Compare the2024 Maserati GhibliVS 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback

The Ghibli has a standard blind spot warning system that 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 RS 5 Sportback’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Ghibli has standard Rear Cross Path, helping the driver avoid collisions. Audi charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Assist on the RS 5 Sportback.

Both the Ghibli and the RS 5 Sportback 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.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Ghibli has a standard 850-amp battery. The RS 5 Sportback’s 420-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Maserati vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Maserati above average in initial quality. With 39 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

The Ghibli Trofeo’s standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 128 more horsepower (572 vs. 444) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 442) than the RS 5 Sportback’s 2.9 turbo V6.

The Ghibli has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the RS 5 Sportback (21.1 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Ghibli has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The RS 5 Sportback doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Ghibli Trofeo’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The RS 5 Sportback doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Ghibli Trofeo’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RS 5 Sportback:

For better traction and acceleration, the Ghibli has larger standard rear tires than the RS 5 Sportback (275/40R19 vs. 265/35R19). The Ghibli’s optional rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the RS 5 Sportback (285/35R20 vs. 275/30R20).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Ghibli offers optional 21-inch wheels. The RS 5 Sportback’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

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 RS 5 Sportback doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Ghibli’s wheelbase is 6.7 inches longer than on the RS 5 Sportback (118 inches vs. 111.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Ghibli is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 2.6 inches wider in the rear than on the RS 5 Sportback.

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 RS 5 Sportback (.32) 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 RS 5 Sportback is rated a Mid-size.

The Ghibli has 17 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RS 5 Sportback (108 vs. 91).

The Ghibli has 1 inch more front headroom, 2.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.8 inches more rear headroom and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the RS 5 Sportback.

The Ghibli’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The RS 5 Sportback doesn’t offer an easy entry 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 RS 5 Sportback does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Ghibli’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children in the rear seat from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower all of them with the lock engaged. Audi does not offer a locking feature on the RS 5 Sportback’s standard power windows.

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 RS 5 Sportback’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The RS 5 Sportback’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Ghibli’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the Ghibli to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The RS 5 Sportback doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The Ghibli is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The RS 5 Sportback doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.