S6 vs S7. Who has driven both?

**HIS4** · 02-23-2015 10:52 PM

Does the S7 feel that much bigger? Can you feel the extra weight? For someone that is going to use it strictly as a daily driver to replace an E90 M3, what would you recommend? I've always felt that the M3 was a bit too much car for me because I never used it to its full potential. I don't have a family. Just myself, my wife and our black lab. I rarely take passengers so I don't really need the 5 seating positions.

Also wondering if the price hikes for 2016 equate to anything new other than the power bump. Especially the sport package with the sport diff, exhaust and steering. Is this something that was previously included in the earlier models and now they are charging extra for it or are these additional options not previously available?

**eyeloveteeth** · 02-23-2015 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by HIS4

Does the S7 feel that much bigger? Can you feel the extra weight? For someone that is going to use it strictly as a daily driver to replace an E90 M3, what would you recommend. I've always felt that the M3 was a bit too much car for me because I never used it to its full potential. I don't have a family. Just myself, my wife and our black lab. I rarely take passengers so I don't really need the have 5 seating positions.

Also wondering if the price hikes for 2016 equate to anything new other than the power bump. Especially the sport package with the sport diff, exhaust and steering. Is this something that was previously included in the earlier models and now they are charging extra for it or are these additional options not previously available?

so you are the exact copy of what i had to go through. your biggest question will be this:

1. does your lab enjoy the rear seats? if yes, then S6 is fine
2. does your lab enjoy laying down across the seats? if yes, then the S7

if you search and read my threads/posts, I was looking for a DD that would also suit my needs if I needed it (Wife + Yellow Lab + possibility of 1 child seat) ~ because of that very reason, I chose the S7 instead.

2016 the S6/S7 separate some of their default equipment, but the MSRP also dropped a little. Pre-2016 had the sports diff but now with the package you get a sports exhaust -

Steering wise, I enjoy my S7 alot. although sometimes it feels heavy and other times the steering feels a bit over boosted.

Other than that, the S6 feels..."more firm" - but that's just my feeling, not actual data i don't think.

However, in the end, the S7 will suit most of your needs better. (just my $.02)

**LINDW4LL** · 02-23-2015 11:09 PM

Weight difference is very minimal- about 100lbs, and is not noticeable IMO. That definitely shouldn't affect your decision. One thing to note is that, due to the hatch, the rear of the 7 is nicer/roomier for your lab if he/she participates in car rides frequently

I can see that being a big factor.

The Sports diff was standard on prior models but the Sport exhaust system was not offered. That package is definitely a must, just for the Sports diff alone. I kind of find it hard to believe that Audi is shipping some S7s without the diff, but they definitely make it appear that way on the options list.

**VeryBadman** · 02-23-2015 11:15 PM

I owned S6 before RS7 so my experience might not be as direct but I feel RS7 is not bigger than S6 at all. Though granted RS7 is lighter than S7 so the weight difference is less too.

S6 and S7 are basically the same car so for daily driving I don't think you would notice the difference anyway. It comes down to which styling you like more, the 6 or 7 but you can't go wrong with either.

**airborne7** · 02-24-2015 01:33 AM

I have doubt there is a real power bump for the refresh. Just reporting a bit higher than the previous. At least that's how I see it until someone dyno's a 2016 and it shows more power on the stock setup. That said, A/S 6/7 = same car except for body on top of frame. Back seat is the only real interior difference. Your dog will have plenty of room in either. You would probably be just as happy in the A models if you wanted to save some bucks. I only mention this due to your comment about not using the M3 to it's full potential.

