Going from 997 Turbo to a Gallardo

Going from 997 Turbo to a Gallardo

Author
Discussion

bing

Original Poster:

1,905 posts

238 months

Monday 22nd May 2017
quotequote all
Hi guys,

As per the title has anyone gone from a manual 997 turbo into a Gallardo, if so how do they compare???

I am thinking about about possibly getting an (07-09) Lamborghini Gallardo. Is the revised 5.2V10 worth the extra premium over the standard 5.0V10?

If anyone has any experience or pointers about these cars and how they compare; I'd be happy to hear about them.

Also does anyone know of a good Lamborghini UK forum?

Thanks

B

Never you mind

1,507 posts

112 months

Monday 22nd May 2017
quotequote all
I went from a 996 Turbo manual to a LP560-2 50th Edition job. They don't really compare at all but the again one costs a lot more than the other.

The Gallardo is way more fun and just makes such a awesome noise. It grabs way more attention than the Porsche did. I don't miss the surge of power that the 911 gives you from the turbos and oddly enough I don't miss manually changing gears as the e-gear is just as engaging really - down shifts are just to die for smile Its definitely a car you drive with the right foot and smile on your face.

As for the main differences in 5.0 and 5.2 I can't help but someone more knowledgeable might be able to.

Vergis

549 posts

242 months

Monday 22nd May 2017
quotequote all
Coming from a 997 turbo the pre 2009 Gallardo will feel a step back in time imo. (Not wanting to offend other owners just my opinion)

The LP version is the one to go for. Better power, drivability and clutch life are some of the signifcant benefits.

The newer version has better sat nav unit and ride quality is better too as well.

Totally agree that the E gear is very engaging to drive as well. I prefer it to newer systems found on other cars because it feels so mechanical with the Lambo.

Drive both and see for yourself.

Spindoctor

782 posts

200 months

Monday 22nd May 2017
quotequote all
I went from a manual 997.1 Turbo to a pre-LP Gallardo spyder. Don't regret it at all. The Lambo is an occasion in every sense - its exciting just to open the garage and see it there, the sound on start-up makes you smile, the noise above 4k rpm is a V10 symphony (and better than on later versions), and if you like appreciative attention - it gets lots. The e-gear takes a bit of getting used to but its fine and the blip on changing down is addictive. Its got Audi build quality and reliability alongside Lambo passion, but its more highly strung than the 911 and skimping on maintenance is not an option. Its likely to cost you more to run.

The 911 is Teutonic - well-built, reliable, fast, extremely efficient, but too sensible and a bit soulless by comparison. It can be an everyday car if you want, but its not the kind of car that makes you (well, me) take the long way home. The Gallardo makes you want to drive for the sheer hell of it, and that's what cars at this level should be all about.

Lots of useful info on living with one if you search on here. Good luck and enjoy.

845ste

577 posts

127 months

Monday 22nd May 2017
quotequote all
Two worlds away light -years ....at 360°.......

Yipper

5,964 posts

90 months

Monday 22nd May 2017
quotequote all
Gallardo is in a whole different league for looks, noise, excitement and theatre.

70proof

6,050 posts

155 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2017
quotequote all
bing said:
Hi guys,
I am thinking about about possibly getting an (07-09) Lamborghini Gallardo. Is the revised 5.2V10 worth the extra premium over the standard 5.0V10?

If anyone has any experience or pointers about these cars and how they compare; I'd be happy to hear about them.

Also does anyone know of a good Lamborghini UK forum?
heres a good forum, lots of owners and knowledge....

biggest differences between pre lp and lp:

pre-lp sounds better as it isn't direct injections and cylinder timings are different..... I've had both, pre lp under load in 6th at 3-4k had a real v8 rumble that the lp does not have, even the wife thinks the prelp was louder though hatfield tunnel

you wont notice the extra 40bhp to be honest

the lp has a different clutch assembly so happy around town, prelp hates town like a grumpy teen... so if a car a daily, lp better

the later the year the prelp, the better it is....

