Todays mental question: Tuned A7 vs RS7

[mediaslave]

I know, I know. At least half the people that read the title nearly had a stroke. I get it. But lemme explain.

Looking for my last gas car to run for 3-5 years. Currently, I have a 2012 A6 that's starting to feel its age, and I don't want to plug money into it. So I am debating between these two:


2018 A7 Competition or 2020 A7, tuned by a local lunatic. Apparently, he can get me over 500hp on 91. Cost is about 50k CAD.

2017 RS7 Performance. It is what it is. Cost is about 80k CAD.


Considering I don't go to the track, and I'm a 46-year-old father of a toddler, I am really debating if the extra money is really worth it. I just want something fun, fast acceleration for those moments of silliness, and looks good. Insurance and gas are obviously more on the RS7 too, but maybe its worth it as one last hurrah? Can a tuned A7 with exhaust and all the fun bits really do the job of making me smile like an idiot when I get on the highway?

[Mazen1209]

Brother, I have a 2014 A7 with stage 2 ECU and TCU tune from integrated engineering and a bunch of other mods and it's pretty fast... I'm 47 years old, don't need 700+ horsepower

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[TexasDfwS4]

There is the one in between called the S7 sorry had to. I have the S6 and couldn’t be happier with it. I’m also getting older 60 and it checks all the boxes for me. I think for the price of the A7 you looked at you can get the S7 for a little bet more. The 2018 has the correct oil screen revision so hopefully that’s not going to have issues but I love the smooth power that the 4.0 gives. The gas mileage is ok, I drove to San Antonio from Dallas and got 26 mpg but that was without any fun. On the way home it was closer to 23+ but I was going much faster then the traffic limit.

[bahula03]

If you can comfortably afford the RS7, go for it. It's an opportunity to try something new, more of an occassion to drive on any given day, and shouldn't be as hard hit by depreciation as the A7.

[Mazen1209]

If you can comfortably afford the RS7, go for it. It's an opportunity to try something new, more of an occassion to drive on any given day, and shouldn't be as hard hit by depreciation as the A7.

I'll definitely agree with that, RS7 will hold value better and it's a statement of course. I love my A7, but given the option of course I'd rather an RS7. That being said with all the engine moods I've done I'm pushing around 540+HP and that's fast enough for me. I do know that there are plenty of tuned RS7's that are pushing over 700+HP, but the question is do you want all that extra HP for the price.

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[himself]

My top comment for folks wanting the RS7P is that it has dynamic suspension, not air. It's not as compliant for family hauling. Normal RS7 with air suspension or an A7/S7 tuned would be a better people hauler. That said, I have 6 kids and RS7 is totally fine for around town. The biggest issue is that there are only 2 back seats in the prior gen RS7. 2 car seats will fit, though.

All things being equal, the A7 tuned is a good option. But, all things aren't equal here. the RS7P is superior, all the way around. It's not just the HP. Insurance isn't that much more, and gas is a function of your right foot. You can drive as slow as you want. [But you won't want to - just sayin].

-td [over 50 and I need 700+ HP...]

[WatchMeSpend]

My choice depends on how much money I feel like spending at the time. If 80K is nothing to you because an investment came in/continues to come in or because you have the discretionary funds because of your job, why not? Pretty soon, they're going to try to take your cars away. On the highway, an RS7 will most likely walk a tuned 3.0T A7 unless it was tuned with fuel and a ported blower and even still then at the highest speeds, I still think it will walk it as the overdriven blower IATs rise faster than a tach in first gear. The 2.9T is a different story and it looks very promising, but the car won't have all the RS7 toys.

Having said that I'm still happy with the tuned 3.0T but I think I have some issues to resolve. I think I am probably getting used to it might be the issue. I dipped into the throttle rolling in second and the all seasons are a bit too cold in the Canadian winter. I didn't even make it to get the bars on the shift light to light up and the TC was flickering. Top of 2nd is 100kph at 7200 RPM and from there we enter the ticket zone after you pull the shifter paddle.

[RLCree]

How much do you drive, and how do you feel about 2500+ for brakes?

[Mazen1209]

How much do you drive, and how do you feel about 2500+ for brakes?

