Given the choice between the two why would you pick a GT over the Gallardo. If any of you looked into both of these cars before your purchase of the GT if you could please post the pro's and cons of the two it would greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance. :cheers
GT vs Gallardo
- Thread starter agentf1
- Start date
fjpikul
GT Owner
Big Carrot
GT Owner
Here is my comparison from a couple of pages back...
"Clax, you've written everything I'd write if I felt like wearing the letters off of my keyboard! I don't have a Murci, but I do own a GT and a Gallardo. I'm not a huge fan of the GT's looks, but after driving it for 5 minutes, I knew I had to have one! I drove my friend's Murci, and honestly liked my Gallardo better. The Murci felt heavy, period. And I may be the minority here, but I honestly think the Gallardo is a better looking car! IMHO it's one of the prettiest cars ever made. When people ask me how my G compares to the GT, my answer is pretty short. The Lambo looks and sounds much better to me. The quality of the interior is better, but the interior in the GT is cooler, for lack of a better word. The Lambo feels a little more nimble, and the brakes feel a little better. I stress the word little. The GT wins in just about every other category! It's much faster, the tranny is amazing, and it feels more solid. I'm scared I'm going to break something every time I drive the Lambo, but the GT feels like it can be driven the way I want to drive it. AND it's easier to drive! The clutch is light, and it doesn't jerk around like the Egear in my G. Not to mention the fact that the thought of replacing the clutch in my Lambo after for or five hard starts gives me nightmares! I honestly hate Ford, and I'm a little pissed that this fantastic car has a blue oval on the hood, but they did this one right! The looks and the Ford "stigma" kept me from even taking a serious look at one for a long time, but I'm really glad I did! I absolutely LOVE this car! The Gallardo is for sale. Flame suit on, but unbuttoned. I need a tan.
"
"Clax, you've written everything I'd write if I felt like wearing the letters off of my keyboard! I don't have a Murci, but I do own a GT and a Gallardo. I'm not a huge fan of the GT's looks, but after driving it for 5 minutes, I knew I had to have one! I drove my friend's Murci, and honestly liked my Gallardo better. The Murci felt heavy, period. And I may be the minority here, but I honestly think the Gallardo is a better looking car! IMHO it's one of the prettiest cars ever made. When people ask me how my G compares to the GT, my answer is pretty short. The Lambo looks and sounds much better to me. The quality of the interior is better, but the interior in the GT is cooler, for lack of a better word. The Lambo feels a little more nimble, and the brakes feel a little better. I stress the word little. The GT wins in just about every other category! It's much faster, the tranny is amazing, and it feels more solid. I'm scared I'm going to break something every time I drive the Lambo, but the GT feels like it can be driven the way I want to drive it. AND it's easier to drive! The clutch is light, and it doesn't jerk around like the Egear in my G. Not to mention the fact that the thought of replacing the clutch in my Lambo after for or five hard starts gives me nightmares! I honestly hate Ford, and I'm a little pissed that this fantastic car has a blue oval on the hood, but they did this one right! The looks and the Ford "stigma" kept me from even taking a serious look at one for a long time, but I'm really glad I did! I absolutely LOVE this car! The Gallardo is for sale. Flame suit on, but unbuttoned. I need a tan.
"
Cyclenirvana
GT Owner
As has already been mentioned, there are GT owners who also own a Gallardo who could comment more than me about this comparison. Prior to my purchase of a GT, I strongly considered a Gallardo, even test drove a 2006 E-gear model twice. The dealership in Summerville, NC, treated me better than any other dealerhip. For me, it really came down to which car was I most passionate about...although the Gallardo was (is) an excellent automobile, very well built (and I personally like the Audi influence), I simply never really liked the styling...the raked front was a little too severe for my tastes. And, of the cars I test drove (F360 and ZO6), I had the most difficulty backing this car up, even more so than the GT. But in the end, I was and remain the most passionate about the Ford GT. It is simply the most engaging and stylish car that I have ever driven.
I didn't look at the Lambo, but I am kinda of an American car guy anyway. I think if you look at from the investment and money side of things, the Lambo is going to require a lot more money to maintain and probably require more of it. In five + years the re-sale on the Lambo will probably be $100K or less, the GT will be $150K + and much more for ealry numbers and late run cars. Plus just look at it....
Circumstantially, I made a post on a Lambo forum today regarding my reasons for choosing the GT. Slightly edited, here is that post:
I actually debated quite a bit between buying the GT and buying the Gallardo. Ultimately, I decided on the GT, and I don't regret it one bit.