70proof

6,050 posts

155 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2017
quotequote all
and loads of rs drivers dipped into Gallardo's last few years and weren't disappointed..... just check my profile and threads ive posted in and you can read for yourself.....

Vergis

549 posts

242 months

Sunday 28th May 2017
quotequote all
70proof said:
heres a good forum, lots of owners and knowledge....

biggest differences between pre lp and lp:

pre-lp sounds better as it isn't direct injections and cylinder timings are different..... I've had both, pre lp under load in 6th at 3-4k had a real v8 rumble that the lp does not have, even the wife thinks the prelp was louder though hatfield tunnel

you wont notice the extra 40bhp to be honest

the lp has a different clutch assembly so happy around town, prelp hates town like a grumpy teen... so if a car a daily, lp better

the later the year the prelp, the better it is....
Unfortunately I beg to differ. You will feel the 40 bhp difference. And crucially you will feel the 0-60 time as well.

The TCU unit that controls the torque curves for the LP are significantly better too right up to over 200 mph should you get the chance on a German Autobahn.

(As for reliability speak to BHP or other Lambo specialists and they will tell you of various engine rebuilds on the pre-LP and some very high sunken costs brought into the ownership experience. Obviously not all cars will have this issue, but there are enough to make you wince).


EpsomJames

790 posts

246 months

Monday 29th May 2017
quotequote all
I agree with 70proof.

I've spent a lot of time with a 2008 car, also driven extensively an early 2004, some 2006 cars incl spyders and a 2009 and 2011 LP.

If you are thinking pre-LP the later the better. The early cars tend to ring up big bills and the gearing in 1st and 2nd was a bit slow until they changed the ratios (and power) in 2006.

I couldn't detect any difference in build quality between late non LP and early LP, not sure where the comment stepping back in time comes from as from driver's seat they feel pretty similar IMO.

I could visibly see some performance difference at VMAX as an LP pulled a lead on a 2006 car. Seat of the pants though on the road you'd be hard pressed to notice.

If you can stretch to it then go LP (for the facelift) or a limited edition but I think either you'd be happy with either, just avoid a pre 2006 car.

EpsomJames

790 posts

246 months

Monday 29th May 2017
quotequote all
Vergis said:
(As for reliability speak to BHP or other Lambo specialists and they will tell you of various engine rebuilds on the pre-LP and some very high sunken costs brought into the ownership experience. Obviously not all cars will have this issue, but there are enough to make you wince).
It would be useful to know the exact reason behind engine failures. Is there anything to indicate that the 5.0 is less reliable than the 5.2 or is this more a case that the older and cheaper the car the less likely that regular maintenance is carried out?

EpsomJames

790 posts

246 months

Monday 29th May 2017
quotequote all
EpsomJames said:
I couldn't detect any difference in build quality between late non LP and early LP, not sure where the comment stepping back in time comes from as from driver's seat they feel pretty similar IMO.
Just to add, if you really don't want to step back in time to a Gallardo (which after all is approaching 15 years old with incremental changes every so often) then stretch to a Huracan which is a properly modern supercar.

70proof

6,050 posts

155 months

Monday 29th May 2017
quotequote all
EpsomJames said:
Just to add, if you really don't want to step back in time to a Gallardo (which after all is approaching 15 years old with incremental changes every so often) then stretch to a Huracan which is a properly modern supercar.
actually think a Gallardo is modern but not too modern, and analogue without being too old, ie hits the sweet spot.....

the huracan gearbox is amazing, and sure the chassis is a peach but its too heavily computer driven for me.