Lmfaooooooo ...make sure you have an extended warranty

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[Jayskywalkers7]

I know, I know. At least half the people that read the title nearly had a stroke. I get it. But lemme explain.

Looking for my last gas car to run for 3-5 years. Currently, I have a 2012 A6 that's starting to feel its age, and I don't want to plug money into it. So I am debating between these two:


2018 A7 Competition or 2020 A7, tuned by a local lunatic. Apparently, he can get me over 500hp on 91. Cost is about 50k CAD.

2017 RS7 Performance. It is what it is. Cost is about 80k CAD.


Considering I don't go to the track, and I'm a 46-year-old father of a toddler, I am really debating if the extra money is really worth it. I just want something fun, fast acceleration for those moments of silliness, and looks good. Insurance and gas are obviously more on the RS7 too, but maybe its worth it as one last hurrah? Can a tuned A7 with exhaust and all the fun bits really do the job of making me smile like an idiot when I get on the highway?

Just get an Rs7. It's all around going to be the better car and you'll have even more options are far as better seats.. I've seen a few used performance rs7's come with those honeycomb suede seats and they look so damn GOOD!

[A665]

For a daily driver? Tuned A7 all day long. I love cars and daydream about all kinds of high-line makes. BUT the idea of actually making an RS my daily is a no-go for me---I'd be too worried about door dings, rock chips, potholes, you name it. Who needs that kind of anxiety? I like to own my cars rather than my cars owning me.

[Valpo A7]

My thoughts are that I really don't want to buy someone else's tuned / modified car. Figure a tuned / modified car has beat to hell.

Option 3: Get a stock S7
Option 4: Get a stock A7

Once you own it and have driven it for a while and are comfortable with the quality and its maintenance then set it up like you want.

[Audibellybutton]

How much do you drive, and how do you feel about 2500+ for brakes?

hate when people act like you cant do rs7 brakes for less than 1k. hell you can even get them done for less than 500 if they aren't carbon ceramics

[mediaslave]

Some really great replies here guys, absolutely brilliant.

Going to get my current car (C7 A6) temporarily tuned (then removed) to see how it feels. Local shop said he can get an A7 to 500hp pretty easily, about 5k for everything (cad). Might be the way to go.

[Mazen1209]

Some really great replies here guys, absolutely brilliant.

Going to get my current car (C7 A6) temporarily tuned (then removed) to see how it feels. Local shop said he can get an A7 to 500hp pretty easily, about 5k for everything (cad). Might be the way to go.

You can probably get it done cheaper, my A7 is pushing over 500 HP and I spent way less... IE stage 2 ECU and TCU tune, heat exchanger intake and exhaust. That being said I also have a friend who's a mechanic who did all my work, but at least the tuner shop will warranty their work... Good luck bro

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[RLCree]

hate when people act like you cant do rs7 brakes for less than 1k. hell you can even get them done for less than 500 if they aren't carbon ceramics

I did quite a bit of research when I was looking at them, I don't recall seeing anything less than a grand. Rotors were usually around 500 each for the steels. If I'm wrong, please enlighten me, cause I was looking at RS's but balked at maintenance costs.

[Jayskywalkers7]

I did quite a bit of research when I was looking at them, I don't recall seeing anything less than a grand. Rotors were usually around 500 each for the steels. If I'm wrong, please enlighten me, cause I was looking at RS's but balked at maintenance costs.

Same lol I need the plug!

[Audibellybutton]

I did quite a bit of research when I was looking at them, I don't recall seeing anything less than a grand. Rotors were usually around 500 each for the steels. If I'm wrong, please enlighten me, cause I was looking at RS's but balked at maintenance costs.

My bad that wasn’t a dig at you specifically, just a dig at the general consensus.

I’ve had great experience using both stop tech and powerstop for pads and rotors on all my german cars.

You can find them on rockauto.com I always check whats available on there for whatevr car I have

I will not quote a price because I’m too lazy but you can get it under $400 probably. And there’s even cheaper options than the ones I use as well on there.


Now for performance, they stop great, just as good as oem from what I can tell. No annoying screeches at all and very minimal brake dust. No complaints


Keep in mind I’m pushing pretty high HP and I daily my car so I need brakes to be both effective AND cost efficient and these check the boxes for me. I’ve used them on my A7 and on my 700+hp CLS63 in the past too and on my S6. Just something to keep in mind for people who actually need a cost effective option.