I have a couple of friends with Gallardo's - both '04's. One is an e-gear and the other is a 6-speed and I had the good fortune to drive both before making my decision on the GT. Frankly, I guess a lot of the decision boiled down to which cars I could really start modifying to extract more performance and more "uniqueness" to what I like. In a different scenario where neither car was really easy to modify and/or I didn't have the skilss/passion to do so, I likely would have selected the Gallardo. The Gallardo is an extremely unique and beautiful car, with the performance to match. The icing on the cake for the Gallardo is that it has also proven to be a very reliable car. The GT was (is) relatively unknown in the reliability department.
That said, in the "looks" category, the GT stirs more passion *for me*. In my brief ownership experience, the GT tends to arouse just about everyone who sees it. One "problem" is that stock, the GT is just too damn quiet. If you listen real, real hard, you will notice that the stock car makes some for good, masculine sounds (no, not those kind), but the volume level is too low. The sound is not nearly as refined as the G-car, but it is fitting to the bold, retro looks of the GT. Consequently, my first mod in the GT was the removal of the stock exhaust system (109lbs) in favor of Ford Racing's header/muffler system (39 lbs.). So, right off, the car is down 70 lbs - with 55lbs of that savings being the stock muffler which sat high in the car - at the same level of the rear tail lights.
Admitttedly, this exhaust is way over the top in terms of volume at any kind of acceleration level, but it is music to me. On par with my expectations was the ease and cost to modify the Ford computer to ignore the downstream 02 sensors which are still present, but the cats are not. Programming this out as well as programming a "tune" designed for the exhaust system was ~$400. (www.sctflash.com). I could have gone to probably 5 places within a 10-mile radius of my work to get it done.
Next up will be a smaller pulley (more boost) and a tuning session on a dyno. Typical results are ~ 650-700HP at the rear wheels.
An individual on a Lambo forum made some specific remarks about the GT, for which I responded with my input.
1. Seats: They are stiff. They seem to fit and be very comfortable for taller people at the expense of not being as comfortable for people with a height impairment.
2. By far my biggest disagreement is with the comments about the interior. I, and many people who have sat and/or ridden in my car, love the interior. All the surfaces mentioned above are all leather-covered and look very good in terms of quality. Perhaps the style/layout of the dash and components can be a subjective thing but the qualift of the interior is, IMO, very nice. (I agree thet the G-car sets the bar very high and the GT may not be at this level, but pleeeeeze, don't compare to a POS!)
3. The A-pillar was the biggest negative surprise of my first drive. It is intrusive to your forward vision and continues to impede fast left-hand turns against a center island!
4. The trans shifting of the GT was, IMO the same or slightly better than the G-car. I certainly do not believe it gives anything away to the G. Both are very, very nice. (The benchmark for this is, IMO, the NSX.)
5. I agree that the speed/acceleration of the GT is deceptive. I've driven similar cars. I believe one big factor is the width of the power band. The GT starts pulling at a very low RPM and just never seems to run out of wind. However, there is also no big peaks in the power band. So, from a seat of the pants perspective, a car with a higher peak likely feels faster because it is hard for the butt dyno to factor in the duration of a broad power-band pull. The probelm is also slightly magnified in the GT (stock) because it is so quiet - even when you are on it.
As you might suspect, I love my GT. I also love just about every Lambo I see. I just, unfortunately, have to try to experience each model sequentially as I can only afford one.
I actually debated quite a bit between buying the GT and buying the Gallardo. Ultimately, I decided on the GT, and I don't regret it one bit.
I have a couple of friends with Gallardo's - both '04's. One is an e-gear and the other is a 6-speed and I had the good fortune to drive both before making my decision on the GT. Frankly, I guess a lot of the decision boiled down to which cars I could really start modifying to extract more performance and more "uniqueness" to what I like. In a different scenario where neither car was really easy to modify and/or I didn't have the skilss/passion to do so, I likely would have selected the Gallardo. The Gallardo is an extremely unique and beautiful car, with the performance to match. The icing on the cake for the Gallardo is that it has also proven to be a very reliable car. The GT was (is) relatively unknown in the reliability department.
That said, in the "looks" category, the GT stirs more passion *for me*. In my brief ownership experience, the GT tends to arouse just about everyone who sees it. One "problem" is that stock, the GT is just too damn quiet. If you listen real, real hard, you will notice that the stock car makes some for good, masculine sounds (no, not those kind), but the volume level is too low. The sound is not nearly as refined as the G-car, but it is fitting to the bold, retro looks of the GT. Consequently, my first mod in the GT was the removal of the stock exhaust system (109lbs) in favor of Ford Racing's header/muffler system (39 lbs.). So, right off, the car is down 70 lbs - with 55lbs of that savings being the stock muffler which sat high in the car - at the same level of the rear tail lights.
