512TR vs Lambo Diablo? What should I do?

Just do what this one guy did here in Colorado and buy both of them.

He owns a Diablo which was owned by Mario Andretti and he also owns a Testarossa.

 

from what I see is this:

512TR is a cool car but high maintainanace, you will have to constantly change the timing belts, nice style wide and aggressive even in todays market, I would drive one. interior is a bit *dated*, do NOT get a Testarossa, get a 512TR the Testarossa had those aweful centerlock wheels that if you damage one? good luck, and if you want to change to aftermarket wheels? man what a pain..

Diablo, always holds a special place in my heart, a bit shy on build quality, but a show stopper no matter how you slice it. wonderful V12 engine if you can afford it try to get a VT with the 6.0 motor. Also, high maintainance costs, but not as bad as the 512TR.

whatever you decide, make SURE you pay to get the cars inspected by a qualified shop (usually about $500.00 including a carfax report and FULL diagnostic and tear out to make sure the car's chassis and all else is correct and intact), it's a bit of money but it is WELL worth it vs buying a car and finding out later you made a mistake...

 

Id go diablo, looks a lot better today imo...also i think its a lot faster....lastly, perhaps less maintenance due to a chain driven engine?

 

My father is looking to upgrade his 512TR possibly to a Diablo. Both cars cost the same to maintain, however a clutch on a Diablo costs 4 times more than a 512TR clutch. According to each garage I've spoken to, who specialise in maintaining both cars (Joe Macari Service included) the 512TR is the more reliable. However I am willing to overlook this as the Ferrari isn't as headturning as the Lambo. Out of the 2 cars, you are getting more value for money from a 512.

 

Hmmmm....Sounds exactly like my situations 10 months ago. I negotiated a deal with Lambo of Dallas for a Black on Black 2001 6.0, having never sat in/drove a Diablo i was unsure as to what to expect. I flew out there and was definetly in love with the looks of the beast, i must admit almost to flashy....actually it is to flashy!! I took the car out for a test drive, and I was very disapointed (My personal opinion only!!) Car is a Brute it drives very much like a Muscle car, it is fast!! seating is very confined, you feel as if you are in a jet cockpit (that might be a plus for some). Visiblity out the rear is non existent, when changing lanes you pick a car ahead of you and gas it!! pass him then change lanes, the ultimate leap of faith. Drove the car back to the dealer and was having doubts about whether or not this is the right car for me (Note...just came out of a 2003 360, and a 2004 Stradale). The dealer also had a 93 512TR on consignment, so we took it out for a drive. For me, it was an instant decision, the TR drove so much easier, felt so much more refined. Yea maybe it doesnt have the WOW! factor the Diablo has, but it is absolutely gorgeous. The power difference is not that much different, and the maintenance cost is no where near the horror stories some NON owners seem to be talking about. Granted the belts need to be changed every 5 years, and that is a steep one, but other than that car is solid and inexpensive to own. I would venture to guess any 512TR bought now for around 100k will hold it value better than just about any car you can buy.

Any how...thats just my .02, whatever you decide you will be happy. Good Luck!!

 

After 4 years of owning the 512TR, belts don't appear to be an issue. Only one change of belts in that time. As for the interior being dated I disagree, in fact I'd say on the contrary, plus it's a pure drivers' interior. The Testarossa interior looks dated however. My 512TR interior pictured below...
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Send a PM to WDR328, a member on this site. He has up close and personal experience with both, and should be able to give you some good feedback.

 

I'd just like to say that is an absolutley GORGEOUS interior, from the color combo to the fantastic upkeep that has been performed!

 

Why not a Ferrari Diablo? AC Slater has one.

But seriously, it should just come down to what you prefer. I would personally go for the Diablo. I still think it looks fantastic after all these years, especially with the Murcie Roadster rims. I also like the 512TR, but it is starting to get a bit dated to me. Of course I would also suggest that you drive both to see which one you prefer more from the visceral experience standpoint.

 

There's nothing wrong with dated looks, I mean look at the dated looking Ferrari F40 from the 80's, but that's still the most desirable Ferrari to have. Dated supercars are the most beautiful cars on the road.

 

Darryl,

Try talking to the previous owner of your 348, he has a couple Diablo's and is very knowledgable about them.

Regards,
Kevin

 

Diablo maintenance costs seem to be all over the map. Anytime the topic comes up, owners claim they're the most troublefree, low maintenance cars ever. But just about every sale ad I see for Diablos contains some thing about "$30,000 in recent service..." or "$10,000 clutch service just completed.." Not sure who to believe. I still plan on parking one next to the 355 in the not-too-distant future, but it would be nice to get some reliable info.

-R

 

LOL...!!!

 

tough discussion sell the wife and kids and buy both

 

ive driven Diablo's and Murci's for years and bbeen around them with alot of frriends and only seen a couple clutches go, 90% of the clutches that are replaced is dricver error-show offs. If you drive the car hard but correctly 15,000 miles is reasonable on a clutch.

 

The Diablo is HOT!... I sat in my neighbor's 91 Yellow Diablo...it was pretty neat i'd have to say. The only problem is the large dash board that obstructs the driver's view. And with today's age, more there are more people realizing that there are more Replica Diablos than there are real ones...But if that doesnt bother you..i'd say pick one up!

Over the Lamborghini, the 512TR is more dumbed down in looks...but still striking due to the nice engine roar. The side strakes really unique look. I got a ride in a testarossa and it is a beautiful car that everybody can appreciate when there is a red light...the responses of people are really cool. 512TR all the way for me since it is more refined and not as "playboy-ish" as the Diablo.

 

The 512 is still a looker in my opinion. It is a fast modern car and handles very well and sounds sweet. I also like the looks of the diablo but it is not the car the F car is from the ground up.

 

STAY AWAY FROM THE DIABLO!!!!! I have seen so many with engine compartments that have caught on fire. Buy ANY other car than a Diablo!

That's my 2cents.
Rick W.

 

I've owned 2 Diablos, a 94 VT and an 01 6.0 as well as an 88.5 TR. Guess which one burned up with a cat fire due to a broken fuel pressure regulator?

Yep, the TR.

Carry a fire extinguisher in *any* exotic.

Diablo maintainence experience for me was a positive experience, very reliable cars which I recommend. If you can afford it, the 6.0 models are recommended.

Of course, my current 456 is also a nice ride with a so-far good reliability/maintainence experience.

 

I had an 88.5 TR and now have a 98 SV. I loved the TR but it was heavy and although the performance isn't bad, it certainly is not in a league with the Diablo. The 512TR is better compared to the eralier TRs, but I would still go with the Diablo. The Diablo has 500 or more HP for the same weight. Either car can be a maintanance nightmare; however, with a good history, clean PPI and propper attention either can be a joy to own.

As for as Diablos go, I am biased toward the SV. It is quite a bit lighter and 2WD. To me, the SV does not feel nearly as heavy as the VT cars and as a result seems to handle better.

My humble opinion.

Steve

 

I have seen more engine compoinates that have caught fire from Toyota camarys than I have Diablo's. Fire's happen on everycar make and models sooner or latter so its not like you can just buy another car and everything will be alright.

 

The same could be said for TR's. Didn't they have a recall on wiring because of engine fires?

 

How many engine compartment fires have you seen on Camry's? And Diablos?

 

No matter which car you 'like' better (or others prefer) the question will always come down to the particular cars- condition, upkeep, quirks from inception with that particular car, etc.
Assuming the 2 cars were identical in these respects, the TR is an upgrade over the Testarossa, and the Diablos changed over the years, too. Which Diablo?

I don't think either is a bargain on parts- labor, well, unless you are a DIY'er, you are probably going to pay the same for work on both.

I would probably take a 512M over most production Diablos, save for the 6.0. I would take a 6.0 over any of the 512 production variants.

If we are talking neither of those- 512M or 6.0- i do think it comes down to the condition of the particular car, as well as user friendliness. While the TR is no tossable sportscar, it is probably easier to manage in normal circumstances than the Diablo.