A7 or S7

[TDot]

So I'm thinking of getting an Audi 7 in spring...dont know yet, but starting my research. The S7 is calling me, but I'm hearing too many people unhappy with the dual clutch automatic system, which from my understanding in my readings, causes a hesitation in switching gears upon acceleration...wondering if that's the same crap I hate about the M35. The other slight issue I have, again from other's perspectives, is the air suspension is too firm. These issues are directing me to the A7 instead of the S7 which has spring suspension and a "regular" automatic. But then I'll lose some bells and whistles and more importantly, the power. The suspension thing I can get over, the continued headache of the hesitation I can't.

Anyway, my main purpose of this thread is to ask if anyone has direct experience, or a close friend that has an Audi that is at minimum 2011. I'm interested in the reliability of these cars. I don't plan on getting one that old if I do go through with it, but I believe around there is where Audi turned things around. And is working on these cars REALLY as complicated as people make it out to be. I'm no mechanic, but ex. of what i can do is belt, suspension, brakes, basic engine stuff and electronics, basic parts swapping, willing to go slightly deeper.

And yes I know I can ask this in an Audi forum, but I think their perspective might be a bit clouded.

Thanks any help about this or any pertinant info about Audi I should know.

[Bubba1]

Some thoughts. The dual clutch automatic has infested the luxury german cars, and seems here to stay for awhile. The Audi one happens to be pretty good, as shifting in milliseconds is pretty amazing. (though I still prefer an old fashioned man pedal, which is not available in the 7). The air ride and non-airride suspensions are both good too. My concern with any German luxury car is not so much the type of automatic transmission or suspension each model has but the high cost to repair either of them after the warranty expires. So my questions to you are 1. how long do you plan on owning it, what kinda mileage are you planning?

If you plan to replace the car before the extended factory warranty expires, either A7/S7 is a great choice. But if you plan to keep it well past the warranty (either mileage or time), I'm not sure I'd recommend either due to their complexity. They are well engineered but not really designed with mechanics in mind, so they can be both pricey and annoying to repair.. Overall reliability on both A7/S7 are about average, and Audi reliability has been improving in last 2-3 years. They were in a kinda lull before that, something to keep in mind if buying used. The only real complaints I've heard about the 7's involve the audio. But the interiors are wonderful.

I do know some newer Audi owners, but most of them are multi car owners. And all bought theirs new. I've been in a few A7/S7's (no diesels), but almost exclusively on race tracks. ( < Audi HPDE instructor who drives a Nissan) fwiw, most of the owners I know with the dual clutch automatics leave the dang things in full automatic mode most of the time anyway. So you might ask yourself if the ability to shift in milliseconds really matters. The S7 is clearly a better performer with the turbo V8 and some gofaster goodies, but the A7 is no slouch. The supercharged V6 is torquey and smooth but you're talking like 100 hp less than the S. You'll notice it. But If you're using strictly as a street car, I think the A should be just fine. You could always look at the A7 S-line, which has the V6 and upgraded suspension. It's fast, luxurious, and nimble for such a heavy beast and the A should get 10% better gas mileage than the S. And Quattro is confidence inspiring, especially in snow. If you want to do an occasional track day, the S7 is obviously set up better, but it's also a step up in price. The RS7 is the real monster of the model group and better than both of them. (how can you go wrong with 560 hp, Awd, and luxuries a go-go). The RS7 is the 7 I'd want but it's very expensive. As far as the suspension goes, I thought both were pretty firm, communicative, but not jarring. The S felt did feel a tad stiffer, but then again, I was not on any rough roads in them . Bottom line, If you're concerned about ride quality, you might opt for an A7 on 19" wheels, which I think is standard on the base and S-line. I believe the S7 might have 20" standard. Not 100% sure. Those 20's do makep it feel stiffer, and the optional 21" wheels and summer tires will feel even worse, though grip is better in warm weather. Hope that helps.

[Jesda]

The A7/S7 is less about the drive, more about the look and utility. Buy it as an attractive and comfortable all-weather family car. The B&O stereo is crap for what it costs new, harsh and obnoxious. I've heard far more pleasing (though less elaborate) sound systems from Pioneer and Panasonic.

If you want a four-door track toy that you can drive daily, consider a Panamera S. It has the PDK gearbox nonsense but the chassis is more focused. I also happen to like the mess of buttons in the cockpit. While it isn't as open and airy inside as the Audi, it feels more expensive. Also, you can get Burmester audio in the Porsche. Hell yes.
It's ugly though. Even after the refresh it still looks kind of stupid.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

I think you need to drive both first if you haven't yet...

