RS7 vs CTS-V

[hubris]

Did anyone else cross-shop these two vehicles? Why did you choose RS7? What did you like and dislike about the V? I know not many may have shopped recently, so keep in mind the latest revision of the V (2016+?) packs 640 hp and is highly recognized as a significant improvement over the previous V's.

The lack of AWD on the V is a drawback, but I don't know if it's a dealbreaker. If you look hard enough there are people driving them with good winter tires in the snow.... I want to believe!!

[jfeger]

I cross shopped the CTS-V and my S7. I was looking at a preowned market, so the cost and performance impact was different. In the end I simply didn't like the interior of the V. The S7 feels much more refined and "higher end". I also wasn't very serious with the V due to the lack of AWD.

I've heard the new V is nice, and the owner of the shop that just did my tint did cross shop the RS7 and the V. He picked the V. His reasoning was power and shape of the car.

[VeryBadman]

CTS-V didn't even come to my mind when I was looking at RS7. I actually was contemplating between RS7 and M6 GC but my love for Audi won so here I am in RS7. Not saying CTS-V is bad but I'm not a fan of Caddy's design in general and the interior reminds me too much of a rental Impala that I would get to drive from time to time. And if I care about performance so much, I think I rather spend money of those of Hellcat that are even cheaper than CTS-V.

[dannybear]

In my opinion the two are not in the same class of build quality, finish (especially the inside) and design

[Serpent]

Although a good car its not in the same level was RS7. I didn't necessarily cross shop the two but I did look at one that was at an auto show and didn't like the interior. I did cross shop E63S with the RS7 and RS7 interior was much better than the E63, the new interior next year is going to be amazing but they are losing that monstrous engine.

[VVG]

Did anyone else cross-shop these two vehicles? Why did you choose RS7? What did you like and dislike about the V? I know not many may have shopped recently, so keep in mind the latest revision of the V (2016+?) packs 640 hp and is highly recognized as a significant improvement over the previous V's.

The lack of AWD on the V is a drawback, but I don't know if it's a dealbreaker. If you look hard enough there are people driving them with good winter tires in the snow.... I want to believe!!

At this level of power and torque, in a large sedan, it is most definitely a deal breaker. It is the main reason I didn't buy an M5. You can't come even remotely close to getting the power/torque to the ground properly. Exterior styling is unique and very nice, but Caddy interiors still don't cut it.

[bobamoo]

I looked at Cadillac before buying my A4 (before the A6). Doesn't matter which models, ATS, CTS, they don't have the build quality, materials quality, or level of engineering as Audi.

[Ensoniq]

I checked it out but rear wheel drive and supercharger vs AWD and twin turbo with the ZF and easy tune that nets extra 150 HP and way better fit and finish = no comparison

Worth the extra 35k

A7<CTSV<S7<RS7

[MRANT212]

I drive an S6 but came out of a prior generation CTS-V sedan. The new V is insane but I will say Audi has the interior wars won against any car maker. With all the bashing of CUE I actually like it having it in my Escalade. Off the line the RS7 knows how to put the power down vs anything with just RWD. The new V is a beast on the road course and the mid and upper range power band is ridiculous. I'll compare my old V vs the S6 and that mid to upper range would blow my S6 out of the water and show its tailights. Cadillac has built an amazing track car for the street. One can't compare designs as its a matter of personal taste. The interior of the new V has improved and I feel there are some areas the Caddy is better and some where the Audi is better.

The RS7 is way more polished and refined vs the CTS-V. I was looking at the 2016 V but they are hard to come by so I went with a CPO S6. I may switch back to a V in the next couple of years. I kinda miss my rear wheel drive burn outs!! Also after almost 45k miles excluding tires I put zero $$$ into this car. I've seen some with 200k+ miles on them as well. Everyone has their choices and preferences. There are no bad decisions with an RS7, CTS-V, BMW-M or Mercedes AMG.

[VVG]

I drive an S6 but came out of a prior generation CTS-V sedan. The new V is insane but I will say Audi has the interior wars won against any car maker............

I think modern day Porsches have matched or even slightly edged out Audi in terms of interiors. Here are some shots of my Cayman GTS:







Just my opinion, of course

[Superdad]

we have had two escalades and the new ones cue system is awful, completely uninituitive, I drove the cts-v and its incredibly fast but lacks the RS7's quality and feel. Looks are subjective but i prefer the RS7 and everything else it brings to the table including an incredible B&O stereo, technology that is fantastic and easy to use.

- - - Updated - - -

PS the RS7 comfort seats are far better than anything else in its class

[jfeger]

I think modern day Porsches have matched or even slightly edged out Audi in terms of interiors. Here are some shots of my Cayman GTS:







Just my opinion, of course

I agree with you. I came out of a 991 that wasn't upgraded with anything special inside. While I do think the S7 seats are more comfortable, I don't see a major difference in the quality between the P-car and the S7. The MMI and DIS are definitely nice though.

[jfeger]

I agree with you. I came out of a 991 that wasn't upgraded with anything special inside. While I do think the S7 seats are more comfortable, I don't see a major difference in the quality between the P-car and the S7. The MMI and DIS are definitely nice though.

I miss the Sport Design steering wheel. Possibly the best wheel + paddle combo I've ever driven.

[agent47]

Just like bobamoo, I looked at a CTS before buying my A4. A guy I know has the ATS. The cue system is awful. Plus the interior just seems tacky. I would take a bmw interior over it anyday- which does say a lot. I did get a chance to check out the new V. Its screaming fast. But again the interior sucks and AWD is mandatory for that kind of power levels

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[VVG]

I miss the Sport Design steering wheel. Possibly the best wheel + paddle combo I've ever driven.