Admitttedly, this exhaust is way over the top in terms of volume at any kind of acceleration level, but it is music to me. On par with my expectations was the ease and cost to modify the Ford computer to ignore the downstream 02 sensors which are still present, but the cats are not. Programming this out as well as programming a "tune" designed for the exhaust system was ~$400. (www.sctflash.com). I could have gone to probably 5 places within a 10-mile radius of my work to get it done.
Next up will be a smaller pulley (more boost) and a tuning session on a dyno. Typical results are ~ 650-700HP at the rear wheels.
An individual on a Lambo forum made some specific remarks about the GT, for which I responded with my input.
1. Seats: They are stiff. They seem to fit and be very comfortable for taller people at the expense of not being as comfortable for people with a height impairment.
2. By far my biggest disagreement is with the comments about the interior. I, and many people who have sat and/or ridden in my car, love the interior. All the surfaces mentioned above are all leather-covered and look very good in terms of quality. Perhaps the style/layout of the dash and components can be a subjective thing but the qualift of the interior is, IMO, very nice. (I agree thet the G-car sets the bar very high and the GT may not be at this level, but pleeeeeze, don't compare to a POS!)
3. The A-pillar was the biggest negative surprise of my first drive. It is intrusive to your forward vision and continues to impede fast left-hand turns against a center island!
4. The trans shifting of the GT was, IMO the same or slightly better than the G-car. I certainly do not believe it gives anything away to the G. Both are very, very nice. (The benchmark for this is, IMO, the NSX.)
5. I agree that the speed/acceleration of the GT is deceptive. I've driven similar cars. I believe one big factor is the width of the power band. The GT starts pulling at a very low RPM and just never seems to run out of wind. However, there is also no big peaks in the power band. So, from a seat of the pants perspective, a car with a higher peak likely feels faster because it is hard for the butt dyno to factor in the duration of a broad power-band pull. The probelm is also slightly magnified in the GT (stock) because it is so quiet - even when you are on it.
As you might suspect, I love my GT. I also love just about every Lambo I see. I just, unfortunately, have to try to experience each model sequentially as I can only afford one.
I own both. Both are great cars, for different reasons. The best suggestion is to drive both of them. You should be able to find dealers that will grant you this opportunity, if they know that you are a real buyer. I can't honestly say that one car is better than the other, because it is all based on personal preference. It's tough choice if you can only pick one. If I was forced to sell one of them, I would have a very difficult time deciding what to do. The only way to decide for yourself is to drive both of them. Good luck.
My posts from the other site:
I have both. The only thing the GT seemed to lack was power so Heffner twin turboed it. It was a blast, we took it to Car & Driver and had a good time. But Jason also brought a twin turbo Gallardo to C&D. After experiencing that, I've been thinking of selling the GT and I quickly found a G to have twin turboed. You need to experience both and see what you like and dislike but for me the G is superior. And I didn't even like the G previous to driving one.
And:
I could see giving the looks to the GT as it is really over the top. However, people stop their cars to take pictures of the G, scream and yell. I never get this in the GT, mostly thumbs up from F-150 drivers.
The interior in no way compares. I find myself wondering what I could have wrapped in leather while driving the GT compared to thinking about how nice the orange stitching is in the G.
We will have to agree to disagree on the trannys. I found the 6-speed G to be heavenly and the GT to be sloppy at best. Clutch pedal feels a bit like a toy on the G compared to the GT but maybe you get used to that. And then there is E-gear...
Seats, I hate to say it but the GT is more comfortable, even with the holes. As I've posted before, the G seats don't fit my back, or anybody's I have ever seen in a G. It has a hump in the middle of the seat, not the lumbar, that keeps your entire upper back off the seat. Very uncomfortable but I like the G so much I am looking for replacement seats (or a Merci).
Both cars need an exhaust but once done, no contest. Even though my twin turbo FGT sounds absolutely wicked at WOT, like a Cup car, the high rpm Italian with a Tubi wins.
I believe both cars are in the same league but I prefer the G for myself for some of the reasons above as well as some others.
I have both. The only thing the GT seemed to lack was power so Heffner twin turboed it. It was a blast, we took it to Car & Driver and had a good time. But Jason also brought a twin turbo Gallardo to C&D. After experiencing that, I've been thinking of selling the GT and I quickly found a G to have twin turboed. You need to experience both and see what you like and dislike but for me the G is superior. And I didn't even like the G previous to driving one.
