Ditch the M5?

[PetrolFumes]

Test drove the rs7 today. Holy fuck its fast and an APR software flash puts this car in the low 10's. It does however lack that feel of the M5 or any M car in general. no Connectedness to the road and to the car.

Considering making the move though. Would u guys wait for the AMS tune (i would likely wait til they have a true flash and dont have to send the unit in)or drop the M5 for the rs7?

[Ray knight]

Originally Posted by MPowerrF10

Test drove the rs7 today. Holy fuck its fast and an APR software flash puts this car in the low 10's. It does however lack that feel of the M5 or any M car in general. no Connectedness to the road and to the car.

Considering making the move though. Would u guys wait for the AMS tune (i would likely wait til they have a true flash and dont have to send the unit in)or drop the M5 for the rs7?

I think even with a great tune the M5 won't hang with the RS7 in any sort of normal speed limit driving. We simply don't have the traction that you get with AWD. That said, the M5 is a cooler car for sure but can never get out of the dig as hard as that RS7 thats for sure. I'm first in line for the AWD M5 thats coming in a few short years. I'm getting a little bored with my M5 especially since even my X5 35d gets out of the hole faster on these NE ohio roads.
Most of the roads i drive here are 50mph average and the M5 has no traction in first or second gear. Winding out 3rd where you feel the power is breaking WAY out of the speed limit. Probably why i don't even have 4k on my M5 i've owned for 2 years. Only fun on hot days when it actually gets SOME traction.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Ray is right, it does not matter how much BHP you put into an M5 the RS7 wins too 100 MPH all day long. The RS7 is a dog to drive though compared to the M5 IMO after test driving it.
I have the M6 GC CP, it does put more power down than my LCI M5, I know it's got the same basic engine/box but it just drives better handles better for me.

I would test drive M6 GC CP and see.

I think the RS7 will bore you very quickly.

[Stuartlogan77]

Yawn. There is a video of a corvet racing a m3 on the road what looks to be Germany. Yes the corvet smoked the m3 off the line as it proceeds to fishtail to near accident. So I believe real M drivers care for handling over raw HP.

[RPiM5]

Personally, and this might surprise most people, but I would go for a stock RS7 over a bench flashed tuned M5. Only reason I say that is because with this new bench flash method that the European tuners have developed and now U.S. tuners are using, you are increasing the torque to the rear tires by at least 100lbs/ft or more likely 150lbs/ft. So in reality going from stock stated value of 502lbs/ft of torque to more than 650lbs/ft to a RWD car will make driving the F10 M5 to it's full potential very challenging and beyond the skill of most drivers. The RS7 removes the driver skill variable and gives you AWD. Not only that but with the RS7 you can get a real OBD Flash tune and will be making over 700lbs/ft of torque from an AWD platform. You would be unbeatable with that setup. True, changing to 305mm tires or a stickier compound for more traction on the M5 will give more traction, but there are limits there too. I've yet to see anyone fit a tire width great than 305mm on the back of an F10 M5 without having to resort to some kind of F'd up wide body kit.

The RS7 is more of a plug and play kind of car, far more usable in everyday situations. Less than 1% of F10 M5 owners drift their cars and take them on the track, which is where it's superior handling dynamics really shine against the RS7. But on the street the RS7 ace up its sleeve is that quattro system. There are even race results posted where a stock 4,500lbs RS7 beats out many smaller sports cars on Big Willow Race Track in California, because of the Quattro System.

The next generation M5 is really the one to wait for. Sub-4,000lbs curb weight with AWD and at least 600hp. Until then, if one just wants to pounce everything around town, the RS7 is the superior choice. The F10 M5 is a drivers sports sedan that takes years to master.

[mcvaughan]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I've yet to see anyone fit a tire width great than 305mm on the back of an F10 M5 without having to resort to some kind of F'd up wide body kit.

Someone on here I saw was able to squeeze a 325 in the rear, no body kit. I don't recall who it was though.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by mcvaughan

Someone on here I saw was able to squeeze a 325 in the rear, no body kit. I don't recall who it was though.

I think even putting those tyres on will not help much, there is just too much torque going through 2 wheels, until your moving it's all lost.

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by mcvaughan

Someone on here I saw was able to squeeze a 325 in the rear, no body kit. I don't recall who it was though.

Yeah 325, 315 you know what I mean. Even a stock R8 4.2L V8 comes with 305mm tires. However, I will say that the M5 does come stock with the widest tires out of any sports sedan on the market today. Unfortunately it's still not enough.

[cjackson1906]

Interesting discussion. I know they serve very different purposes, but it would seem on paper that the Alpina B6 GC would be able to hang with (not necessarily beat) a stock RS7 since both are AWD. The RS7 is roughly 305 lbs lighter and has 20 more HP, but the B6 does have 24 more lb/ft of torque (although Dinan claims the torque on the B6 measured at 574 lb/ft rather the posted 540 lb/ft. If that torque can get the B6 out of the hole, it may not make up for the weight differential, but I think it might make it interesting. I also believe both have the ZF transmission as well...

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by cjackson1906

Interesting discussion. I know they serve very different purposes, but it would seem on paper that the Alpina B6 GC would be able to hang with (not necessarily beat) a stock RS7 since both are AWD. The RS7 is roughly 305 lbs lighter and has 20 more HP, but the B6 does have 24 more lb/ft of torque (although Dinan claims the torque on the B6 measured at 574 lb/ft rather the posted 540 lb/ft. If that torque can get the B6 out of the hole, it may not make up for the weight differential, but I think it might make it interesting. I also believe both have the ZF transmission as well...