**eyeloveteeth** · 02-24-2015 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by airborne7

I have doubt there is a real power bump for the refresh. Just reporting a bit higher than the previous. At least that's how I see it until someone dyno's a 2016 and it shows more power on the stock setup. That said, A/S 6/7 = same car except for body on top of frame. Back seat is the only real interior difference. Your dog will have plenty of room in either. You would probably be just as happy in the A models if you wanted to save some bucks. I only mention this due to your comment about not using the M3 to it's full potential.

on that note, the 3.0T got a power bump right? and those sexy rectangular exhausts

**Brooklyn** · 02-24-2015 06:35 AM

333hp for the 3.0t, aka the S4 tune!

**moosehead1** · 02-24-2015 06:45 AM

One surprise to me was the difference in driving position height. Specifically, the 7 is slung lower, not only roofline, but seating. The pilot's eyes in the 6 are higher up which affords a better view of the vehicle itself and the road. Even if the chassis, GVW, and powerplants are the same, the 7 feels longer/larger merely from the optical point of view of the driver. Even after a year of driving the 7, I always have to take extra care not to bump a front or rear fender, or clip the quarter panels around hairpin garage columns.

Said differently, the 6 feels more tossable even though it is the same configuration. I would think those coming from S4's would be more inclined to the 6 for this reason. YMMV.

In either vehicle, I would highly recommend a slight drop and the Eurocode sway kit given the heft of these rigs.

**Xtek** · 02-24-2015 06:49 AM

I had a C7 A6 and test drove the S7 as no one in Washington had an S6 available.

You could feel its wider, the 6 series is already a big car and the 7 felt wider, which it is. I don't know if anyone would really notice the different in weight a whole lot, I know during test drive conditions I didn't.

As much as I loved the styling of the 7 the reason I went with the 6 was two fold. First, if I'm going to be spending $90k on a large 4 door car I should expect to be able to fit adults in the rear seats. My head hit the sloping roof line. The other was the price difference. I didn't think the extra $10k was worth it and would rather spend that cash on mods.

**eyeloveteeth** · 02-24-2015 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Xtek

I had a C7 A6 and test drove the S7 as no one in Washington had an S6 available.

You could feel its wider, the 6 series is already a big car and the 7 felt wider, which it is. I don't know if anyone would really notice the different in weight a whole lot, I know during test drive conditions I didn't.

As much as I loved the styling of the 7 the reason I went with the 6 was two fold. First, if I'm going to be spending $90k on a large 4 door car I should expect to be able to fit adults in the rear seats. My head hit the sloping roof line. The other was the price difference. I didn't think the extra $10k was worth it and would rather spend that cash on mods.

i'm not short and i felt fine in the rear of the S7 (non moving) - i just sat in it the other day when i realized i've never been in the back. Since I've gotten the car, all the seats have been down and the panels off so that my dog can ride in it LOL.

But yeah, that is the weirdest part of the S7...i always feel like i'm going to hit the front or side or rear because the car visually seems SOOOO wide and long. But i love it

**amelen** · 02-24-2015 07:47 AM

I can't compare the S6 to S7 but I know the A7 felt a lot bigger to me than the S6. I know physically there isn't much different, but it felt longer and wider.

**HIS4** · 02-24-2015 07:56 AM

All good info guys. Thanks! My comment about not using the M3 to its full potential was more directed towards the fact that it was never tracked because we don't have one here. It's strictly a daily driver and weekend cruiser for me. We don't have a lot of long straight roads so not many areas to open it up for top speed runs.

**eyeloveteeth** · 02-24-2015 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by HIS4

All good info guys. Thanks! My comment about not using the M3 to its full potential was more directed towards the fact that it was never tracked because we don't have one here. It's strictly a daily driver and weekend cruiser for me. We don't have a lot of long straight roads so not many areas to open it up for top speed runs.

then the S7 is perfect for you honestly. To me, it is the perfect cruiser with some nice oomph when you want it.

**Xtek** · 02-24-2015 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by eyeloveteeth

i'm not short and i felt fine in the rear of the S7 (non moving) - i just sat in it the other day when i realized i've never been in the back. Since I've gotten the car, all the seats have been down and the panels off so that my dog can ride in it LOL.

