Guys i've researched and researched to death!! I really need to confirm the nitty gritty details of cars in order to help make my decision. Currently I own a 630whp 996tt, I have owned it for 3yrs now and its been amazing!! Never missed a beat, drive it hard, take it to track and 1/4 mile or just cruise it gentley to the shopping mall. It does it all and never breaks down, just requires the usual maintenance that Im OCD about anyways, oil and filter changes, spark plugs, brake fluid.

Now I'm torn between a Gallardo and with Gallardo I need to understand the benefits of LP560 vs PRE-LP560

F430 or R8 V10.

The R8 V10 is the most comfy of the 3, and also the most modern. You get all your comfort creatures and a good looking, fast'ish package. I would look supercharge this

The F430, im a bit unsure of reliability, but as tuners, I'd look to upgrade the clutch to sort that issue out.

The Gallardo, I've heard the early ones like 03-04 had transmission and engine problems. 05 onwards got better and power increased 10hp each year. But what about the AWD system, is the LP560 much better than the PRE-LP560's? Did Pre-LP560 have LSD in rear? Sorry for all the questions guys. Any input would be really valued. Especially from those that have owned 2 or 3 of the above! I do about 5K-8K miles per annum. car is mostly a weekend toy, but will be tuned in one way or another, i dont think I could go ***** deep with a twin turbo kit but at least supercharged, whether thats Gallardo or R8, not sure if there is a 'charger option for the F430. Car will be driven fairly hard most of the time.

Thanks guys!!

 

Lp 560

 

I have never driven a Gallardo but I have driven the F430 spyder and for some reason my M5 felt better than the ferrari. I have a feeling I didnt have the 430 in the right mode

 

Between the 3, I'd say 560. The R-8 looks very feminine to me in person, and the only F-car I like is the 458 (other than the Enzo, of course).

 

All three are great cars.

Gallardo - LP is better. Get it if you can afford it. They are going for $180k for 2009. 2004 and 2005 have weaker gearing which makes it lurchier if you get egear. If the clutch has been replaced, they are fine.

F430 - lacks power but corners nicely. Looks a little plain IMO. Reliability is not as good as Gallardo, generally speaking. Earlier year like 2005 have manifold cracks which needs to be fixed. F car with low miles should be carefully looked at. repair can be very costly and cars don't age well without being used.

R8 - worst interior of all 3 cars. most understated exterior looks also. get it if that's what you like. IMO, it's the most practical of the 3 with lots of Audi dealers for servicing and an adaptive suspension. But, I just don't find it hardcore enough. afterall, it's supposed to be a super car, not a normal car.

 

If I go for the LP560 I will have to wait till next year. Hopefully the prices will come down. How much less of a car is like an 06-08 gallardo? what are common faults with them? I would want to upgrade the clutch as soon as possible.

 

Definitely the 560 hands down. I strongly dislike the R8,( other than it's looks it's just a cheap gallardo IMO), and the 430's tech is outdated by now.

 

clutch is about $7k USD. there is no need to change it until it is worn. it typically lasts 20-25k miles if you don't drive it like an automatic.

the platform is pretty much bullet proof. typical issues are small electronic issues such as check engine light (scan the computer will tell you), clutch wear, brake warning light coming on when pads aren't worn, egear system failing. of these the egear and clutch will be the most costly issues to address. so, make sure the car doesnt require any repair on either or just budget $10k in your saving account for a raining day.

comparing lp560 to 06-08, the biggest difference is the looks, egear transmission upgrade and direct inject engine. you can get an aftermarket bumper to get that LP look. the DI engine in the LP actually doesn't sound as good as earlier G. Earlier G sounds louder and has more aftermarket exhaust options, which I consider a must on an exotic.

 

Guys I really appreciate all the info. My heart said Gallardo from day 1 and I think thats the way I'm going to go! What about the Coking of the inlet valves in the direct injection LP560 engine? I used to have an Audi RS4 4.2 V8 that suffered BAD from it and was only 370hp rather than the audi acclaimed 420hp. For this reason, I am starting to lean towards the PRE-LP560. Is there enough info out there to say how bad the R8 V8/V10 and Lambos are suffering from this??

 

LP560...end of discussion..

No, seriously, if you are going to use this car more for a DD, then definitely go with the R8. If this is going to be your weekend toy, definitely the Gallardo (LP if you can swing it. I have had both an 04 and now own a 560 and they are light years apart in EVERYTHING)

GL on your decision and ultimately, you really can't go wrong with ANY of them..=)

 

Can't decide between the prancing horse and the bull but definitely give the R8 a miss when you have the other 2 as options. Good luck, you lucky bastard :P

 

The 430 is not German....

 

maybe that's what it is

 

out of the three, the Ferrari is an easy out for me. Now the R8 VS G is tough.... I've driven both and there are many pros and cons.

The R8 has a longer wheelbase and feels more touringish. The Lambo is louder. The R8 has an $800 maintenance plan that is unbeatable!

....at the end of the day, I'd be torn between Audi Care Plus maintenance and having a Lamborghini badge to look at every day

 

i own both a r8 and gallardo. you the hit the nail on the head when you talked about maintenance. the r8 upkeep will be over half as less than the gallardo. also depending on where you live you might not have a lambo dealership to take your car. so service is not as easy as driving a few miles to your audi dealer. my r8 has audi care so you are care free for 5 years or 50k miles including oil changes. after your audi care has expired a oil change will cost you $179, for a gallardo at the dealer about $800. the best advice i can give you is that the r8 is a great daily driver the gallardo not as much. the gallardo gets way too much attention, not as comfortable, harder to drive, and you dont want to worry about it when its parked for a long period of time. if the gallardo is your weekend or pleasure car i would go for that, but i definitely would not have a gallardo for your only car. hope this helps