Abarth 595 vs Audi S7
What's the difference?

Abarth 595

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2018 price

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Audi S7

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2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2018 Abarth 595

2020 Audi S7

By Tim Robson

By Tung Nguyen

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

9.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Good engine/chassis combo
Surprising grip levels
Unusual

Supermodel good looks.
Smooth engine/transmission combo.
Liftback practicality.

Dislikes

Terrible driving position
Ride not great around town
No reversing camera

Limited rear-seat headroom.
Expensive options.
Rear-wheel steering.

2018 Abarth 595 Summary

Since 1949, Abarth has been giving the venerable Italian brand, Fiat, a patina of performance, based largely on giant-killing feats in small modified cars like the Fiat 600 of the 1960s.

More recently, the brand has been revived to boost the fortunes of the smallest Fiat on sale in Australia. Known formally as the Abarth 595, the tiny hatch packs a bit of a surprise under its distinctive snout.

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2020 Audi S7 Summary

If you want something large, fast and comfortable, no one does it better than the Germans, and the latest entrant to the market is Audi’s all-new S7 Sportback.

Using the uber-stylish second-generation A7 as a basis, the new S7 Sportback scores cutting-edge technology and premium appointments befitting a large luxury sedan, but it’s often what’s under the bonnet that will draw buyers in.

This new S7 replaces the old version’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 but, don’t fear, as having fewer cylinders has not dulled its performance or appeal.

As a whole though, does the new Audi S7 Sportback deliver a winning blow?

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Abarth 595 2020 Audi S7

Verdict

It’s tough to be kind to the Abarth 595. Based on a platform that’s more than a decade old, the car has been left behind by its rivals in many ways, including basic ergonomics and its value equation.

The larger engine does work well in this smaller package, and its road-holding ability belies its size. However, only die-hard fans of the Abarth brand will be able to cope with the uncomfortable seating position and a complete lack of even the most perfunctory features that cars costing $10,000 less are able to offer.

Verdict

Audi’s S7 Sportback wraps style, comfort and sportiness in an appealing package that is sure to please onlookers and occupants alike.

The great engine/transmission aside, the S7 Sportback also has cutting-edge technology at a more affordable pricetag, though less-than-comfortable rear-seat space lets it down a little.

We wish the car we sampled didn’t have the all-wheel steering, as we much preferred the more neutral feel of the S6 sedan we also drove but, overall, the S7 Sportback puts forward a strong case for its existence.

Abarth 595 vs Audi S7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Abarth 595 vs Audi S7
What's the difference?