts and tune, including TCU tune, to get to 535awhp and 600tq. I bought the car for $28k and for a total of $35.5k now it's faster than a stock RS7 and makes more power. Is it a RS7? Absolutely not. Is it worth spending another $20k+ for a RS7? Depends how much extra cash you have and if you want the potential of making even more power because the rS7 sure has the potential for a lot more without worrying about DSG failures and the lower compression helps with pushing more boost. If you don't care about upgrading the RS7 though and only want a stupid-fast luxury car for the least amount out of your pocket then a decently modded S6/7 wins. I had the money to buy either or both, I chose the S6 and would do the same if I had to choose again, no regrets. I haven't gotten tired of the power nor do I find myself I want more. I didn't think I could even get to that point but this is really enough for me and would be for 99% of the people. i'd rather save the money and spend it on a 2 weeks vacation in Bora Bora :).

[flyfishing]

i'd rather save the money and spend it on a 2 weeks vacation in Bora Bora :).

Play the CC points game man. I went to Bora Bora last year (Moorea is better IMO) and flew business round trip on points and stayed at SPG and Hyatt hotels at no cost.

[JGood]

Play the CC points game man. I went to Bora Bora last year (Moorea is better IMO) and flew business round trip on points and stayed at SPG and Hyatt hotels at no cost.

People still use cash and debit cards? I use credit cards for every single purchase I can. Points on points on points. Never paid a penny in interest.

[kebabman]

Thanks man! When the time comes I might take you up on that offer. I just bought the SRM intake tubes, thinking about going the DS1 route, then cooling, then turbos.

Can't go wrong with the DS1, best tuning device on the market imo.

Play the CC points game man. I went to Bora Bora last year (Moorea is better IMO) and flew business round trip on points and stayed at SPG and Hyatt hotels at no cost.

Moorea is freaking amazing, love that place!

[phaphaphooey]

This question has been asked and answered 100 times before. Answer is always the same. It is significantly faster. If you can afford the RS7, get it. I can think of very few people that could comfortably afford an RS7 but got an S7 instead. If it is too much of a stretch, stick with the S7. It is 80% of the car and is already faster than the vast majority of cars on the road even before being tuned.

My NSX runs in the 10.5-10.6 range at 131 MPH in the quarter and my RS7 isn't too far behind. It is wicked quick for a 4 seat executive car with a huge boot.

[Dasquade]

For some reason when i drove a locals friends rs6 (rated at 750hp, not sure about the torque) it didn't felt SSOOO much different then my S6 stage 2 tbh. Not sure if the claimed numbers are correct (i dought it)...at least it didn't blew me away. As for the ride, well it did felt more planted wide the extra 6cm width and fatter wheels but definatly enjoying the airsuspension of my S. Akra...not my cup of tea regarding sound.
On paper the RS definatly should have more lower end torque curves beeing higher compression and the torque convertor.

[Binky]

I have a ds1 stage 3 s6 with rs7 turbos, srm intakes, catless dp's, and awe exhaust. I did a 50 roll with my buddy stock rs7 with exhaust only and I put a bus length on him. He is about to get it tuned with ds1 and we'll run again, so ill update when that happens.

[rnrnb]

It was great to see that Stock RS7 video. I have had my S7, model year 2014, for a few months and IÂ’ve learned a lot about the previous owners modifications.

Modsinclude both ECU and TCU stage one from UniTronic. So when I do my launch control itÂ’s 5500 RPM launch and chirps the tires whereas the RS7 in the vid looked to be about 2600rpm. DidnÂ’t hear any chirp.

Other found upgrades and modifications IÂ’ve discovered include spacers, sway bars /links front and back, as well as upgraded upper and lower control arms. They also have done the motor mounts and some other maintenance item including the recall screen on the turbo.

UniTronic claims about 11.4 second quarter mile with the S7 @ 524hp/534LB-FT. So a little less horsepower and more pound feet versus a stock RS7 of the same vintage (552BHP/516LBFT) and 11.9sec 1/4.