I’m not saying they outperform carbon ceramics or anything but I haven’t noticed any measurable downsides between these and the oem. (But I have an s6)

Edit: they actually dont have any front rotors in stock on there for the RS7 unfortunately, there is lots of pad options but no rotors. yeah it does seem like 500 is the cheapest for the rotors.

[MattyMarkey]

I will not quote a price because I’m too lazy but you can get it under $400 probably.

Edit: they actually dont have any front rotors in stock on there for the RS7 unfortunately, there is lots of pad options but no rotors. yeah it does seem like 500 is the cheapest for the rotors.

That’s $500/ea…

Even still, having to spend $2k-2500 for a brake job on what once was a $120k++ vehicle MSRP new, that’s pretty darn good. Extended warranties don’t cover wear parts like brakes.

If that is too much maintenance cost for you - every 40k miles or so - than an RS7/S7 definitely is not for you.


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[RLCree]

That’s $500/ea…

Even still, having to spend $2k-2500 for a brake job on what once was a $120k++ vehicle MSRP new, that’s pretty darn good. Extended warranties don’t cover wear parts like brakes.

If that is too much maintenance cost for you - every 40k miles or so - than an RS7/S7 definitely is not for you.


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For me it's not that it's too much, it's that it's too often. I could see doing pads every 40k but Rotors should be good for double. I just can't feel good about it, ya know?

[quattroism25]

RS7 all day. Went from a 2012 A6 to 2016 S7. The non S/RS C8s look and drive really boring to me. Tuned or not, there's no substitute for a TT V8.

[digdah]

C8 is out for me as well. They are too vanilla. I don't know how much insurance is on a RS7 but that should be a factor as well, along with brakes etc. If they all check out nothing will bring more smiles per mile than the RS7.

[Jayskywalkers7]

For me it's not that it's too much, it's that it's too often. I could see doing pads every 40k but Rotors should be good for double. I just can't feel good about it, ya know?

I understand however 40k miles will be over 3-4 years worth of driving. 2 if you're just going crazy. If shelling out 2000-2500 is a problem then the Rs7 definitely isn't for that person.

[kharizma]

I love my RS7, but it's my garage queen. Brakes are coming due soon, ready to drop 2k on just rotors, not including any other parts/labor. Definitely a pay to play car, but I feel like a million bucks when I'm driving it.

[mediaslave]

I love my RS7, but it's my garage queen. Brakes are coming due soon, ready to drop 2k on just rotors, not including any other parts/labor. Definitely a pay to play car, but I feel like a million bucks when I'm driving it.

If you don't mind me asking what type of driving do you do and how much mileage do you have on the clock? Trying to figure out how long it takes between brake jobs, cuz that price is definitely scary for something that arguably is pointless in city driving

[MattyMarkey]

If you don't mind me asking what type of driving do you do and how much mileage do you have on the clock? Trying to figure out how long it takes between brake jobs, cuz that price is definitely scary for something that arguably is pointless in city driving

They will last right around 35-40k miles, even with plenty of spirited driving. Or maybe slightly more if you baby them… but then why would you own an RS7 lol.

How many miles you drive yearly depends on you. Could take 4yrs, could be more, could be less. I just replaced mine after owning it for a little over 3yrs and 40k miles.

If you are worried about $2500 in 4yrs, this car is not for you.

Regular maintenance: Oil changes are approx $100 DIY, or $200 at the dealer (I do mine every 5k miles). Brake fluid flush should happen every 2-3yrs ($300-400). Spark plugs 40-50k miles ($900). Tires ($1600-$2k every 30-40k miles)

Potential maintenance: control arms ($2000). Motor mounts ($1500-$3000)


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[Jayskywalkers7]

They will last right around 35-40k miles, even with plenty of spirited driving. Or maybe slightly more if you baby them… but then why would you own an RS7 lol.

How many miles you drive yearly depends on you. Could take 4yrs, could be more, could be less. I just replaced mine after owning it for a little over 3yrs and 40k miles.

If you are worried about $2500 in 4yrs, this car is not for you.