The difference in the cars (at the least from the specs) seems quite apparent so once you drive them you should have a clear cut winner. You'd be quite the oddball taking an A7 out on the track but I'm sure it does very well for it's size/weight.

They're both "baller" for a better term though so I don't think you'll be unhappy with either. Just be sure to get the extended warranty... I could only imagine the repair bills on a high-end, late model, Audi performance car. If the spoiler mechanism broke it'd probably be more than an engine swap for some of the 240sx guys on here haha.

[TDot]

@Bubba1, Nowadays I'm keeping cars longer than I used to, so 6-10 years most likely. I baby them though...my girl says I treat my car better than her lol. I drive average 6000 miles a year. The Audio I can upgrade myself.

@Jesda, I'm going to tell you the same thing I told my girl, "you are crazy, the hell you mean the Panamera is ugly." That's a sexy car to me...not stock though. And yes, the interior is amazing which was the main reason I looked into it...that's how the M35 unfortunately suckered me in lol.

@AZ89two4Tsx, no I will not be doing track work.

My original choices in order were the Panamera, A7, BMW 6 series (4 door). Panamera and BMW aren't in my budget with the other things I'm doing now, so I'm left with the Audi. The real reason I'm even considering the S7 is because I am THOROUGHLY disappointed with the M35x performance. And since the M and A7 are the same weight, I didn't think 30hp more could really make that much of a difference...I don't know. So basically, my M is specifically pushing me towards the S7 instead of the A7. Looking at the specs I'm now thinking it might be the torque of the M that has me so pissed and I may be good with the A7. I know I would have to drive them for myself, but I cant find anywhere in NY to rent them. The dealer test drive isn't enough, that's how they bamboozled me with the M.

[Jesda]

@Jesda, I'm going to tell you the same thing I told my girl, "you are crazy, the hell you mean the Panamera is ugly." That's a sexy car to me...not stock though. And yes, the interior is amazing which was the main reason I looked into it...that's how the M35 unfortunately suckered me in lol.

Well, even Tom Arnold can get a date.

[Bubba1]

Yeah, If you're only putting on 6K per year, then I can see going for a higher level car as the aggravation about repairs are more likely to come much later.

The panamera has it's good and bad points. It's fast, particularly the S, and it drives quite nicely, (was in one at NJMP when they first came out, I was impressed). I agree with Jesda that it is kinda "looks challenged". It's also pricey, and the acres o' buttons on the console looks nice but I didn't really care for in use it as one has to take eyes off the road to hunt. Though It's certainly a better car to drive than look at. If you're in an area that gets snow, (not sure where in ny you are), the Audi will give you the least drama. That's one of the big reasons you see so many up there.

The BMw is a compelling car too, but the traditional rule of thumb with Bimmers, the bigger, the more complex and less reliable. you might consider chcking 5 series as well as the 6. Both are pretty big cars and have a lotta prowess, though I am still not a fan of BMw's infamous I-drive. I understand its better now than it used to be, but I still dislike it.

Another car you might consider: Cadillac CTS-V. Has the performance you want and then some, comfortable, handles well for a big car. Like the Panamera, the looks are kinda like it/hate it. Although it'll feel a step down in refinement from your other choices, average reliability is similar, and might cost you a little less over the long run especially if you're not piling on the miles. Downside is depreciation is not very friendly to them. But if you pamper and keep the miles down....hmmmm. might be worth a looksee.

test driving cars is fun. Enjoy.

[elwesso]

Another car you might consider: Cadillac CTS-V. Has the performance you want and then some, comfortable, handles well for a big car. Like the Panamera, the looks are kinda like it/hate it. Although it'll feel a step down in refinement from your other choices, average reliability is similar, and might cost you a little less over the long run especially if you're not piling on the miles. Downside is depreciation is not very friendly to them. But if you pamper and keep the miles down....hmmmm. might be worth a looksee.

test driving cars is fun. Enjoy.

Yeah I've not been impressed with any of Cadillac's interior over the last few years, so much that I don't think even if it was perfect in any other way I'd buy one.. It really doesn't seem to be of better quality than the lesser GM cars, which is good for those vehicles but not for the cadillac.

I've got to be honest, compared to 10 years ago some of the "lower end" models offer some pretty compelling features and build quality that you couldn't get without getting the much fancier models (and spending a lot more money).