Toreador

I've had my 996 since 2002 and supercharged it around December '05 and put a total of 52 k miles on it.
I've had my Lambo for about 3 weeks now and put 1.5 k miles on it.

Here are my impressions on comparing the 2 cars.

Looks:
I used to get a thumbs-up in the Porsche every once in a while, and people at gas stations or stopped at red lights would ask me about what year/kind of car/speed every 2 to 3 months on average.
With the Lambo, I cause mini traffic jams. Basically a knot of cars will slow down and surround me so they can ogle me car better. Also, a lot of times, the driver of he car in front of me will slow brake and slow down as soon as he notices me in his rearview mirror And at gas stations, I get quizzed about all aspects of the car.

Driving position:
The 996 feels like and SUV after driving the Lambo. And that's after having my 996 lowered with a ROW M030 suspension!
The driving position in the 996 is more erect than that of the Lambo. The drivers's foot well in the 996 feels enormous and the seat is no where near the maximum length. In the Gallardo, I have my seat all the way back, and I still don't have enough room. My left knee cannot rest on the dead pedal because the dead pedal is closer to me by a few inches and that causes my left leg to bend at the knee and hit the steering wheel. So I learned to drive with my left knee bent and resting on the door.

Gear shifting:
My 996 is 6 speed with a B&M short shifter. I have taken numerous racing courses and can shift very fast both up and heal and toe down with no problem.
The e-gear (paddle shifter) in the Gallardo does the shifting much faster and more accurately than I can in my 996. Specially if you press the button marked "sport". The shifts are lightening quick, and you never have to "lift" while shifting. While downshifting, the car's computer automatically blips the throttle for you by the right amount for super-quick downshift. Again, you don't have to lift.
Coming to a turn in 4th, you would pull the downshift lever twice while braking and presto, you're in 2nd and can get on the power for a nice exit

Engine:
The 996 has a flat 6, 3.6L, Supercharged to 470HP
Gallardo has a V10, 5L, Normally Aspirated 520HP
While the 996 is fast, I do downshift to 5th in order to pass on the freeway. I guess I could get by without, but it would take longer. Not so for the Gallardo. Step on it, even in 6th, and you will feel the G forces pushing you against your seat. During my first few days of driving the Gallardo, I downshifted to pass on the freeway, and was not looking at my speedometer. When I did, I was at 140mph!

Steering:
The 996 has the best steering response I have ever seen. The Gallardo does not change my mind. I really like the way the 996 communicates with the driver, the way it turns with just a thought, and the tight turning radius. The Gallardo is more "chatty", requires more effort to steer, and has a much larger turning radius.

Convertible Top:
The 996 did not allow you to open/close the top while driving. I modified it so it would, and can now operate the top at up the 20mph. For the Gallardo to open, the little fins on the back of the top have to move up 90 deg. to a vertical position, the whole engine cover section (hood?) has to move back, and lift up, then the front of the top detaches, and folds down into the area between the engine and the cockpit, the hood then comes back down, and slides forward to lock. It takes much longer than the 996, and in no way is it to be done unless you're standing still. But I love the fact that the rear window slides down vertically into the body of the car, and can be raised to act as a windscreen when the top is down.

Trunk:
The 996 has a small trunk. A C4 smaller still because of the AWD transmission, and a cabriolet smaller still because of the folded windscreen kept there. Yet a 996 C4 Cab's trunk is absolutely cavernous compared to that of the Gallardo.

I haven't yet taken the Gallardo to the track, but I will soon.

ScottArizona

Awesome comparison. Thanks. By the way, how tall are you? I've always been curious how I would fit in a gallardo (the brother in law is currently considering a used one). Scott.

DFC

Nice comparison, what's even better is the luxury to make it!

Tony

Have you done any straight line 0-60 or 1/4 miles? Many local drag strips will have an open night when you can run the cars that you bring. Ive done it in my 928 many times. Its fun staging on a real tree instead of a traffic light....then knowing you can go ***** out with out any worries!
Your Gallardo is beautiful!

redridge

beautiful cars, thanks for the comparo!

discoganya

Thanks, great write up.

Toreador

I'm 6'0"
If he gets the hardtop, he will have more room.
BTW tell him that 2006 and better has 20HP more than 2004-2005 and improved e-gear.
I woul also advise him to sign up at Lambopower and ask any questions he has about the Gallardo.

porshhhh951

awesome write up.

I agree with tony. Get some figures on that thing man. It sounds like a blast to drive around town.

nota_troll

Very nice description but isn't the 02 a 3.6?

Porsche_Smile

great comparison.... thanks a lot... and congrats on the car....... LOVE THEM BOTH!!!!!!

ArneeA

Interesting. I wonder how reliability compares between the two.

pl

great write up.
i can't help myself, so i went ahead with my super-charger mod........

gota911

Nice wirite up! Very interesting that the Gallardo's rear window can double as a wind screen.

BTW - nice garage doors!

Tippy

Good write-up, I like to have an inside perspective on these cars that are unobtainable to me.

AndyK

Nice! My question is why buy a Lambo that you don't really fit in comfortably?