And:
I could see giving the looks to the GT as it is really over the top. However, people stop their cars to take pictures of the G, scream and yell. I never get this in the GT, mostly thumbs up from F-150 drivers.
The interior in no way compares. I find myself wondering what I could have wrapped in leather while driving the GT compared to thinking about how nice the orange stitching is in the G.
We will have to agree to disagree on the trannys. I found the 6-speed G to be heavenly and the GT to be sloppy at best. Clutch pedal feels a bit like a toy on the G compared to the GT but maybe you get used to that. And then there is E-gear...
Seats, I hate to say it but the GT is more comfortable, even with the holes. As I've posted before, the G seats don't fit my back, or anybody's I have ever seen in a G. It has a hump in the middle of the seat, not the lumbar, that keeps your entire upper back off the seat. Very uncomfortable but I like the G so much I am looking for replacement seats (or a Merci).
Both cars need an exhaust but once done, no contest. Even though my twin turbo FGT sounds absolutely wicked at WOT, like a Cup car, the high rpm Italian with a Tubi wins.
I believe both cars are in the same league but I prefer the G for myself for some of the reasons above as well as some others.
I both appreciate and respect your input on the subject. Having both obviously places you in a very unique (and enviable!) position.
I just wanted to make a couple of additional comments based on your post:
Your TT GT is understandably unbelievable. However, compared to a stock '04 Gallardo, the GT has got to feel stronger almost anywhere in the powerband - no? I understand that in '05, the gearing was changed in the G car to make it faster, but I would still doubt that stock for stock the Gallardo could keep up with the GT (500Tq vs 376Tq). I'd be curious if your GT felt slower than your G-car and, if so, why/how.
The GT's interior fits the GT and the G-car's interior fits the G-car. The G-car interior IS nicer but, IMO would be out of place in the rawer, edgier, GT. While nicer, the G-car interior is, simultaneuosly, more common. There are several similarities in instrumentation and displays between the G-car and my wife's VW GLI.
I'm going to have to refresh my memory on the G-car 6-speed. However, the GT doesn't leave a lot on the table for improvement. I would like to have shorter throws but I think Ford now has the kit available. As you drive the two back to back, I'd have to defer to your assessment. I DO remember that the G-car was instantly comfortable and an effortless non-issue to drive. (The same cannot be said for the e-gear which I admittedly do not like.)
I too like the seats a lot in the GT (I'm 6'2"), but I didn't drive the G-car long enough to have any gripes there either. I can say that both seats are infinitely superior to the $4K optional seats my friend had in his 360. Those were the biggest POS seats I have ever sat in. A bird-crap covered cold park bench was better than those F-car seats!
Agree on the exhaust. The G-car (and F-car) exhaust can be made both loud and sexy-exotic. The GT is loud and errrr, loud.
I have read a lot about the extensive modifications that Heffner did to build the G twin turbo. The guys at Heffner really know their stuff and seem to do a great job. Two opinions (without a lot of facts): First, I'd be pretty certain that A LOT less has to be done to the GT to get to the same HP levels. Engine internals are already there and don't need to be upgraded (in contrast to the extensive internal mods to the Gallardo). Intercooling is already there in the GT and I'd also bet that engine management is MUCH easier in the GT.
Second, I'll take engine longevity at these HP levels in the GT over that of the G-car any day of the week.
So, while the TT G-car costs more, sounds better, and maybe even performs better, the GT will cost less, sound "less", but will likely last longer.
I just wanted to make a couple of additional comments based on your post:
Your TT GT is understandably unbelievable. However, compared to a stock '04 Gallardo, the GT has got to feel stronger almost anywhere in the powerband - no? I understand that in '05, the gearing was changed in the G car to make it faster, but I would still doubt that stock for stock the Gallardo could keep up with the GT (500Tq vs 376Tq). I'd be curious if your GT felt slower than your G-car and, if so, why/how.
The GT's interior fits the GT and the G-car's interior fits the G-car. The G-car interior IS nicer but, IMO would be out of place in the rawer, edgier, GT. While nicer, the G-car interior is, simultaneuosly, more common. There are several similarities in instrumentation and displays between the G-car and my wife's VW GLI.
I'm going to have to refresh my memory on the G-car 6-speed. However, the GT doesn't leave a lot on the table for improvement. I would like to have shorter throws but I think Ford now has the kit available. As you drive the two back to back, I'd have to defer to your assessment. I DO remember that the G-car was instantly comfortable and an effortless non-issue to drive. (The same cannot be said for the e-gear which I admittedly do not like.)
