Just got my '05 Gallardo. First impressions

I just bought an '05 Gallardo (6-speed) from a fellow AZ car enthusiast, as he has ordered an '06. I currently have a '95 F355. Previously I've owned an '87 328 and a '91 Testarossa. So, I have had some experience with Ferraris. This is my first Lamborghini. (Have I crossed to the "Dark Side"!?)
Attached photos were taken at the previous owner's home.

Anyway, I've only had the Gallardo for a couple of days and have driven maybe 50 miles, but here are some of my impressions and comparisions to the Ferraris I've had:

Torque:
This car pulls unlike the Ferraris I've had. I haven't driven a 360 or F430, so I can't compare to them, but this car goes when you hit the loud pedal.

Exhaust note:
The car has a Tubi on it and it "growls" when it accelerates. The Ferraris kind of have a "trumpeting scream". I like it, it's just a different sound.

Head Turning Factor:
Took it to a local car show last night. Every kid knows exactly what it is and
are very excited to see one in person. I guess the Gallardo is a car choice on a lot of video car race games. A lot of adults also recongized it (seeing as I was at a car show with a lot of car buffs). It got about 5 times the attention that my F355 gets. This is kind of a good/bad thing, but I guess it is to be expected.

Visibilty: Great out the front, not great out to the rear sides. You have to rely on your side mirrors quite a bit.

Interior: I like the interior of this car. Modern electricals and layout (thanks to Audi, I would assume). Nice air conditioning.......not used to that on my Ferraris, but then again, I haven't had anything newer than my F355.

Driveability:
The Gallardo is very easy to drive. The idle has a mind of its own sometimes, but it's not bad. Just have to get used to it varying a little. Shifting is very easy. You can drive this car hard or just putt around. This could be a daily driver I suppose.

Other things: I am still trying to decide if I like the rear end of this car, but hey, it's unique! Other than that, I love the design. I have the clear engine cover, which is nice....it breaks up all the yellow of the car's exterior. Also, I think the front end lift system (about 3") could come in handy.


I want to thank Roy Cats for posting my SL 500 on his site, and giving me a lot of advice and info on various Lamborghinis. Hopefully Roy will put my F355 on his site. I would really like to hang onto it, but I've learned from previous experience, you can only drive one at a time! And I always tend to drive one and not the others.

Once I've had a chance to drive the car some more, I will post more impressions.

AZFerrari
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Allan, er...ah....GSpyder,

Good to hear from you. I take it you're back in Scottsdale? You were in Maui for awhile weren't you? I read that you guys were headed to Christopher Creek today. Must have been fun. Let me know more about the Scottsdale Exotic Car Club. What are you driving now? I take it you don't have the F355 Spider, or the White SV? How about your Lotus Esprit?

Jeff

 

Hey,

Steve from Sport Auto! There are two Steve's there, right? Steve Jones and Steve Barney? Anyway, you are correct in recognizing the '05 Gallardo.
It is very nice. The previous owner is getting his '06 from you guys! I sent you a PM.

Jeff