Gallardos dull?
Discussion
Similar to most modern cars. When I bought my Corvette C5 Z06, it was far too competent compared witgh the grin-inducing C4 I had had a few years before. Any car that flatters your driving and is competent enough to mask your mistakes is bound to be like any other car. It's like comparing a racehorse with a bucking bronco.
Agent Orange said:
I had a bit of a shock yesterday in that my first drive in a Lambo was – err a bit dull.
My 5 year old son “bought” me a drive in a Gallardo so I went to Longcross yesterday for the drive. I was quite excited but to be honest after sitting in the car and pulling away I was some what disappointed. The interior felt very my like any other BMW, Audi, VW I’ve been in or owned. Steering was light and easy, throttle nicely weighted and bar a slightly heavily manual change it all felt very civilised. Unfortunately no sense of occasion. Just felt like I was driving another well made car. Either I'm deaf or I could hardly hear the burble of the V10 in idle.
A seeker lap followed by a few hot laps and I got to experience the acceleration and the howl of the V10. Both were good but neither made me grin like a maniac. The throttle was buried to the floor and whilst I cannot deny it accelerated quickly at no point did I think “***kin *ell!!!!”. Grip and steering were absolutely stunning though.
It all just seemed so competent and not once did it get my adrenaline pumping. I've felt more sense of occasion in TVRs, M3, M5s, AMG Mercs, 968 and 911s.
Was it the track? Longcross was admittedly setup with so many chicanes to stop you really motoring and getting a move on but I just cannot believe that I stepped out of a Lambo and did not think “WOW!!!!!!”. My thoughts were “Yep. Nice car.” and that has destroyed 30+ years of my views on Lamborghini.
Would I do better to hire the same car on a different track for a full track day? Or just ignore the Gallardo and try a Murcielago to restore childhood views of Lamborghini?
That's a shame,I think the gallardo is strangely faster than it feels,because it puts it's power down so efficiently there is no drama as the rear does not squirm when yo press your foot down.I have a spyder and it does not feel that fast,but if you can check the speedo you realise that it is.I have a little run I do to check a cars acceleration...the gallardo matched the 997 turbo ,although the turbo feels quicker.My 5 year old son “bought” me a drive in a Gallardo so I went to Longcross yesterday for the drive. I was quite excited but to be honest after sitting in the car and pulling away I was some what disappointed. The interior felt very my like any other BMW, Audi, VW I’ve been in or owned. Steering was light and easy, throttle nicely weighted and bar a slightly heavily manual change it all felt very civilised. Unfortunately no sense of occasion. Just felt like I was driving another well made car. Either I'm deaf or I could hardly hear the burble of the V10 in idle.
A seeker lap followed by a few hot laps and I got to experience the acceleration and the howl of the V10. Both were good but neither made me grin like a maniac. The throttle was buried to the floor and whilst I cannot deny it accelerated quickly at no point did I think “***kin *ell!!!!”. Grip and steering were absolutely stunning though.
It all just seemed so competent and not once did it get my adrenaline pumping. I've felt more sense of occasion in TVRs, M3, M5s, AMG Mercs, 968 and 911s.
Was it the track? Longcross was admittedly setup with so many chicanes to stop you really motoring and getting a move on but I just cannot believe that I stepped out of a Lambo and did not think “WOW!!!!!!”. My thoughts were “Yep. Nice car.” and that has destroyed 30+ years of my views on Lamborghini.
Would I do better to hire the same car on a different track for a full track day? Or just ignore the Gallardo and try a Murcielago to restore childhood views of Lamborghini?
Also being on a racetrack does not help as your sense of speed is not how it is on the road.
I went into the gallardo from an r8 and before that numerous 911s and BMW m cars and it feels very special.
And I drive it every day pretty much,and it is stunning to look at...I do after 15 months still just go and look at it in the garage.
Maybe you should have tried the spyder..it's more fun.
i drove the LP640 in july what a car the looks and the sounds of that V12 was just amazing , its the first Lambo i ever driven and it lived up to what i thought it would be and i come from a Bike racing back ground so cars dont usually get my blood pumping at all ,but the 640 did
so its been put away for me , i have to pay for next month :-}}} ill collect it next time im back in october :-}}}
so its been put away for me , i have to pay for next month :-}}} ill collect it next time im back in october :-}}}
jackal said:
Welcome to the world of modern cars.
Try a 430, its a much better steer, more feelsome, more interesting, more sinewy and precise, better steering feel and just more special. It will make you feel those things that you are looking for.
I went to buy a Gallardo spyder from Verdi. Try a 430, its a much better steer, more feelsome, more interesting, more sinewy and precise, better steering feel and just more special. It will make you feel those things that you are looking for.
Karl talked me out of it and said buy a 430 spider as its the 'real deal'
Thought it was very weird at the time as he had no 430's to sell me, and 3 Gallardos.....