I too like the seats a lot in the GT (I'm 6'2"), but I didn't drive the G-car long enough to have any gripes there either. I can say that both seats are infinitely superior to the $4K optional seats my friend had in his 360. Those were the biggest POS seats I have ever sat in. A bird-crap covered cold park bench was better than those F-car seats!
Agree on the exhaust. The G-car (and F-car) exhaust can be made both loud and sexy-exotic. The GT is loud and errrr, loud.
I have read a lot about the extensive modifications that Heffner did to build the G twin turbo. The guys at Heffner really know their stuff and seem to do a great job. Two opinions (without a lot of facts): First, I'd be pretty certain that A LOT less has to be done to the GT to get to the same HP levels. Engine internals are already there and don't need to be upgraded (in contrast to the extensive internal mods to the Gallardo). Intercooling is already there in the GT and I'd also bet that engine management is MUCH easier in the GT.
Second, I'll take engine longevity at these HP levels in the GT over that of the G-car any day of the week.
So, while the TT G-car costs more, sounds better, and maybe even performs better, the GT will cost less, sound "less", but will likely last longer.
In stock form, the GT is faster than the Gallardo, and has much more flexibility in the power band. The Gallardo is rather peaky, and doesn't really build steam until 5000rpm, wheras the GT pulls hard at any rpm. It think the trait that makes the stock GT seem a little tame is the muted exhaust note. Adding the Borla cures that, where the sound then matches the true acceleration of the car.
AgentF1,
My assumption is that you're trying to decide between the two and if that's the case, you're in a similar dilemma to the one I am/was in! :cheers
For what it's worth, here is my humble opinion based on test driving a Gallardo (twice) and having a good friend who owns one. My experience of the GT is based on a passenger ride in Neilda's car and viewings of 4-seperate cars at UK dealers. All comments are based on these experience and all are imho [okay, standard disclaimer out of the way! :biggrin ]
The Gallardo looks beautiful - although is massively colour sensitive! Citrus colours bring out the angles and provide the best canvas for the design - orange, yellow and lime being top of the list. I know two people with black cars and neither does a lot for me - it's not the fact that it's subtle but rather that it hides the design cues and reduces the visual impact of the car.
So, that was my first issue - could I be seen in a yellow, orange or lime green car? The honest answer was that I'd feel like a showy prat. Some people are comfortable with 'bling' (for want of a better word), I prefer to slide under the radar when it comes to material wealth (the hypocrisy of this statement will come shining through when I talk about my GT colour choice! :rolleyes :wink ). Nevertheless, I would find it hard to drive a Gallardo - in a colour I like - that wouldn't leave me feeling like a plate of nachos with extra cheese poured on top.
Second aspect - reliability of the clutch. In the UK clutch replacement costs £4,500.00 - by the Lambo dealers own admission, they last 4,000-9,000 miles. The friend with the black car did a road trip with some friends through Europe - when he left the clutch was 40% worn, on his return - less than 1,000 miles later - it was dead. On the test drive the dealer but the fear of god into me and told me to shift slow - I felt like I was (and I bloody well was... so slow I thought he'd think I was making fun of him and his request to shift slowly) and he said to me, you're still shifting too fast - you'd need a new clutch every 5,000 miles?!? Add to that all the other running costs - and that I know of at least one blown engine (and I mean, actually know someone - not just rumors and hearsay), which was not covered under warranty and thus cost £27,000 to change, as it's a sealed unit, and I'd be scared about driving/owning one.
Third aspect - I run a V10 M5. The Gallardo I drove was pre-SE model changes, so it had 500bhp and, not meaning to insult anyone, but it felt quick but not rapid. I got back into the M5 and it felt as quick - once I checked the stats, I realised why - the M5 gets to 100mph quicker than a Gallardo. If I had to choose a V10 engine car - the BMW would get the nod for a better engine (in fact they've won best engine of the year 2-years in a row for the M5/M6 engine... so it makes some sense). Even so, I didn't find the Gallardo as entertaining to drive as I hoped it would be. Shame really.
Now onto the GT - the passenger ride proved to me it was fast... not quick, not rapid, bloody FAST. I know things feel quicker as a passenger but the grunt was definitely a lot great than the Gallardo.