But yeah, that is the weirdest part of the S7...i always feel like i'm going to hit the front or side or rear because the car visually seems SOOOO wide and long. But i love it

Yeah, don't get me wrong. I didn't know what car I was ordering even after the test drive. When I sat down with the salesperson he said (either car would have been a customer order) "What number am I putting down?". Still didn't know.. said 6. But to be honest I don't think it would have mattered either way. Both are fantastic cars and look great in their own right. The 7 is slick and sexy and demands attention. The 6 is a wolf in sheep's clothing that most people wouldn't give a second glance to. I love both cars, if I could have both, I would.

**eyeloveteeth** · 02-24-2015 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by Xtek

Yeah, don't get me wrong. I didn't know what car I was ordering even after the test drive. When I sat down with the salesperson he said (either car would have been a customer order) "What number am I putting down?". Still didn't know.. said 6. But to be honest I don't think it would have mattered either way. Both are fantastic cars and look great in their own right. The 7 is slick and sexy and demands attention. The 6 is a wolf in sheep's clothing that most people wouldn't give a second glance to. I love both cars, if I could have both, I would.

i agree 100% - the 6 silhouette is so low key that no one thinks anything until they either hear you or are watching you run away. The 7 definitely has a more unique shape and causes more attention.

however, function above all, the 7 is the perfect "sedan" for me and for my dog + wife and maybe a baby. The panemera's seats dont come down with the center console extending all the way to the rear, else it would clearly be a contender.

Short of a wagon, this is the best solution for the person that doesnt' want a wagon or SUV but needs one lol

**HIS4** · 02-24-2015 09:30 AM

Dealer has a used S7 on the lot that they are going to let me test drive this weekend. They never get any S6s on the lot so I might have to resort to test driving an A6 just to gauge the size difference.

**Liquidsystm** · 02-24-2015 09:35 AM

The space in the S7 is huge. With the seats folded down and the deck lid removed, there is more space in the back than my avant.

**VVG** · 02-24-2015 03:35 PM

It really comes down to the styling. Mechanically the cars are identical. I am just not a fan of the 7 series style and the 6 was $9k less, and so for me it was an easy decision.

Sorry, but for me, the profile of a 7-series reminds me a little of this (flame suit on):

All in good fun !!!!

**eyeloveteeth** · 02-24-2015 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by VVG

It really comes down to the styling. Mechanically the cars are identical. I am just not a fan of the 7 series style and the 6 was $9k less, and so for me it was an easy decision.

Sorry, but for me, the profile of a 7-series reminds me a little of this (flame suit on):

All in good fun !!!!

you misunderstand, both thread starter and myself have a lab that does that 4-6 times a day LOL.

**moosehead1** · 02-24-2015 03:55 PM

Normally VVG's posts are cogent, but in this case he's just shit stirring, pun intended.

**b4thea4** · 02-24-2015 04:23 PM

I did the Audi training at Chuckwalla raceway, Palm Desert CA area, with the S6, S7 and S8. Not sure why I noticed this but the S7 seemed to squat more than the S6 during take-off. The nose of the S7 looked higher than the S6 when going around the track. Driving wise I'd pick the S6, by a very small margin, for functionality and performance I'd go S7. The jump to the RS7 isn't that far away from the S7. That being said you only live once right?

**HIS4** · 02-24-2015 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by b4thea4

I did the Audi training at Chuckwalla raceway, Palm Desert CA area, with the S6, S7 and S8. Not sure why I noticed this but the S7 seemed to squat more than the S6 during take-off. The nose of the S7 looked higher than the S6 when going around the track. Driving wise I'd pick the S6, by a very small margin, for functionality and performance I'd go S7. The jump to the RS7 isn't that far away from the S7. That being said you only live once right?

Sure but if couldn't get the most out of my M3 I'm not sure what I would do with an RS7.

