Compare the2023 Maserati GhibliVS 2023 Audi A7

The Ghibli has standard Anti-Whiplash Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Anti-Whiplash Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The A7 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Ghibli has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the A7’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Ghibli has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the A7.

Both the Ghibli and the A7 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Ghibli’s reliability 15 points higher than the A7.

The Ghibli GT’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 10 more horsepower (345 vs. 335) than the A7’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid. The Ghibli Modena’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 89 more horsepower (424 vs. 335) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 369) than the A7’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid. The Ghibli Trofeo’s standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 237 more horsepower (572 vs. 335) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 369) than the A7’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Ghibli Modena 3.0 turbo V6 is faster than the Audi A7:

The Ghibli has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the A7 (21.1 vs. 19.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Maserati Ghibli, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A7.

For better stopping power the Ghibli’s brake rotors are larger than those on the A7:

The Ghibli stops shorter than the A7:

For better traction and acceleration, the Ghibli has larger standard rear tires than the A7 (275/40R19 vs. 255/40R20). The Ghibli’s optional rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the A7 (285/35R20 vs. 255/40R20).

The Ghibli’s optional 285/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the A7 55 TFSI Prestige’s optional 35 series tires.

The Ghibli offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A7’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Ghibli’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The A7 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Ghibli’s wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer than on the A7 (118 inches vs. 115.2 inches).

The Ghibli’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the A7’s (53.9% to 46.1%). This gives the Ghibli more stable handling and braking.

The Ghibli Modena Q4 handles at .91 G’s, while the A7 55 TFSI Prestige pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Ghibli Modena Q4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the A7 55 TFSI Prestige (25.5 seconds @ .8 average G’s vs. 26 seconds @ .69 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Ghibli’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the A7’s (38.4 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The Maserati Ghibli may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 450 pounds less than the Audi A7.

The design of the Maserati Ghibli amounts to more than styling. The Ghibli has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is lower than the A7 (.31) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Ghibli get better fuel mileage.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Ghibli a Large car, while the A7 is rated a Mid-size.

The Ghibli has 13 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A7 (108 vs. 95).

The Ghibli has 1.8 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear headroom and .6 inches more rear shoulder room than the A7.

The Ghibli has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The A7 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Ghibli’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The A7 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Ghibli’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The A7’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Ghibli to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The A7 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Ghibli offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The A7 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the Ghibli to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The A7 doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The Ghibli has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the A7.

The Ghibli is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The A7 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.