In terms of design, the GT seems classic to me; where as the Gallardo will date and there has already been one facelift. In 5-years you won't look at a Gallardo and say, that is classic, you'll say, that is the old model Gallardo. I don't lust after the Countach, I look at them like an old woman who's wearing too much make-up and lycra hot-pants... trying too hard and hasn't aged well. (The Miura is a different kettle of fish but she's rare for a Lambo). The problem with all modern cars - BMW, Lambo, Ferrari, Audi, etc... is that they build them to replace them. For me this never ending conveyor belt of car changes is getting dull and tedious and for that reason, the GT seems a good way to get off it. The car looks good now and will look good in 40-years... it is timeless in it's design with all the benefits of a modern car. Add to that the Ford build quality and she should provide far lower cost motoring than the Gallardo both in terms of running costs and depreciation.
Lastly, colours - I think the GT can wear pretty much any colour; although [and here comes my hypocrisy], my feeling is that the Heritage looks pretty special and is probably the pick of the bunch for me! So why could I drive that without feeling like I had a T-shirt on that said, "I LOVE MYSELF! LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!" but not a yellow Gallardo? Because the GT has heritage - it gives a knowing wink to the past without trying too hard. Yes, I'm sure some people would think you're trying to be Steve McQueen but I could live with that... I could live with the 1-in-100 negative comments because I'd be happy that I was referencing automotive triumph and a classic moment in motor history. That, to me, is positive attention, not look at me, look at me, attention!
Those are my thoughts... for what they're worth! :wink
My assumption is that you're trying to decide between the two and if that's the case, you're in a similar dilemma to the one I am/was in! :cheers
For what it's worth, here is my humble opinion based on test driving a Gallardo (twice) and having a good friend who owns one. My experience of the GT is based on a passenger ride in Neilda's car and viewings of 4-seperate cars at UK dealers. All comments are based on these experience and all are imho [okay, standard disclaimer out of the way! :biggrin ]
The Gallardo looks beautiful - although is massively colour sensitive! Citrus colours bring out the angles and provide the best canvas for the design - orange, yellow and lime being top of the list. I know two people with black cars and neither does a lot for me - it's not the fact that it's subtle but rather that it hides the design cues and reduces the visual impact of the car.
So, that was my first issue - could I be seen in a yellow, orange or lime green car? The honest answer was that I'd feel like a showy prat. Some people are comfortable with 'bling' (for want of a better word), I prefer to slide under the radar when it comes to material wealth (the hypocrisy of this statement will come shining through when I talk about my GT colour choice! :rolleyes :wink ). Nevertheless, I would find it hard to drive a Gallardo - in a colour I like - that wouldn't leave me feeling like a plate of nachos with extra cheese poured on top.
Second aspect - reliability of the clutch. In the UK clutch replacement costs £4,500.00 - by the Lambo dealers own admission, they last 4,000-9,000 miles. The friend with the black car did a road trip with some friends through Europe - when he left the clutch was 40% worn, on his return - less than 1,000 miles later - it was dead. On the test drive the dealer but the fear of god into me and told me to shift slow - I felt like I was (and I bloody well was... so slow I thought he'd think I was making fun of him and his request to shift slowly) and he said to me, you're still shifting too fast - you'd need a new clutch every 5,000 miles?!? Add to that all the other running costs - and that I know of at least one blown engine (and I mean, actually know someone - not just rumors and hearsay), which was not covered under warranty and thus cost £27,000 to change, as it's a sealed unit, and I'd be scared about driving/owning one.
Third aspect - I run a V10 M5. The Gallardo I drove was pre-SE model changes, so it had 500bhp and, not meaning to insult anyone, but it felt quick but not rapid. I got back into the M5 and it felt as quick - once I checked the stats, I realised why - the M5 gets to 100mph quicker than a Gallardo. If I had to choose a V10 engine car - the BMW would get the nod for a better engine (in fact they've won best engine of the year 2-years in a row for the M5/M6 engine... so it makes some sense). Even so, I didn't find the Gallardo as entertaining to drive as I hoped it would be. Shame really.
Now onto the GT - the passenger ride proved to me it was fast... not quick, not rapid, bloody FAST. I know things feel quicker as a passenger but the grunt was definitely a lot great than the Gallardo.
In terms of design, the GT seems classic to me; where as the Gallardo will date and there has already been one facelift. In 5-years you won't look at a Gallardo and say, that is classic, you'll say, that is the old model Gallardo. I don't lust after the Countach, I look at them like an old woman who's wearing too much make-up and lycra hot-pants... trying too hard and hasn't aged well. (The Miura is a different kettle of fish but she's rare for a Lambo). The problem with all modern cars - BMW, Lambo, Ferrari, Audi, etc... is that they build them to replace them. For me this never ending conveyor belt of car changes is getting dull and tedious and for that reason, the GT seems a good way to get off it. The car looks good now and will look good in 40-years... it is timeless in it's design with all the benefits of a modern car. Add to that the Ford build quality and she should provide far lower cost motoring than the Gallardo both in terms of running costs and depreciation.