(QUOTE=Nosferatu;13994445]I own an RS7 but I do have a Gen 2 R8 (S-Tronic DCT). I daily both cars so I can give you a good idea of how both transmissions behave.

To simply summarize:

If driving and manually shifting the car yourself, the S-Tronic is superior. This applies to both down shifts and upshifts. If you didn't drive an S-Tronic you'd feel the ZF is fast enough. ZF isn't slow rather the S-Tronic is simply faster. It's like video game quick.
On the flip side, when in automatic mode, the ZF has a slight edge. Regardless of D or S both are similar in upshifts at both part and full throttle applications. However, as someone else stated, the ZF is superior on a kick down to lower gears when both are in automatic. S-Tronic can be sluggish kicking down several gears from a stab of the throttle.

Lastly, both can launch violently. The DCT in the R8 is a 4500rpm clutch drop. I'm not sure how it feels in an S7 but on the R8 holy crap it can take it but man it feels like stuff will break. VBOX it's a 2.5 0-60 with the 1-foot roll out!!! Preloading a stall converter feels more graceful, relatively speaking, when I say graceful. Both cars have one heck of a launch. RS7 Performance I've clocked mine with the VBOX at 0-60 3.08 seconds with the roll-out and an 11.1 @ 125.7 MPH.

EDIT: Here's Milltek exhaust only (so basically stock) RS7 Performance in Mexico...
[/QUOTE]

[Audibellybutton]

Stock vs stock. No comparison. Stage 3 s7 is like similar to a stage 1 rs7. All depends how far you are going to go with mods. the rs7 is so much better that i would opt to get that if budget allows and you're shopping for one. But for me, having a stage 3 s6, I dont feel like its different ENOUGH to justify me buying one to replace the s6 that I already have. But if you don't have either I would say go for the rs7 all the way.

Ill also add that the ZF is much superior in smoothness and handling power. seriously you can launch that shit with the utmost confidence. when I had a zf in my built a7 I would seriously launch that shit all the time, any chance I get. With the DSG well just like noseferatu said lmao it launches hard but you feel like you're gonna break something. I dont launch it as much. If you are someone that likes to max out your build and go for the high numbers 800hp+ rs7 will handle it way better. If you are on a budget you really cant beat an s6/s7 for the price it can be just as fast as a stock rs7 easily. It can even be faster than a stage 1 rs7 pretty easily. But a stage 2 rs7 and beyond, it will take a lot of effort to get an s6/s7 to a level to beat that. and at that point you may as well just buy the dang rs7


Edit: just saw the part about you having a 2016 s7. In that case, i would say no. Honestly you would get just as much joy from going stage 3 on your s7. and itll be cheaper than upgrading to the rs7. The rs7 is undoubtedly better. But better enough to justify upgrading from an s7? that is debatable for me. and its a different opinion for everybody.

[Blackcoog]

I have a DS1 stage 2 S6 and my brother has a stock 2014 RS7. In a heads up race I beat him every time. I jump out almost a car immediately from a stop and pull slightly away from there.

As others have said, a stock S6 is significantly slower when compared to a stock RS7.

[ANMS4]

Exactly what was said above about a STG3 s6/7 Being a STG1 RS7. You got to compare stock VS Stock not STG2 cars vs stock :) . RS7 by far is better, If you want to talk about flashing DS1 you can go STG3 on the RS7 with intakes and LP line. I run STG3 on my S8 on E30 with just those mods. Yes the RS7 is more $$ up front but less $$ to make it STUPIDLY FAST

[ericw.]

Do you spend your nights awake, reading through threads and researching options to squeeze more power or a fraction of a second out of your car?
If the answer is yes, the RS7 is for you.
If the answer is no, the RS7 might still be for you but you probably won't notice a big difference in power if you're not recording times or running it on a dyno.

[Devman2013S7]

Just get the dag on RS7, case closed…..


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum