RS5 vs S7 ????

[Street heat]

Well, the RS7 is my dream car, but it's just too expensive for me. Two of the things I like the most about it can also be found on the S7. The LEDs and the retractable spoiler are so sexy and aggressive to me, and of course the sound of the V8.

I know the RS5 has the same engine as the S7, but probably is faster due to less weight. I like the way the RS5 looks, except for LEDs and large headlight housing. They LEDS kind of look like eyelashes, and that isn't sporty to me, but I could grow to like them. The exhaust seems to sound better on the S7, but there is also very little mod support for it. With the S7 there are definitely some exterior modifications I would want to do to make it look more aggressive like an RS7. The stock wheels are hideous and too narrow, and would need a front splitter, rear diffuser, and I'm not a fan of the chrome exhaust tips.

I found a couple of picks of S7s that look closer to RS I would want my car to look like... but they still aren't RS.





Do you guys think the S7 is worth the trouble, or just go with an RS5 ???? No, I would not be getting the competition package.

[IamRacer X]

I know this is the C8 forum so I would expect favorable C8 comments. I will just add my RS5 SB has been rock solid my whole ownership (3.5+ years). My plan was to move to a RS6 at the 3 year mark, but I still have a love affair with my RS5. No need for the more room and more potential headaches.

[Zombie5150]

I was sorta in the same boat. I really wanted the RS7 but just didn’t want to spend 150k on a car. I looked at a few S7’s but wanted something a bit sportier. I was able to secure and change an existing RS5 order so I went that route. Love the styling and driving experience of the RS5. But, I’ll probably look at the 7 series again in the future as I’d like something a bit bigger. My only real complaint on the RS5 is I’d prefer the built-in MMI screen vs. the IPAD type. I just think that looks way better. I think it comes down to your real need or preference. RS5, smaller, a bit faster and more nimble vs. the S7 which is larger, not quite as quick but has a nicer display (IMO). Both cars are fantastic.

[Street heat]

I just keep going back and forth on this. The RS5 seems like so much fun but damn do I love lights on the 7s. Damn why can't that spoiler be an option on the RS5???? damnit man!

[Ace22]

I was in the same boat throughout the years, and the RS7 was my ultimate dream car as well. What I did over the years:
2012 A6 (my first introduction to Audi), 2014 RS5, but my goal was the RS7, so bought a used 2015 RS7 later and loved it. When they came out with the C8, I traded the ‘15 in.
You cannot go wrong with the RS5, it is a stunning looking vehicle and very practical at the same time, just like the RS7.
But…here’s where the S7 (or used RS7) would win out for me:

V8…I really missed the V8 sound/growl when I had my A6, nice care but no grunt.
Interior…I agree the stuck-on screen looks cheap vs the built-in look of the S7/RS7
The spoiler is cool, but you never see it, so don’t let this determine your choice

Good luck with your decision, but both are nice choices.

[YashaR8]

Before upgrading for family reasons, I enjoyed the hell out of my RS5 SB. I think you'd find it to be more nimble/agile than the S7. I agree on the aesthetics about the lights and for me the stuck-on ipad look was a bit of an eye sore. Regardless I would always look back at the car after parking and walking away. The silhouette, and body are stunning..as an overall package you will not be disappointed. Do you need a car now? if not and you dont mind waiting a bit, you could try looking for your Halo car, the RS7 in a couple years. Hopefully the car market cools down and you could let the depreciation get it closer to your price range.

[Street heat]

Before upgrading for family reasons, I enjoyed the hell out of my RS5 SB. I think you'd find it to be more nimble/agile than the S7. I agree on the aesthetics about the lights and for me the stuck-on ipad look was a bit of an eye sore. Regardless I would always look back at the car after parking and walking away. The silhouette, and body are stunning..as an overall package you will not be disappointed. Do you need a car now? if not and you dont mind waiting a bit, you could try looking for your Halo car, the RS7 in a couple years. Hopefully the car market cools down and you could let the depreciation get it closer to your price range.

thanks for the incite. I don't need a car now. I'm actually happy with my current car, but I'm almost obsessed with the RS7. I watch videos of it almost every day. I won't get a car now because of the interest rates anyway, but ideally sometime next year I'd pull the trigger. The issues the C8s are having with the electrical system is worrying though. if I spend that much on an S7 or !RS7, even used, I don't want it to be a money pit and regret getting my dream car. The RS5 seems a little safer/reliable. I guess I've got plenty of time to decide but it's tough. first world problems I guess.

[SwissMTNAlien]

I know this is the C8 forum so I would expect favorable C8 comments. I will just add my RS5 SB has been rock solid my whole ownership (3.5+ years). My plan was to move to a RS6 at the 3 year mark, but I still have a love affair with my RS5. No need for the more room and more potential headaches.

Are you me? My 2019 Nardo RS5 SB has been awesome for the four years I’ve had it… longest I’ve ever owned a car! I recently looked at upgrading to a RS6 but they are so expensive and the alternator issue worries me.

[KingMota]

Old thread, but I am also considering RS5 and S7 because of electrical issues on RS7 (and cost). My wife likes a SB car. We currently have a 2017 S7 with 85k miles that has been trouble free. Anyway, since RS5 has same engine as S7 wouldn't both of them be subject to the same 48V belt starter generator problems? I originally thought this was only on 4.0TT engines and now I think I am reading it is also on the 2.9V6 ? I don't see as many reports on the forums. I am not so worried from a warranty perspective, but at least on RS7 section many owners report beging stranded with car dead and difficult to tow because all wheels locked up.

EDIT: I just found a post in the RS5 section that did say the 48V electric boost to turbocharger (related to the BSG system) is only on the S6/S7 and not on the B9 2.9 V6 TT. Surprising, but good news! That will definitely push me towards the RS5.

[steve0913]

Do you guys think the S7 is worth the trouble, or just go with an RS5 ???? No, I would not be getting the competition package.

The A7/S7/RS7 hands down drives way smoother than the S5/RS5.. But that's just me. I wanted fuel economy and the S7 look, so I modified the A7 to add the rear diffuser of the S7. And I'm real happy with it.

Sometimes I drive the RS5 or S5 rental and I would never choose anything but my A7 s-line that looks like a S7.

[wwhan]

I had a 2016 C7 S6 and bought a new 2019 B9 RS5 in 2019.

The S6 V8 rumble & low end torque, especially with an ECU tune was really nice.

The S6 is great freeway cruiser.

The S6 feels much larger and is not as nimble as the RS5.

The RS5 fits in smaller parking spaces.

I love my B9 RS5, best car ever. It accelerates well, but does not feel like it is going as fast as it does.

The only problem with my RS5 is the DRC suspension is too bouncy. The standard sport suspension or Competition suspension should be better.