autoevolution
 

Audi RS7 Challenges a Mercedes-AMG GT S to a Rolling Start Drag Race and Loses

Drag races will never get old. Why? Because they're a very condensed dose of everything we love about cars: speed, competition, a winner and a loser. Plus a very good opportunity to end debates and pit certain brand fanboys against each other, which is always immense fun.
Mercedes-AMG GT S vs. Audi RS7 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from YouTube
Here we have two German premium cars which, in spite of what the exterior design would like you to think, are pretty similar. On the left, there's the red Audi RS7 "facelift", as the guy filming is quick to point out, using a four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine good for 560 horsepower and 700 Nm.

On the opposite side is the new Mercedes-AMG GT S powered by a four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine developing 510 hp and 650 Nm. Spot the differences.

The Audi RS7 has the obvious advantage, but this mini tech sheet is lacking one important variable: the gross vehicle weight. Here, Audi tilts the scales with almost 350 extra kilograms, more than enough to cancel the 50 hp and 50 Nm advantage it has over the Mercedes-AMG.

Unfortunately, the authors of the footage don't give too much info on the conditions of the run: what was the setting off speed, what was the maximum speed, were there two persons in the AMG GT S as well?

Since it's a rolling start situation, the quattro AWD system that comes standard with all RS7s isn't of much use to the Audi. However, the driver does his best to ensure he's the winner by stealing the start, but to no avail.

All in all, the Mercedes-AMG GT S appears to be the winner. Its lesser weight and more aerodynamic shape help it gain enough speed to edge in front of the mighty Audi RS7. Was it a fair fight? We'll never know, so let's just assume it was and wait for the next confrontation. If anyone will happen to throw a BMW in there - you know, for good measure - we surely wouldn't mind.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Vlad Mitrache
Vlad Mitrache profile photo

"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories