Audi RS7 vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

Driving Character: Audi RS7 vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

The RS7 occupies a unique space, marrying the brutal acceleration of a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with the visual drama of a low-slung, sweeping Sportback. With 591 hp and the advanced Quattro system, it delivers devastating straight-line performance that feels relentless and almost telepathic. All-wheel steering is standard, giving this imposing car an agility that defies its substantial weight in the corners. It is a machine designed for covering vast distances at high speed with effortless ease, providing a level of poise that turns even the most demanding road into a manageable ribbon of asphalt.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast delivers a visceral, raw experience defined by its 789hp naturally aspirated V12. The steering is exceptionally sharp, requiring precise inputs to manage the power delivery to the rear wheels, aided significantly by the rear-wheel steering system. It excels at high speeds but demands total focus as the limits of adhesion are tested. The chassis balance is classic front-engine GT, though the weight of the drivetrain is always apparent. It is a car that rewards a disciplined driver while punishing complacency, especially on damp British tarmac where the torque can easily overwhelm the traction control.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS7 — 591hp V8 in Sportback body; fast estate performance at a premium; the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Naturally aspirated 6.5L V12; 789hp of pure, unfiltered theatricality. Characteristic of the Audi RS7: Quattro AWD with Sport differential; planted and fast in all weathers. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: RWD at this power level demands skill; rear-wheel steering aids stability. In outright terms it is 591 hp against 789 — a 198 hp gap — and the Ferrari 812 Superfast reaches 60 mph 0.7s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: Audi RS7 vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

The interior is a high-luxury environment, mirroring the technical sophistication of the RS6 but packaged within a more dramatic, coupe-like frame. The Virtual Cockpit Plus provides clear, customisable readouts, while the cabin's materials—ranging from carbon fibre to Valcona leather—exude a premium, tactile quality. Because of the raked roofline, the rear cabin feels more intimate than in the Avant version, sacrificing headroom for a more sporting aesthetic. It is undeniably a driver’s cabin, where every control feels weighted, precise, and purposefully placed to enhance the feeling of being in something truly exclusive.

Inside the 812 Superfast, the cabin prioritises driver focus while retaining an air of grand touring luxury. The architecture features a sweeping dashboard that wraps around the occupant, with high-quality materials and bespoke trim options defining the space. The optional Daytona-style seats offer excellent lateral support for spirited driving, and the driver-centric interface places all essential controls within immediate reach. However, the sheer length of the bonnet remains a persistent factor when navigating tight spaces, necessitating careful judgement of the front extremities despite the high level of interior finish and overall build quality.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS7 — Fastback Sportback gives dramatic profile with genuine four-seat practicality; the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Sweeping GT cabin; more space and luxury than mid-engine stablemates. Characteristic of the Audi RS7: Latest Audi MMI infotainment and Virtual Cockpit; technology class-leading. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Optional Daytona-spec seats for serious driver engagement.

Daily Usability: Audi RS7 vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

While the RS7 is undoubtedly a performance vehicle, its Sportback design offers a practical twist. The 535L boot is more than sufficient for typical weekend trips, and the lift-back opening makes loading gear straightforward. Urban use requires awareness; its significant width and low stance mean care is needed in narrow parking structures, though the array of sensors and cameras makes it doable. In Comfort mode, the air suspension does a commendable job of masking road surface harshness, ensuring that urban traffic or motorway cruising is conducted with a sense of refined, whisper-quiet calm.

For such a potent machine, the Ferrari 812 Superfast is surprisingly civilised as a long-distance companion. The 320-litre boot provides adequate space for luggage, making it the most practical front-engine offering in the modern Ferrari hierarchy. While it is perfectly comfortable over long motorway stints thanks to the compliant suspension settings, its width and length make urban manoeuvrability a chore. It demands constant vigilance in narrow city streets, yet it handles parking ramps and standard errands with enough grace to allow for genuine usability, provided the driver is prepared to manage its substantial dimensions.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS7 — 535L boot with folding seats; more practical than its sporting profile suggests; the Ferrari 812 Superfast — 320L boot capacity; most practical front-engine Ferrari. Characteristic of the Audi RS7: Mild hybrid system improves fuel economy on long journeys. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Dual-zone climate and Grand Tourer spec suits long-distance journeys. that means 535 litres of boot space against 320, and everyday running costs that favour the Audi RS7 at the pumps.

Ownership: Audi RS7 vs Ferrari 812 Superfast

As a flagship performance model, the RS7 commands a premium in terms of running costs. Fuel consumption is consistent with a high-output V8, and the long-term maintenance requires a dedicated budget for tyres, brakes, and scheduled service checks. Audi’s dealer network ensures that this level of care is easily accessible, and the car's desirable styling keeps residual values firm amongst performance-oriented buyers. It is a car that demands a commitment to its upkeep, but in exchange, it offers an ownership experience defined by style, speed, and the confidence that comes with a top-tier automotive engineering product.

As one of the final front-engined, naturally aspirated V12 masterpieces, the 812 Superfast enjoys a sterling reputation among collectors. Residual values remain robust, supported by the car's status as a pinnacle of traditional Ferrari engineering. Ownership costs, however, are substantial, with specialist maintenance required to keep the complex V12 running at peak performance. While annual service costs are significant, the peace of mind offered by professional maintenance is essential for preserving the vehicle's long-term value, as enthusiasts continue to favour these unadulterated powerplants over the industry’s shift toward smaller displacement and electrification.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS7 — Audi dealer network widest in this class; RS7 supported everywhere; the Ferrari 812 Superfast — Last naturally aspirated V12 front-engine Ferrari drives collector sentiment. Characteristic of the Audi RS7: Strong residuals for RS7; demand from dual-purpose buyers keeps values firm. For the Ferrari 812 Superfast: Strong residuals; 812 variants hold value due to N/A purist appeal. On the wallet the two diverge at £105,000 versus £275,000 — a £170,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,200 against £3,500, and warranty cover of 3 years / 60,000 miles (original UK cover; first 2 years unlimited) versus 4 years / unlimited miles (original UK cover; servicing is separate).

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