The nice thing about the shifters on the Sport design wheel, is that are they are actually more like levers and not blip paddles. There is actually a range of movement to them as you pull and release. It makes the shifting seem more deliberate and purposeful. More "involving" for lack of a better term. And there is no question that PDK is light years ahead in the dual-clutch game.

[Winterk80]

Did anyone else cross-shop these two vehicles? Why did you choose RS7? What did you like and dislike about the V? I know not many may have shopped recently, so keep in mind the latest revision of the V (2016+?) packs 640 hp and is highly recognized as a significant improvement over the previous V's.

The lack of AWD on the V is a drawback, but I don't know if it's a dealbreaker. If you look hard enough there are people driving them with good winter tires in the snow.... I want to believe!!

Not the same level of car. Closer comparison is RS7 vs BMW 6 series. Caddie is nice enough but the build quality and the interior is lacking. Audi interior is flat out stunning, people gape at the rs7 interior, men, women, it doesn't matter they all know they are looking at something special.

My friend who owns a caddie put it best, "this (Audi) is real luxury, I wanted an Audi but couldn't afford one so I settled for a caddie." Also the awd is a big deal, a bigger deal the more HP you have IMO.

[hubris]

Interesting perspectives all around. I do like the Audi interiors a bit more although I don't disdain the Cadillac interior (or infotainment system) as much as some others here! I have a current generation non-V CTS and I quite like the interior.

Either way, CTS-V vs RS-7 -- they might not be a perfect comparison (as I saw mentioned here a few times), but in the same regard consider that the V3 is almost certainly more 'track capable' than the RS7 if you believe the reviews. I haven't driven one myself. However I have no doubt that the RS7 is more drive-able on a day to day basis, and in inclement weather, especially with AWD.

[VVG]

Interesting perspectives all around. I do like the Audi interiors a bit more although I don't disdain the Cadillac interior (or infotainment system) as much as some others here! I have a current generation non-V CTS and I quite like the interior.

Either way, CTS-V vs RS-7 -- they might not be a perfect comparison (as I saw mentioned here a few times), but in the same regard consider that the V3 is almost certainly more 'track capable' than the RS7 if you believe the reviews. I haven't driven one myself. However I have no doubt that the RS7 is more drive-able on a day to day basis, and in inclement weather, especially with AWD.

This may be true, but really, who buys this kind of car for the track? Track capability in a big luxury sedan is an academic point at best.

[hubris]

This may be true, but really, who buys this kind of car for the track? Track capability in a big luxury sedan is an academic point at best.

I completely agree, although I do think it's an indication of the overall handling and driving characteristics of the car.

Now I am transfixed on a new ride... CLS63 AMG S

[Serpent]

Now I am transfixed on a new ride... CLS63 AMG S

Good choice, its a great car. About the same price tag as the RS7. I think the RS7 is faster by a hair. I'm waiting for the new E63S to come out with that updated interior.

[VeryBadman]

Good choice, its a great car. About the same price tag as the RS7. I think the RS7 is faster by a hair. I'm waiting for the new E63S to come out with that updated interior.

+1 If you really want an E63 AMG, you may want to hold off to see what the next generation E class will offer.

[MBrock]

I completely agree, although I do think it's an indication of the overall handling and driving characteristics of the car.

Now I am transfixed on a new ride... CLS63 AMG S

I have a 2013 CLS63 (700hp) and the RS7 is the better overall car IMO. The RS7 just feels like it is put together much better...... that includes the suspension, interior materials and fit and finish.

The CLS63 is a great looking car (especially since the mid cycle refresh) but it really has nothing over the RS7.

[hubris]

I have a 2013 CLS63 (700hp) and the RS7 is the better overall car IMO. The RS7 just feels like it is put together much better...... that includes the suspension, interior materials and fit and finish.

The CLS63 is a great looking car (especially since the mid cycle refresh) but it really has nothing over the RS7.

Definitely a good opinion to solicit considering you own both. Being a 2013 yours is missing the 4MATIC/AWD among some aesthetics (as you mentioned) so I wonder how you would feel in the facelifted version.

[Winterk80]

+1 If you really want an E63 AMG, you may want to hold off to see what the next generation E class will offer.

Verybadman any videos of how your miltek exhaust sounds ? How do you like it?

[VeryBadman]

Verybadman any videos of how your miltek exhaust sounds ? How do you like it?

Totally love it! I can't justify the cost of Akrapovic so Miltek is a great compromise. Here are some videos.

[ekpyr]

I did. I couldn't test drive the Corvette Z06 or the Cadillac CT-V, which was a big part of my decision. That aside, the interior and electronics of the Audi RS7 won hands down.


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[Roebear]

Funnily enough had a friend film the two: https://youtu.be/VmBAP1zkTA0

I was on snows with a tune and Miltek so slightly different but I loved my RS7 more after it. The transmission on the CTS-V is horrendous and generally feels bigger than the RS7. RS7 is faster and sounds better. Interior of the CTS-V was a bit "sportier" with the alcantara but the RS7 was much more pleasant and liveable.


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[Winterk80]

I did. I couldn't test drive the Corvette Z06 or the Cadillac CT-V, which was a big part of my decision. That aside, the interior and electronics of the Audi RS7 won hands down.


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I don't think the electronics on the Audi are spectacular, caddy must be pretty bad. Coming from a BMW the Audi systems are at least a generation behind. One of my least favorite parts of the car. Sound system is great, but the MMI not nearly as smooth and as well thought out as the BMW system on my 2011 BMW.