Very glad I listened though.
jackal said:
Welcome to the world of modern cars.
Try a 430, its a much better steer, more feelsome, more interesting, more sinewy and precise, better steering feel and just more special. It will make you feel those things that you are looking for.
Absolutely this for me!Try a 430, its a much better steer, more feelsome, more interesting, more sinewy and precise, better steering feel and just more special. It will make you feel those things that you are looking for.
Having decided that I would treat myself to a "nice" car, the Gallardo Spider was top of the list. When I went to the dealer's showroom to look one over, I didn't really get the wow feeling, but felt that it would come with the test drive.
Alas, it wasn't to be. I don't think it helped that the salesman didn't know his product well enough to answer my few simple questions, but the drive was very disappointing. The steering, seat position, cramped and offset footwell, gear change and sense of occasion all left me deflated.
I then went to the Ferrari dealer to check out the 430 spider, fully expecting to rule it out. The curves of the F contrasted with the angles of the G, but it still looked a beautiful car. They were quiet, and offered me a test drive there and then, and within just a few minutes of driving I was blown away by how competent the car is. Everything in the car came together. The steering is gentle, yet precise, throttle response in sport and race mode is instant; the noise of the V8 when the valves open is wonderful; the balance in fast cornering is fantastic; and there is plenty of room in the cabin for a " big lad ".
I bought one in March. Nearly 5k miles later, I still love it, and I have a permanent
when I'm driving itIt's all about driver skill, I'm sure you are an excellent driver but a lot of people feel disappointed when driving super cars because they aren't being driven as they were designed to be. To drive a super car hard you have to be a VERY good driver. I was driven around the Hungaroring in a standard 997 Carrera 4S a couple of years ago by a guy who could drive. WOW, I thought these cars were only good for trundling up and down the Fulham road until those flying laps.
I have been driven in a Gallardo on the road and yes, its no different that being driven in a nice saloon car and that's the trouble with supercars in a nutshell! To appreciate them you have to be drive at silly speeds and you cant do that on the road or take it on a track and get passed by Atoms, Caterhams and Westfields that cost a fraction of what you paid for you Italian dream car and wont cost the earth to fix if you slide into the kitty litter!
I have been driven in a Gallardo on the road and yes, its no different that being driven in a nice saloon car and that's the trouble with supercars in a nutshell! To appreciate them you have to be drive at silly speeds and you cant do that on the road or take it on a track and get passed by Atoms, Caterhams and Westfields that cost a fraction of what you paid for you Italian dream car and wont cost the earth to fix if you slide into the kitty litter!
Agent Orange said:
jackal said:
Welcome to the world of modern cars.
Try a 430, its a much better steer, more feelsome, more interesting, more sinewy and precise, better steering feel and just more special. It will make you feel those things that you are looking for.
Just looked at "Shopping 2011" on your website. Very interesting and seems in general I'm not alone in my thoughts.Try a 430, its a much better steer, more feelsome, more interesting, more sinewy and precise, better steering feel and just more special. It will make you feel those things that you are looking for.
I've not driven a Scuderia yet but if you bung everything into an equation then technically that should be my ultimate car right now .... I just don't want to try one because I cant afford it and I know it will be incredible and there will be tears !
Edited by jackal on Tuesday 23 August 10:13
When you start looking for elements of the driver to bring out the best of the car or engine characteristics that make the car 'deceptively fast', you know the car may be capable but it's no adrenalin rush on wheels.
Different cars are renowned for different things. The Gallardo is fast and capable but underwhelming in the thrills department.
To some that makes it a better car, to me it just makes it a Lamborghini purely in badge but not in spirit.
Different cars are renowned for different things. The Gallardo is fast and capable but underwhelming in the thrills department.
To some that makes it a better car, to me it just makes it a Lamborghini purely in badge but not in spirit.
Lordbenny said:
It's all about driver skill, I'm sure you are an excellent driver but a lot of people feel disappointed when driving super cars because they aren't being driven as they were designed to be. To drive a super car hard you have to be a VERY good driver. I was driven around the Hungaroring in a standard 997 Carrera 4S a couple of years ago by a guy who could drive. WOW, I thought these cars were only good for trundling up and down the Fulham road until those flying laps.
I have been driven in a Gallardo on the road and yes, its no different that being driven in a nice saloon car and that's the trouble with supercars in a nutshell! To appreciate them you have to be drive at silly speeds and you cant do that on the road or take it on a track and get passed by Atoms, Caterhams and Westfields that cost a fraction of what you paid for you Italian dream car and wont cost the earth to fix if you slide into the kitty litter!