Regular maintenance: Oil changes are approx $100 DIY, or $200 at the dealer (I do mine every 5k miles). Brake fluid flush should happen every 2-3yrs ($300-400). Spark plugs 40-50k miles ($900). Tires ($1600-$2k every 30-40k miles)

Potential maintenance: control arms ($2000). Motor mounts ($1500-$3000)


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Appreciate this breakdown brotha. Super important to know what you're getting into

[RLCree]

Have you looked at the S8 Plus? Same drivetrain, from what I could find lower maintenance costs vs the RS.

[widebodyfx]

If a Performance is a choice, the CCBs shouldn't be a factor for a while. I can't attest to the actual longevity of the discs and pads, but if you aren't coming down from high speeds on a regular basis, they should be good for a long service duration.

Have had an A, S and RS C7.5. An A is not a S out of the gate on many levels, you can mod the power up but the interior is still lacking, a S is still differentiated from a RS even though a lot of things on paper are similar. For 3-5 years of ownership, I'd get the one that tugs at your passion.

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

My thoughts are that I really don't want to buy someone else's tuned / modified car. Figure a tuned / modified car has beat to hell.

Option 3: Get a stock S7
Option 4: Get a stock A7

Once you own it and have driven it for a while and are comfortable with the quality and its maintenance then set it up like you want.

This…

Plus, you can save $30k for (1) family or (2) next car.

If you’re selling current car, consider not spending any $$. You most likely won’t get it back.

Maybe that’s too boring.

FWIW I have a competition A6 from 2018. APR stage 2 with custom TCU. It’s not a race car but it’s darned fast for a huge comfortable car with room for 5, and it’s been reliable since day 1 (tuned immediately after first oil change).


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[mwdelta]

I have a 2012 A7 Stage 2 (APR) dual pulley, and I recently picked up a 2014 RS7.

Thoughts:
• Stock RS7 is a better daily than tuned A7, at least mine is. The A7 has lightning throttle response that is a lot of fun in spirited driving but can feel jerky if you're trying to drive smoothly. The RS7 has a perfect dual personality - lovely cruiser in the softer drive modes and insane beast when you shift in Dynamic S. A good tuner may be able to set up the car the way you want, but the stock RS7 is very very good.
• You mentioned a 2020 (C8) A7. That might be a tempting middle ground. The updated tech is a big deal for me. I think a 2020 A7 with a tune would be similar cost to a 2018 RS7.

[SPONGE]

The S6 would be cheaper than both the Rs7 and S7.
And probably cost the same as the A7 Competition.
V8 is not very friendly when it comes to the gas budget.
Performance the S and Rs cars are better hands down not comparison.
I had a dual pulley, A6 with TCU tune and upgrade heat exchanger, exhaust and traded it for the S6 and had no regrets. Didn't tune the S6 until 1 year when the warranty expired. Then stage 1 tuned it. Loved it even more and now with the downpipes no regrets.

My choice would be for you to purchase a S6 if you don't mind paying extra for gas fill ups.

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[mediaslave]

BRILLIANT STUFF

This is so perfect. Literally the perfect response with real world examples. Brilliant.

I was also debating the 2019 A7, but two things: It costs a bunch more, and I have been told by an Audi mechanic that the mild hybrid system is a nightmare with dying generators that need 6 months to be replaced.

i was planning on putting the RSNAV system in whatever I got, so the upgraded tech wasn't that much of a draw.




So if it where you, would you choose (all figures Canadian):

2018 A7 Competition (18k mileage) (diamond seats, bigger brakes and flat wheel) tuned for 50k
2017 RS7 (26k mileage) for 80k

Thanks much for the feedback. THis might be the best forum I've ever been on.

[ericw.]

You're not just buying horsepower with the RS7. You're buying all the amenities. Beautifully stitched leather, carbon fiber trim, tuned suspension, exhaust note.. etc..

IMO, I'd look beyond the 3-5 years... I think the EV deadline will continually be pushed out around the globe especially as supply lines and economics are facing more and more challenges. The "next thing" will be here soon, but that's a whole other rabbit hole.

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

This is so perfect. Literally the perfect response with real world examples. Brilliant.

