360 or Gallardo

I test drove a Gallardo and found it to feel rather wooden, with very little feedback through the steering. Very fast and great handling, just rather dull. The 360 by comparison feels very twitchy, nervy and on the edge. I preferred the 360, I like edgy. I can fully understand why someone (everyone) might prefer the G, it is probably better than the 360 in most respects, but it did not win me over.

 

I bought a Gallardo after test driving a 360. I felt that the 360 was bigger and slower while the G was quicker and handled much better due to the all wheel drive. Now quite a few G owners have converted the car to rear wheel drive and they say that makes it even better. Some will say that the G is not an exotic due to the Audi influence but it still draws alot of attention. As far as top speed I only got the 360 up to 120 but the G I took it up to 170 and it felt rock solid. I only had the G for about 7 months and then traded it for a Diablo but during the time I had it I drove it almost daily, put about 6,000 miles on it and never had any problems.

 

I've got both, 04 360 Spider F1 and 04 Gallardo E-Gear.

360 is more fun through the corners, easier to drive, more responsive steering.

Gallardo is much quicker, better brakes, more torque, much more rigid, better looking..

Go for the Gallardo IMO.

 

I had this same option when I bought..

the 360 was better looking, more classic and IMO more timeless, when I had to pull the trigger and spend the cash.. I needed to buy what I thought was sexier.. the 360 was (to me)

 

Wonder how many pounds of gear that drops out.

 

360.

 

If you can stretch a little and get the '06 Gallardo, there were a number of improvements that year. More horsepower and a much better E-Gear tranny.

I have an '06 Gallardo spider which I love and drive every day.

I had an '00 360 and now have an '07 F430. If my choice were between the 360 and the "G", I'd go Lambo any day.

The 430 makes this choice far more difficult... that's one of the reasons why I still have both.

Frank

 

I really hope you mean that you only drove it up to 120mph and not suggesting this is the max top speed???

 

I owned 2 360 coupe and spider, and now have a Gallardo which is converted to RWD, I do not like AWD in any sports car, and once converted (which drops about 135lbs), the Gallardo is a very different car, feels very much like my 430 did. If you change the exhaust which is very very heavy you can take even more weight off. I would only take a Gallardo over a 360 if it was converted to RWD.

 

Gt3

 

+1

 

This was my top speed......Not the cars. I was suprised that the salesman let me get it up this high. Sorry for any confusion.

 

I vote 360. The Gallardo feels a bit uneasy fast through corners, IMO.

 

Gallardo is more powerful but the vehicle dynamics is rougher.

360 has some serious build / design issues. Interior is crappy with peeling and sticky buttons. Gallardo is much more well engineered.

Bottom line, 430>gallaro>360

 

I was also considering an '04 Gallardo when I was shopping for my 360. What changed my mind was the numerous reports of them spontaneously catching fire for no apparent reason, and this happening on not just a few occasions.

However I still love the looks, sound, and build quality of the G. I'm considering still getting one to accompany the 360, and after reading reports here I would seriously consider doing the RWD conversion on it. But an important note about pricing: '04 - '06 G prices have INCREASED in the past year. 2 winters ago, and even last winter, nobody could move an '04 Gallardo for 80k or even high 70s. Now the asking prices are at least 10k higher than 2 winters ago and last winter.

If you can wait, buy it between November and March, and you should save a ton of money. That's what I plan to do. Best of luck in your search, they are both GREAT cars.

 

I am going through a similar challenge right now. Except I am battling between a CS and a G. The G feels rock solid and almost bullet proof to me. I love the handling, speed and looks, but every CS I drive harkens me back to the 'specialness' of the F40.

 

+2

 

+1

Wait another 1.5 years, when 430s hit $100k....it will be a day of celebration

The only caviat on the Gallardo is the future of Lambo, which looks bleak.

 

"SERIOUS build/design issues" <-- you've got to be kidding me.. The gallardo may be a but more bulletproof, but I wouldn't say the build quality is better..

the 360 is a very very well built car.. there aren't a ton of complains on the 360 from the owners I know.. including me..

also.. the F1 on the 360 can go 25-35k miles per clutch (I am 15k miles on first clutch w 50% left)
the gallardo (especially 04-05) seem to last 6-12k miles per clutch, AND the clutches cost more (for some ungodly reason)..

that alone pisses me off.. no manual gearbox should be that shoddy that it cannot last longer than 12k miles.. give me a break.. now if you get a 6 speed gallardo you can enjoy a 30k+ clutch life.. but the F1 seems to be a joke..

not to mention the extra power is nice but it won't feel that different below 100 mph.. the 360 has a 0-60 time of 4.2 comapred to the gallardo at 4.0.. hardly a massive change.. above 100mph though you can enjoy the extra 100hp..

my opinion is they are both cool cars.. if you like curves.. you will want the 360, like hard edges the gallardo..

Personally.. I would look at a 1998-2001 DIABLO though.. that is still the best looking lambo ever made (IMO) you can get one for 110-130k

 

Gallardo's can be had for 70-80 also if you want an 04-05.. so they are in the same price bracket.. I would advise against getting a sub 70k 360 as that is the bottom barrel price for them and issues may/will arise