I disagree. Its all about the little cues that add up to make the experience special. The cabin space, the noise, the feel through the wheel, the texture of the control weights), the quality of the damping, the throttle response, the feel through your bum etc.. Cars like the 430 and 16M, 559GTO are special at 20mph, no question. They do NOT feel like a reegular 'nice saloon car' at any point. In fact one of the criticisms of the G is how uninteresting and easy it is at the limit which is where you are saying it's supopsed to come alive.I have been driven in a Gallardo on the road and yes, its no different that being driven in a nice saloon car and that's the trouble with supercars in a nutshell! To appreciate them you have to be drive at silly speeds and you cant do that on the road or take it on a track and get passed by Atoms, Caterhams and Westfields that cost a fraction of what you paid for you Italian dream car and wont cost the earth to fix if you slide into the kitty litter!
I remember when I was running a 996 C2 a few years ago, it was a standard car with (just) optional factory sports exhaust that sounded great.
I got to drive my friends 996 Turbo with the X50 pack and was surprised how "uneventful" the drive was. My feeling was that up to a certain point the car was not that different to drive (to my C2) but to get the full effect (or benefit) of the Turbo car over a C2 I think you really needed to put your footdown and maybe risk your licence. I guess the 100mph to 150 mph would be amazing...
The Turbo also had non-sports exhausts, so it was fairly quiet.
Pound for pound I liked my C2 more, but I would say that.
Also having just been out in a £200k Aston Martin DBS, I'd rather spend my money on a V8 Vantage for £40-£50k and get a similar look/effect for a lot less money.
I got to drive my friends 996 Turbo with the X50 pack and was surprised how "uneventful" the drive was. My feeling was that up to a certain point the car was not that different to drive (to my C2) but to get the full effect (or benefit) of the Turbo car over a C2 I think you really needed to put your footdown and maybe risk your licence. I guess the 100mph to 150 mph would be amazing...
The Turbo also had non-sports exhausts, so it was fairly quiet.
Pound for pound I liked my C2 more, but I would say that.
Also having just been out in a £200k Aston Martin DBS, I'd rather spend my money on a V8 Vantage for £40-£50k and get a similar look/effect for a lot less money.
Porkie said:
I went to buy a Gallardo spyder from Verdi.
Karl talked me out of it and said buy a 430 spider as its the 'real deal'
Thought it was very weird at the time as he had no 430's to sell me, and 3 Gallardos.....
Very glad I listened though.
Weird i prefer the 430 coupe to the gallardo,but prefer the spyder gallardo to the 430 convertible,I rarely agree with clarkson but he was right with regard to these cars imo.The 430 is a more serious machine,the gallardo more fun.Karl talked me out of it and said buy a 430 spider as its the 'real deal'
Thought it was very weird at the time as he had no 430's to sell me, and 3 Gallardos.....
Very glad I listened though.
jackal said:
I disagree. Its all about the little cues that add up to make the experience special. The cabin space, the noise, the feel through the wheel, the texture of the control weights), the quality of the damping, the throttle response, the feel through your bum etc.. Cars like the 430 and 16M, 559GTO are special at 20mph, no question. They do NOT feel like a reegular 'nice saloon car' at any point. In fact one of the criticisms of the G is how uninteresting and easy it is at the limit which is where you are saying it's supopsed to come alive.
Absolutely. A super car should look fast and feel special standing even when standing still. When you fire up the engine it should send goose bumps all over your body and put a smile on your face. At the end of a drive your face should ache from the grinning and you’ll probably be kissing and patting the steering wheel and have felt a bond with the car.Ferrari interiors feel pretty special. A Zonda interior feels exceptionally special and really sets the expectations. Even says Porsche 968 Club Sport with its colour coded bucket seats - it all adds up.
Whilst it’s subjective I disagree with comments about the styling. Personally I think the Gallardo is a very good looking car. Some what understated yet probably something that will still look stylish in 20 years time.
I wonder how a Gallardo would perform on a pan European trip? London to Sant' Agata via the alpine passes of the Dolomites and the tunnels outside Lecco? I’m guessing that is where the Gallardo would excel.
Hmmm…. If PH would like to arrange a loan I’m sure I could knock up a paragraph or two for the website?
Edited by Agent Orange on Tuesday 23 August 12:17
jackal said:
Agent Orange said:
I had a bit of a shock yesterday in that my first drive in a Lambo was – err a bit dull.
My 5 year old son “bought” me a drive in a Gallardo so I went to Longcross yesterday for the drive. I was quite excited but to be honest after sitting in the car and pulling away I was some what disappointed. The interior felt very my like any other BMW, Audi, VW I’ve been in or owned. Steering was light and easy, throttle nicely weighted and bar a slightly heavily manual change it all felt very civilised. Unfortunately no sense of occasion. Just felt like I was driving another well made car. Either I'm deaf or I could hardly hear the burble of the V10 in idle.