I was also debating the 2019 A7, but two things: It costs a bunch more, and I have been told by an Audi mechanic that the mild hybrid system is a nightmare with dying generators that need 6 months to be replaced.

i was planning on putting the RSNAV system in whatever I got, so the upgraded tech wasn't that much of a draw.




So if it where you, would you choose (all figures Canadian):

2018 A7 Competition (18k mileage) (diamond seats, bigger brakes and flat wheel) tuned for 50k
2017 RS7 (26k mileage) for 80k

Thanks much for the feedback. THis might be the best forum I've ever been on.

Drive both and see if you “feel” the RS7 is worth another 30k… only YOU can decide which you “need”.

Great choices either way.


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[mediaslave]

Drive both and see if you “feel” the RS7 is worth another 30k… only YOU can decide which you “need”.

Great choices either way.


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Unfortunately, I can't drive the ACTUAL RS7 Im looking at, as its all the way across the country. I figured I'd just fly out there and drive it back. 4 solid days should give me a good idea about the car lol

Also can't test the Tuned A7, which makes this a real bugger. My current car is a 2012 A6, so its basically the same as the A7, but obviously not tuned.

I did take an RS7 out for a short rip, but traffic etc....you know how it is.

But I'll also say that there's a FEELING in knowing you're in an RS7 vs an A7. You know what it is, what it can do, etc, even if the public doesn't.

Its a tough choice. A7 is clearly more practical, but where's the fun in that?

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

Unfortunately, I can't drive the ACTUAL RS7 Im looking at, as its all the way across the country. I figured I'd just fly out there and drive it back. 4 solid days should give me a good idea about the car lol

Also can't test the Tuned A7, which makes this a real bugger. My current car is a 2012 A6, so its basically the same as the A7, but obviously not tuned.

I did take an RS7 out for a short rip, but traffic etc....you know how it is.

But I'll also say that there's a FEELING in knowing you're in an RS7 vs an A7. You know what it is, what it can do, etc, even if the public doesn't.

Its a tough choice. A7 is clearly more practical, but where's the fun in that?

Good for you: you’ve already decided. Enjoy the RS7!

Very few cars in its class.


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[MauiMike]

I know, I know. At least half the people that read the title nearly had a stroke. I get it. But lemme explain.

Looking for my last gas car to run for 3-5 years. Currently, I have a 2012 A6 that's starting to feel its age, and I don't want to plug money into it. So I am debating between these two:


2018 A7 Competition or 2020 A7, tuned by a local lunatic. Apparently, he can get me over 500hp on 91. Cost is about 50k CAD.

2017 RS7 Performance. It is what it is. Cost is about 80k CAD.


Considering I don't go to the track, and I'm a 46-year-old father of a toddler, I am really debating if the extra money is really worth it. I just want something fun, fast acceleration for those moments of silliness, and looks good. Insurance and gas are obviously more on the RS7 too, but maybe its worth it as one last hurrah? Can a tuned A7 with exhaust and all the fun bits really do the job of making me smile like an idiot when I get on the highway?

Media,
I too am a 46 yr old father. I have a nicely tuned A7 and the power I make (less than 500) is plenty. Save the money for your RS EtronGT

[DetRebel]

This is my same experience with a stage 1 tuned C7 A6 3.0t! The RS7 would be nice but idk if the juice is worth the squeeze. Going stage 2 seems reasonably less expensive for like 85% of the same experience on public roads.

The S8 plus and the SQ7 are worth keeping on the radar as well.

We’ll see what the used car market looks like when I return from deployment.


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[AudiInMyA7]

There is the one in between called the S7 sorry had to. I have the S6 and couldn’t be happier with it. I’m also getting older 60 and it checks all the boxes for me. I think for the price of the A7 you looked at you can get the S7 for a little bet more. The 2018 has the correct oil screen revision so hopefully that’s not going to have issues but I love the smooth power that the 4.0 gives. The gas mileage is ok, I drove to San Antonio from Dallas and got 26 mpg but that was without any fun. On the way home it was closer to 23+ but I was going much faster then the traffic limit.

I know someone with a tuned s6 thats all around faster than an rs6 for half the price with all bells and whistles… and to be fair, any of the cars will give you fun. If you have an a6, then get a tuned s6/s7 and play in traffic (but in a fun way lmao)


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