The Alpina B6 Gran Coupe xDrive is a very interesting contender in this discussion and has many good qualities. However, it's looks are very subjective and to a lot of people just isn't on par with the looks of the M6 Gran Coupe or the RS7. With that said, I watched the video on the comparison between the Alpina B3 and the F80 M3. The Alpina actually edged out the M3 in a few respects, but overall lacked excitement. Even with these new Turbo Engines, today's M cars are pretty visceral.

[Seanmag]

Originally Posted by MPowerrF10

Test drove the rs7 today. Holy fuck its fast and an APR software flash puts this car in the low 10's. It does however lack that feel of the M5 or any M car in general. no Connectedness to the road and to the car.

Considering making the move though. Would u guys wait for the AMS tune (i would likely wait til they have a true flash and dont have to send the unit in)or drop the M5 for the rs7?

In agreement, the RS7 is a quick car. The interior and exterior of the RS7 have not grown on me.

What are your thoughts on the Pano GTS vs. the RS7?

[Ray knight]

Originally Posted by Seanmag

In agreement, the RS7 is a quick car. The interior and exterior of the RS7 have not grown on me.

What are your thoughts on the Pano GTS vs. the RS7?

Panamera is way overpriced i think. To get one equal to the RS7 or M5 its over 160k. They are nice but not 50k better. Not even close.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by cjackson1906

Interesting discussion. I know they serve very different purposes, but it would seem on paper that the Alpina B6 GC would be able to hang with (not necessarily beat) a stock RS7 since both are AWD. The RS7 is roughly 305 lbs lighter and has 20 more HP, but the B6 does have 24 more lb/ft of torque (although Dinan claims the torque on the B6 measured at 574 lb/ft rather the posted 540 lb/ft. If that torque can get the B6 out of the hole, it may not make up for the weight differential, but I think it might make it interesting. I also believe both have the ZF transmission as well...

Forget about paper. B6 can go 0-60 in 3.7 second while RS7 goes in 3.2-3.4 second. B6 1/4 mile is 12 second , RS7 is 11.6 second. As far as torque even if B6 generates 10% more torque with the same ZF8HP70, has 10% longer axle ratio (2.81 vs 3.08), so basically if both have the same drivetrain loss, then they have the same amount of torque at wheels while RS7 (as you mentioned) is ~300 lb lighter and more powerful...

[gcmr]

Coming out of my F10 M5 I too went through the exact same decision making process recently and also almost went for the RS7 due to practicality. Heart won over mind and I ordered the 2016 M6 GC CP. The Porsche Turbo next gen is where I will head next (unless BMW surprises again with something great). Should be out within a couple of years and will be hot. The current Panamera is too ugly to spend an extra 50k on.

[bobblehead]

... but the next gen panny should look a bit better ... along with new V6 and V8 engine. I may be heading to this in couple of yrs time once I know more info on the next gen panny vs next gen M5

Originally Posted by gcmr

Coming out of my F10 M5 I too went through the exact same decision making process recently and also almost went for the RS7 due to practicality. Heart won over mind and I ordered the 2016 M6 GC CP. The Porsche Turbo next gen is where I will head next (unless BMW surprises again with something great). Should be out within a couple of years and will be hot. The current Panamera is too ugly to spend an extra 50k on.

[stealth.pilot]

I would stick with the M5 over the RS7. To me the RS7 just feels cheap thanks to its A6 interior (no full leather option), and its limited packaging options (e.g. can't have ventilation with sport seats).

To me these cars are both at a level of performance which puts a smile on my face, but they don't both feel like a hundred grand car should.

Also if you want AWD hold out for the 2016 E63 AMG-S. It's going to have the styling and luxury of the latest S-Class in a car that will outperform an RS7.

[IANNUZZI]

M5 is the standard. Wait for tunes to unleash the restrained fury, will be untouchable on the highway running 22psi to 7200-7500rpm, with a useable powerband 2000rpm more than 63s and .5L more displacement than RS as well as 1500rpm more useable powerband. Options for stickier rears will be available as more try different combinations of wheels and tires.....

[shahano]

I would still go with the M5 over the RS7 any day.. Such a more involved driving experience. If all you want is 0-60 times, then the RS7 is for you.

[Stash21]

I know you don't get it in the U.S but think the RS 6 will be my next car.

[Tanin]

I've owned a couple Audis and look at them each time I'm ready to order my next vehicle. For my needs I find the ride too soft and much less engaging than its competitor BMW model.
Audi and Mercedes might have the edge in some performance measures but overall to me the M5 edges out the more involved drivers experience

[alvinabed]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

I would stick with the M5 over the RS7. To me the RS7 just feels cheap thanks to its A6 interior (no full leather option), and its limited packaging options (e.g. can't have ventilation with sport seats).

To me these cars are both at a level of performance which puts a smile on my face, but they don't both feel like a hundred grand car should.

Also if you want AWD hold out for the 2016 E63 AMG-S. It's going to have the styling and luxury of the latest S-Class in a car that will outperform an RS7.

+1

[gmfive]

If you felt that the RS7 lacked the connected feeling of the M5, may as well not trade the M5. It's much more refined, has an illustrious past. I don't think any Audi car comes close to the M5's legacy. Also, even though looks are subjective, the RS7 or any Audi **7 looks like a boat-y sportback, reminds me of the Subaru Outback. If you are bored with the M5, maybe try something different like the AMG GT-S.