A seeker lap followed by a few hot laps and I got to experience the acceleration and the howl of the V10. Both were good but neither made me grin like a maniac. The throttle was buried to the floor and whilst I cannot deny it accelerated quickly at no point did I think “***kin *ell!!!!”. Grip and steering were absolutely stunning though.
It all just seemed so competent and not once did it get my adrenaline pumping. I've felt more sense of occasion in TVRs, M3, M5s, AMG Mercs, 968 and 911s.
Was it the track? Longcross was admittedly setup with so many chicanes to stop you really motoring and getting a move on but I just cannot believe that I stepped out of a Lambo and did not think “WOW!!!!!!”. My thoughts were “Yep. Nice car.” and that has destroyed 30+ years of my views on Lamborghini.
Would I do better to hire the same car on a different track for a full track day? Or just ignore the Gallardo and try a Murcielago to restore childhood views of Lamborghini?
Welcome to the world of modern cars.My 5 year old son “bought” me a drive in a Gallardo so I went to Longcross yesterday for the drive. I was quite excited but to be honest after sitting in the car and pulling away I was some what disappointed. The interior felt very my like any other BMW, Audi, VW I’ve been in or owned. Steering was light and easy, throttle nicely weighted and bar a slightly heavily manual change it all felt very civilised. Unfortunately no sense of occasion. Just felt like I was driving another well made car. Either I'm deaf or I could hardly hear the burble of the V10 in idle.
A seeker lap followed by a few hot laps and I got to experience the acceleration and the howl of the V10. Both were good but neither made me grin like a maniac. The throttle was buried to the floor and whilst I cannot deny it accelerated quickly at no point did I think “***kin *ell!!!!”. Grip and steering were absolutely stunning though.
It all just seemed so competent and not once did it get my adrenaline pumping. I've felt more sense of occasion in TVRs, M3, M5s, AMG Mercs, 968 and 911s.
Was it the track? Longcross was admittedly setup with so many chicanes to stop you really motoring and getting a move on but I just cannot believe that I stepped out of a Lambo and did not think “WOW!!!!!!”. My thoughts were “Yep. Nice car.” and that has destroyed 30+ years of my views on Lamborghini.
Would I do better to hire the same car on a different track for a full track day? Or just ignore the Gallardo and try a Murcielago to restore childhood views of Lamborghini?
Try a 430, its a much better steer, more feelsome, more interesting, more sinewy and precise, better steering feel and just more special. It will make you feel those things that you are looking for.
The 430 is very easy to drive whereas I only started to gel with the Dino after a few hours which made it all the more fun.
jackal said:
The 430 on the other hand is a big bespoke exige and as blues says, just an amazingly complete and well sorted package.
I have an Exige and an F430 and there is a weird similarity about the 'feel' of them.The steering especially.
Glad someone else has thought that as well!
For something so big and comfy and even quiet when you want it to be. The F430 can REALLY entertain and be pushed and enjoyed when you want as well. Never fails to thrill me.
Been the best car I have ever owned by a LONG LONG way.
Was totally expecting to not like it!
Porkie said:
jackal said:
The 430 on the other hand is a big bespoke exige and as blues says, just an amazingly complete and well sorted package.
I have an Exige and an F430 and there is a weird similarity about the 'feel' of them.The steering especially.
Glad someone else has thought that as well!
For something so big and comfy and even quiet when you want it to be. The F430 can REALLY entertain and be pushed and enjoyed when you want as well. Never fails to thrill me.
Been the best car I have ever owned by a LONG LONG way.
Was totally expecting to not like it!
Thanks alot for helping me understand it. I couldn't put my finger on it or put it into words. You have just nailed it!
The amazing ride quality whilst remaining sharp and precise and FUN was something I wan't expecting. The F430's ride is so 'grown up' and composed. Not crashy at all.
You will love it.
ALOT stronger and MUCH better built than I was expecting as well!
I would love a 16M. Sadly alot more money though!
Mines been faultless apart from exhaust manifolds cracking.... apparently this is very common. It didn't cost me anything (warrenty job) but its not something I am impressed to know happens to them all!
The amazing ride quality whilst remaining sharp and precise and FUN was something I wan't expecting. The F430's ride is so 'grown up' and composed. Not crashy at all.
You will love it.
ALOT stronger and MUCH better built than I was expecting as well!
I would love a 16M. Sadly alot more money though!
Mines been faultless apart from exhaust manifolds cracking.... apparently this is very common. It didn't cost me anything (warrenty job) but its not something I am impressed to know happens to them all!
Rawwr said:
Indeed. My favourite cars have been cars I've driven where there's been a very real possibility it would kill me.
I like that feeling as well weirdly! I have a Turbocharged 500bhp Westfield that does exactly that. I LOVE the feeling and challenge of trying to tame it!
Its best done on a track.... (with alot of runoff!)
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