Lastly, colours - I think the GT can wear pretty much any colour; although [and here comes my hypocrisy], my feeling is that the Heritage looks pretty special and is probably the pick of the bunch for me! So why could I drive that without feeling like I had a T-shirt on that said, "I LOVE MYSELF! LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!" but not a yellow Gallardo? Because the GT has heritage - it gives a knowing wink to the past without trying too hard. Yes, I'm sure some people would think you're trying to be Steve McQueen but I could live with that... I could live with the 1-in-100 negative comments because I'd be happy that I was referencing automotive triumph and a classic moment in motor history. That, to me, is positive attention, not look at me, look at me, attention!
Those are my thoughts... for what they're worth! :wink
Last edited:
PL510*Jeff
Well-known member
G vs GT vs ???
Well said. Your gut reaction matches the many other posts. Your research and your feelings on both vehicles is spot on.
I find it somewhat odd, that only the Gallardo and Viper are commonly used in comparison to the GT. At least on this forum. New z06 is a close 3rd. Is there something to this? Maybe the head doctors can explain this to us all. The common thread I've seen is trying to explain what the GT is not rather than what it is .
The GT is not a bling vehicle. Oh Yes, it is visually exciting (in a timeless manor), rarely seen on the road, and attracts that special low-key attention and perm-a-grinns that the GT owners have come to know and love. The GT doesn't need the bling paint and wings to be appreciated.
Fenderless, straight axled T Bucket's with blowers, 300 SL's, F 250 GTO's,
GT 40's, lead sled Ford's and Mercury's ring my bell. There is something special about them. Everytime I see one, no matter what the medium, it makes me smile and think of how Cool they really were, are and always will be. FYI, I have never owned any of them.
In my case, the only choice was to buy a GT or not buy a GT. On March 14, 2006, my 40 year dream came true. 0812 was mine. No regrets in any way, shape or form. Not too many things in my life have given me that inner-peace and satisfaction the GT has already provided. The GT is not an addition to the "cars in the barn" collection. It will never be a clean as the day I bought it.
The GT is a drivers car. Plain and simple as the t*ts on a goat.
PL510*Jeff
Well said. Your gut reaction matches the many other posts. Your research and your feelings on both vehicles is spot on.
I find it somewhat odd, that only the Gallardo and Viper are commonly used in comparison to the GT. At least on this forum. New z06 is a close 3rd. Is there something to this? Maybe the head doctors can explain this to us all. The common thread I've seen is trying to explain what the GT is not rather than what it is .
The GT is not a bling vehicle. Oh Yes, it is visually exciting (in a timeless manor), rarely seen on the road, and attracts that special low-key attention and perm-a-grinns that the GT owners have come to know and love. The GT doesn't need the bling paint and wings to be appreciated.
Fenderless, straight axled T Bucket's with blowers, 300 SL's, F 250 GTO's,
GT 40's, lead sled Ford's and Mercury's ring my bell. There is something special about them. Everytime I see one, no matter what the medium, it makes me smile and think of how Cool they really were, are and always will be. FYI, I have never owned any of them.
In my case, the only choice was to buy a GT or not buy a GT. On March 14, 2006, my 40 year dream came true. 0812 was mine. No regrets in any way, shape or form. Not too many things in my life have given me that inner-peace and satisfaction the GT has already provided. The GT is not an addition to the "cars in the barn" collection. It will never be a clean as the day I bought it.
The GT is a drivers car. Plain and simple as the t*ts on a goat.
PL510*Jeff
And I wasn't even trying to drive fast....! :biggrin
I think you've probably made a decent summary of both cars - I certainly had a little embarrasment with my Murcielago, however it was the most beautiful car.... I think the Gallardo/GT comparison is a difficult one, however I would put my money on the fact that the Gallardo will never become a 'classic'.
Having shown many house guests the cars in my garage, it's rather irritating that their eyes never stray from the GT... :biggrin
I think you've probably made a decent summary of both cars - I certainly had a little embarrasment with my Murcielago, however it was the most beautiful car.... I think the Gallardo/GT comparison is a difficult one, however I would put my money on the fact that the Gallardo will never become a 'classic'.