**eyeloveteeth** · 02-24-2015 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by HIS4

Sure but if couldn't get the most out of my M3 I'm not sure what I would do with an RS7.

Agreed. Other than bragging rights and a very very large pen is.

@HIS4 you'll love the S7, I know i do.

**b4thea4** · 02-24-2015 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by HIS4

Sure but if couldn't get the most out of my M3 I'm not sure what I would do with an RS7.

The sound difference alone is a great reward! I've never heard such a crackly and angry exhaust from the factory. The S6/S7 are great too. To me it comes down to which body style you like more. Pick the body and enjoy.

**Xtek** · 02-24-2015 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by VVG

It really comes down to the styling. Mechanically the cars are identical. I am just not a fan of the 7 series style and the 6 was $9k less, and so for me it was an easy decision.

Sorry, but for me, the profile of a 7-series reminds me a little of this (flame suit on):

All in good fun !!!!

Oh man, I was hoping a good image war thread would start...

**airborne7** · 02-24-2015 08:54 PM

I had an A6 before the S7. Size wise while driving, I did not notice a difference...except I take corners a hell of a lot faster in the 7 than I did in the 6. Not always a good thing I have found. I don't worry about hitting things while turning, or parking. It didn't take long to get the feel of the car. Maybe because I drive a suburban for work, but to me it's just a regular sized car.

Looks wise, the 7 looks so much better...than most cars out there, imo. I know ppl have different opinions on things, but damn! Shitting (figuratively) on the body style of the 7? I cannot express how many compliments I get on the looks of the car.

**jared13** · 02-24-2015 10:21 PM

I can't speak to driving an S6 or S7 BUT, I did just make the switch from an E92 M3 to an A6 TDI. I, like the OP, found that I could never really enjoy the M3 as it was designed. Though I absolutely loved it, and all the glorious sounds it made, it was basically just getting beat up on crap roads, and burning ridiculous gas on my commute, etc. For that reason, I felt that an S6/7 would be an equal waste. Honestly, with the TDI, I have just as much usable power on tap given my restricted driving conditions (urban roads, typically 40 mph and under...occasional highway).

That being said, I miss the chassis of the M3. It was much more dynamic and connected to the road. But the C7 chassis is not a slouch and a few mods can really pull impressive performance out of it. SO, since you are just thinking of a daily driver, you may enjoy a nicely modded A6/7 to get the chassis in the realm of the S6/7, pick up some efficiency, and save some cash while you're at it.

I definitely understand the appeal of the S6/7 though. For years, I loved wasting that M V8 for the rare opportunity to open it up. That being said, there is also something about knowing you have a monster under the hood and huge chassis capability, even if you only commute in it each day. But my two cents...the differences between the A and the S lines become less significant with the unfortunate realities of every day driving.

I say all this and I can see myself making the switch to an S6 in a few years anyway...

At any rate, you have a sweet choice to make...where there are really no wrong answers! Cheers!

**VeryBadman** · 02-24-2015 10:59 PM

Truthfully speaking, I don't plan to track my RS7 either and probably never get to use its full potential. I doubt many of us really can even on track since most of us are not a pro. The fact that the power is there when I want to push and the glorious sound the RS7 makes make it worth the premium I have to pay IMHO. You would be surprised that in fact people don't really pay much attention even to RS7 and that's what I really love about it since I don't want to chat with strangers all the time. I'm sure that only few would leave me alone if I were to drive M6 GC or CLS AMG.

**HIS4** · 02-25-2015 12:20 AM

To complicate things even more, the S6 and S7 were the 2 cars that met the WAF. That is until this past weekend. She always said, 4 doors, 4 seats is a must. Then we saw a new 981 Cayman S drive by us this weekend. That is now on the list too. Doesn't make much sense and not comparable to the S6/7 but it's one of those if I'm gonna do it, do it now kind of things. Plus we already have the A4 avant for the grocery getter/weekend errand car.

We'll see where this goes.