Pioneer

1,309 posts

131 months

Monday 29th May 2017
quotequote all
A couple of Lambo technicians have told me the pre-LP model tends to have a lot more issues than the newer LPs which is just inherent to the design, nothing to do with maintenance etc. I never had any real issues with my 2008 5ltr or my 2013 5.2ltr model. Both rock solid. LP was a lot happier around town. LP sat nav is the same as the pre-lp nav I thought, well on the 2008 model at least. Straight out of a Seat Exeo and Audi RS6. The 5.2 feels slightly quicker but doesn't sound as nice as the 5 imo. Still sounds awesome though. I would actually consider a pre-LP again, adore both.

Edited by Pioneer on Friday 7th July 10:21

Fuoco

94 posts

164 months

Wednesday 19th July 2017
quotequote all

I think the late 2006 5ltr cars really are so much fun, you don't need to be hurtling along as fast as in Huracan/or any modern supercar to get the thrills. The sound of the pre LP engine as all have stated is absolutely glorious an off beat more complex version of an Audi Quattro of the 80's type of sound but more. Having disconnected the valves I have that great sound all the way along the rev range not just above 4k rpm everyone mentions. reliability well nothing to report a couple of small VAG parts changed and thats it.

Chris355

792 posts

196 months

Thursday 20th July 2017
quotequote all
I sold a 997 turbo earlier in the year and I am considering a move to a Gallardo too.

From a purely looks perspective I prefer the LP. I have heard the non-LP sounds better. Im also considering a Ferrari 430 Spider.

Im hoping to drive all three at the weekend to make a decision! Ill come back with my thoughts after the weekend.

Wlr

57 posts

102 months

Thursday 20th July 2017
quotequote all
Chris355 said:
I sold a 997 turbo earlier in the year and I am considering a move to a Gallardo too.

From a purely looks perspective I prefer the LP. I have heard the non-LP sounds better. Im also considering a Ferrari 430 Spider.

Im hoping to drive all three at the weekend to make a decision! Ill come back with my thoughts after the weekend.
Having had spyders of all three I will be very interested in your thoughts.

Chris355

792 posts

196 months

Saturday 22nd July 2017
quotequote all
Really interesting day; drove an 08 430 spider F1 back to back with a 10 Gallardo LP560-4 egear.

Im a massive Ferrari fan, I've owned 348, 355 and 360. Ive just sold a 997 turbo.

So ....

The LP was very fast, gear change was fast and smooth, it felt very planted, compact and very racey, the sound was spectacular like a race car with a great blip on the way down gears. I was much more impressed with it than I expected.

The 430 was fast, gear change was very good, didnt feel as stable, almost loose and on the edge car felt bigger inside and out and seating position higher up than the G. Engine note was good, but not as high pitched, maybe deeper in sound. It didn't feel as fast as the G. However I prefer the looks of the 430 to the G.

In my opinion I thought both were significantly more enjoyable to drive than the 997 turbo I've sold; which is good news!!

Now im confused though....




sparta6

3,690 posts

100 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
Chris355 said:
Now im confused though....
Both are great fun. If you're able to avoid traffic jams go for the G. In traffic the e-gear is not ideal, as you would expect, and one can smell the clutch after a while. But, traffic jams are not what these cars are built for. Both are an engaging experience, but let's not get started on 3 pedal versus 2 pedal variants biggrin

Wlr

57 posts

102 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
Interesting comments that I agree with , my 430 spider was 08 & LP 560 spider a 10 ,
I have not had any smell from the Lambo clutch but I did with 430 ? .
Personally prefer the looks of less common Lambo & find it generally gets better reaction from other road users red Ferrari's seem to enrage others in my experience.
The plastic rear window in 430 was a problem as it did not always fold correct way so had to be replaced but the Gallardo is glass & also has the advantage of being lowered whils top is up .
Engine access is better on the 430 & also has the attraction of the glass panel, luggage space is also larger, most have rear park sensors but no front lift , the Lambo camera is poor making reversing difficult.
Running costs about the same but Gallardo does have advantages of some equivalent Audi parts at less cost.

Nice decision to have to make.