Having shown many house guests the cars in my garage, it's rather irritating that their eyes never stray from the GT... :biggrin
Four to nine thousand miles on a clutch :eek , is this a E Gear or 6 speed.nomis said:
Last edited:
There will always be another Lamborghini. I really like those cars, but it's like the F-cars. I see them, and I think what a nice car they are, but I know there's always a "next". 355<360<430. If you get the urge, buy one. I doubt you'll see a "next" from Ford anytime soon. Call me a homer, but I love owning something American. Some people will decry owning something in this league made domestically, I think it's one of the best parts. And I just think the GT is a better looking car. The Gallardo is very good looking in an interesting way. The GT is simply timeless.
Also, just as there are those who will sing the praises of things like stitching, knobs, and the like, the GT will flat out pound a G in performance. It is much faster in a straight line, on the top end, around a race track, etc. And I vastly prefer RWD to AWD (in a sports car at least). We're talking stock here of course (and the GT is infinitely easier to mod, if you care about that). Anyone who tries to convince you otherwise is spending too much time drinking the old kool-aid.
That said, I can completely understand why some people would prefer the Gallardo. Better soundtrack, better fit and finish, a bit more practical, more modern shape, Italian if you care, more cache at the club. Performance stats aren't the be all end all and the Gallardo is certainly more than some people can handle already in that department.
Also, just as there are those who will sing the praises of things like stitching, knobs, and the like, the GT will flat out pound a G in performance. It is much faster in a straight line, on the top end, around a race track, etc. And I vastly prefer RWD to AWD (in a sports car at least). We're talking stock here of course (and the GT is infinitely easier to mod, if you care about that). Anyone who tries to convince you otherwise is spending too much time drinking the old kool-aid.
That said, I can completely understand why some people would prefer the Gallardo. Better soundtrack, better fit and finish, a bit more practical, more modern shape, Italian if you care, more cache at the club. Performance stats aren't the be all end all and the Gallardo is certainly more than some people can handle already in that department.
DBK said:
This is a very interesting point and one that Neil and I have discussed.
In Europe the GT is far rarer and dare I say it, probably has a great sense of cache than any modern Ferrari or Lamborghini. While these cars are fairly common where we live, I have only ever seen 2 GTs on-road (not including the 4 I've looked at with the intention to purchase).
A Ford in the USA probably suffers from a little stigma (i.e. they make pick-ups, SUVs and econo-boxes... just how good can their sports cars be?), where as in England, and Europe as a whole, the GT is so foreign and exquisitely rare that it overcomes the badge snobbery with ease.
For me it represent quintessential cool but without trying or begging for attention... perhaps in North America this would be tainted by the greater Ford brand and peoples perceptions?!? So despite paying more for the car in Europe, perhaps there is an up-side? :biggrin
[also, without a TUBI style exhaust, I found the Gallardo to be tuneless and dull... nothing compared to a Ferrari (the M5 suffers the same fate, so I've put it down to noise restrictions and the high-stress mechanical nature of a road-going V10?!?) however, the GT sounded immense and like a pure V8 muscle car]
agentf1 said:
Either or... manuals are just as bad, if Lambo service are to be believed (and let's be honest... why would they lie, they were trying to sell me a car!)
My understanding is that they are on Version 7 of the clutch... not a great engineering sign when the car is less than 4-years old and they still can't resolve the premature wear issue.
Lovely car but very fragile if the owners I have spoken with and the service department are to be believed :eek
Neilda said:
Pull the other one! I saw you sweating! :biggrin
...you were one step away from driving it like you stole it :banana
I do not understand the comparison. Is it comparing car for car (if so why ?) or car for car based on proximity of price.
Why wouldnt the comparison be from the GT to the Murci aka top of the line to top of the line
Personally, I have never driven the Lambo G and never considered it as I think it is "cute" at best (and thats to be damned by faint praise) and totally lacks the "presence" that a "super car" must have. Further , I hate those silly paddle automatic things.
I have never been impressed with the "smaller" offerings like the Dino, the Gallardo and whatever the name of the V8 predecessor was (thats how memorable it was)
Why wouldnt the comparison be from the GT to the Murci aka top of the line to top of the line
Personally, I have never driven the Lambo G and never considered it as I think it is "cute" at best (and thats to be damned by faint praise) and totally lacks the "presence" that a "super car" must have. Further , I hate those silly paddle automatic things.
I have never been impressed with the "smaller" offerings like the Dino, the Gallardo and whatever the name of the V8 predecessor was (thats how memorable it was)
It is based on proximity in price. I have been trying to push him more towards the GT for speed, easy to mod, tougher etc etc ...Dr Robert Harms said: