Car and Driver F-430 vs. Gallardo (Both Spyders)

I just read the whole test and I guess I’m a bit surprised at some of their comments. Here’s a conversation list of the ones I’m not sure I agree with:

1. The G sounds better? I’ve got a Larini exhaust on my G and it sounds great but a 430 >4Krpm’s is pretty tough to beat. That 430 high end shriek does not grow old for me.

2. I don’t know that I agree that the G draws so much more styling attention. 430’s are pretty interesting everywhere I go. Maybe in SoCal where they tested they are more immune because of the numbers of 360’s.

3. I’m surprised by the huge 0-60 difference between the two cars with the 430 being 7/10’s faster to 60. The text goes on to point out that the 430 F1 was a euro version and had launch control programming the U.S. cars don’t . I wonder why they couldn’t get a U.S. spec car? They have been shipping for a while. I also think this paints the G as being a lot slower than it is. I have only driven a 430 a couple of times and it’s fast to be sure but no where near that kind of a delta. From a practical driving standpoint, until you get to the top 1500revs in the 430 they feel pretty close. My G is a hardtop and the 430 I drove was a hardtop as well. Maybe the G vert gives up a lot more but I doubt it’s that much.

Lastly, I’m glad they had good things to say about the refinement on the F1 and the EGear. I’ve never been able to find the love for them on the street but I’ve not driven newest versions. I am in the camp that thought the older variants were just too harsh even though they are brilliant on the track.

 

Link?

 

pics please?

 

The test isn't up on the on-line edition yet. Maybe somebody can scan it in. I don't have access to a scanner right now.

 

There is a big difference between how an 06 Spider sounds and an early G with a Larini exhaust, which no offense, is the worst exhaust made for the Gallardo.

I too am interested to see how the 2 compare in performance. Both G Spiders I drove definitely felt slower than my Murcielago and the Gallardo SE I drove.

 

I have Larini loud test pipes,, Love them,,no cats or mufflers.

 

Well. my 2cents worth. Ferrari sent their "euro" version and Lamborghini sent their U.S version. Sneaky of Ferrari to do that....

 

Jeremy Clarkson doing this test or something?

 

Ah, it's just a bunch of wordsmiths with passing interests in cars (and no driving talent) writing stories that sell magazines. Who cares?

 

Grrrr, I haven't gotten my copy in the mail yet! Are they both factory cars or are they cars private owners have lent them?

 

it came across that they were factory cars. you have slow service. I got my copy on Friday.

 

My copy is MIA as well. If no one can scan the article, can someone who has it post the 0-60, 0-100 and ¼mile times for both cars, and lap times if they ran any? Thanks

 

g
0-60 4.6
0-100 9.6
1/4 12.8@116
top speed 195

430
0-60 3.9
0-100 8.5
1/4 12.1@122
top speed 186

 

If the cars were supplied by the factories the entire test is suspect. Both have been known to send ringers.

 

Brian, you'd know the answer or have an idea. I'd have to think the euro launch SW has got to really hammer the clutch and tranny in the 430. My first reaction was that shaving a couple of tenths in that area isn't worth it but I guess a low time is a low time. What are your thoughts?

 

Wow, is the 430 really that much faster than the G?

 

There are a couple of things I can't figure out. The 430 spider was faster than any other 430 they have tested including hardtops. Could be the SW or some special factory prep? The .7 0-60 delta is held all the way through the 1/4. However, the trap on the 430 is a strong indicator of it making more power. I drove a Gallardo last Friday on the track and it didn't feel as fast as my coupe so I can believe those numbers but the 430 numbers still seem to be stronger than I'd think.

 

I dont know why people are so suprised that the 430 is quicker than the G. Every single race Ive seen suggests the 430 is much quicker.

 

God am I so glad I spent the money for the Twin
Turbo Gallardo upgrade.. I don't give ANY F car a second thought..
they are all prancing turtles........

 

Wow, those Gallardo times are substantially slower than the coupe's. She must have put on a hell of a lot of weight getting into convertible trim, damn.

Did the article list curb weights of the cars? Thanks

 

No disrespect towards the 430 from my end. I think it's a brilliant car. the Gallardo just seems really slow by comparison. 4.7 is closer to an m3. Most of the tests I've read have had the G car in low 4's.

 

Oh dont get me wrong, I think those times are slow. Ive seen 4.2 and 12.2 so those times are on the slow side. Still, not as quick as the 430.

 

I don't think there is any downside for the trans but it is very rough on the clutch. You basically keep the motor at a desired output and the "puter" uses the clutch to keep the tires at a very slight wheel spin that has been calculated to give max thrust.

Top fuel dragsters have been doing that for years with a manually adjustable set up so track conditions can be adjusted for but those clutches are very special and only need to last for 8 passes.

The F1 cars do it also but those are only capable of 2 starts. After that if the race does not get a clean start the drivers have to turn off the LC.

Neat technology but is a very good example of the saying "You have to pay to play".

 

Just to put this into perspective, here is the road test data from March Car&Driver of the 355HP Carrera S:

0-60 4.3
0-100 10.7
1/4 12.8@111