German Car Forum

Porsche's new 911 Turbo and Lamborghini's Gallardo face up in a supercar clash to savour

Turbo. It’s funny how one small word can convey so much. Nowadays, turbochargers are found under the bonnets of nearly half of all cars sold in the UK. However, back in 1974, they were an exotic rarity – so when the Porsche 911 Turbo arrived 33 years ago, it was like a bolt from the blue.

Complete with 260bhp, not only was it the flagship of the 911 range, but it was also a bona-fide supercar, thanks to its high price and blistering performance. The same is true of the latest version, even though the 911 range now runs to 13 variants, with sales measured in the tens of thousands. Nevertheless, the sixth-generation model offers plenty of good reasons to get excited.

The variable-geometry twin-turbo flat-six makes 480bhp, which is delivered to the road via a six-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive. What’s more, and somewhat unusually these days, the
latest Turbo is lighter than the machine it replaces. However, when it comes to supercars, exclusivity counts, and with global sales of only 1,480 last year, the Lamborghini Gallardo is certainly a rare sight.

It recently benefited from a host of mechanical updates, including more power for the 5.0-litre V10, sharper steering and reworked suspension.
The Gallardo is the ultimate fusion of Italian character and German attention to detail – don’t forget that Lamborghini is now owned by Audi. But which supercar comes out on top? We took our two high-performance rivals to the track to find out.



The first Lamborghini totally conceived under VW Group ownership, the Gallardo signalled the rebirth of the brand. And you have to hand it to VW, because – just as it did with Bentley – it has managed to merge German engineering excellence with the traditional skills and values of a revered car maker.

Placed under Audi’s guidance, Lamborghini has gone from strength to strength, helped in part by the Ingolstadt firm’s technical knowledge. The Gallardo features an aluminium bodyshell and spaceframe chassis, but you only have to look at it to know it stays true to the Italian company’s history of producing jaw-dropping machinery.

With its blade-like front lights and angular lines, it looks squat, aggressive and every inch the supercar. Yet it hasn’t remained totally
unaltered – an array of small modifications seen in the limited-edition SE version were incorporated into the standard model last year.

The cabin was largely unaltered, although just sitting in the Gallardo remains an experience to behold. You are low-down, with the windscreen stretching away from you and the dash wrapped around. Audi has waved its magic wand over the interior, so Lamborghini’s reputation for shoddy fit and finish is long forgotten.

The footwell is narrow, but there are only two pedals, so it’s not a tight squeeze, and the paddles for the E-gear sequential gearbox are well placed behind the wheel. There’s a wide range of steering adjustment, and the driving position is comfortable. You do find yourself adopting a more laid-back angle than normal, but the cabin is every bit as user-friendly as the 911’s – although with only a small boot in the nose, the Gallardo isn’t practical.

Turn the key, and such a trivial issue is soon forgotten. Simply firing-up the engine is something to savour – the starter spins frantically for a second before the 5.0-litre V10 comes to life. And once on the move, the Lamborghini feels urgent and eager. A sharp throttle response and quick paddleshifts mean acceleration feels akin to the 911’s, while the engine’s soundtrack is more enjoyable.

As our figures show, the Turbo has a narrow edge over the Gallardo in every one of our speed tests. But with a 30-70mph time of 3.4 seconds and the ability to hit 100mph from a standstill in nine seconds flat, the Lamborghini still offers serious performance. The handling is equally praiseworthy, and whether over bumpy roads or a smooth race track, it always seems impressively composed.

Tipping the scales at only 1,570kg – 15kg less than the Turbo – the Lamborghini feels lighter and more agile, thanks to its mid-engined layout. And while the steering isn’t as nicely weighted as the Porsche’s, it has a positive turn-in, and the car remains flat and stable in corners.

On the test track, the Gallardo changes direction better than the Turbo at high speed, while traction is impressive, too. With the stability control turned off, the Lamborghini will oversteer when provoked, and as with the 911 it takes quick reactions to control, but its behaviour on the limit is far removed from the fearsome dynamics you might expect from an Italian supercar. In fact, in many circumstances it’s friendlier to drive than the Porsche – which is a real surprise.

And that’s the beauty of the Gallardo. It retains the unique look and special feel of a Lamborghini, but comes across as a car that could be used every day, thanks to its capable road manners, compact dimensions and immaculate build quality.



By sports car standards, the 911 is common. But you don’t have to be a Porsche anorak to realise the Turbo version stands out – it looks more
purposeful and aggressive than other models in the range. A widened bodyshell and flared rear wheelarches are the first giveaway that something special lurks beneath this familiar shape.

The gaping intakes that feed the rear-mounted turbo intercooler dominate the side panels, while the bigger bumpers and extendable rear wing all shout speed. Fin-like front LED indicators are also specific to the Turbo, and there’s no doubt that, whether you think it’s stylish or not, Porsche’s range-topper has a unique look.

As you would expect from a company famed for its engineering excellence, most of the Turbo’s add-ons serve a purpose, either channeling air into or out of the mechanicals. It’s also the first 911 to have aluminium doors, which help to save weight. This loss of mass is impressive given that the Turbo is packed with more equipment than before.

The cabin is standard 911, and as with all Porsches, there’s a colossal range of options to choose from – at a price. The standard seats come with electric adjustment and offer exemplary comfort and support, while the driving position is hard to fault and all the controls are beautifully weighted and ideally located.

What’s more, it’s quite practical for a supercar – much more so than the Gallardo. There’s a surprisingly spacious boot in the nose, and the tiny rear chairs – which are of no use to passengers – can be folded flat to make room for luggage.

However, while the 911 Turbo’s packaging gives it the edge for user-friendliness, the cabin fails to get the pulse racing; it’s simply not a very exciting place in which to spend time. And this is not a criticism that can be levelled at the Gallardo.

Once on the move, there’s no doubting the 911’s supercar credentials, because the acceleration is simply mind blowing. The Turbo achieved the fastest 0-60mph time we have ever recorded – 3.5 seconds. It’s a testament not only to the four-wheel-drive traction, but also the mighty engine, which delivers 680Nm of torque – 170Nm more than the Lamborghini – from only 1,950rpm.

In fact, it’s the powerplant’s flexibility which stands out. Even at low revs in sixth gear, there is never any need to change down. The gruff
3.6-litre flat-six does wail at higher revs, but it’s never as tuneful as the Gallardo’s V10.

For such a savagely fast car, the Porsche is easy to drive and free from drama, and at sensible road speeds, the huge amounts of grip mean you hardly scratch the surface of its dynamic abilities. But while the steering is very direct, the Turbo lacks the precision and balance of lesser 911s.

And at the test track with the stability control turned off, driving at the limit requires skill. The Porsche feels heavier and slower to react than the Gallardo. Understeer can be an issue, and when balanced out with the throttle, any resulting oversteer requires quick steering inputs to correct. The optional composite brakes deliver fantastic fade-free stopping power, though, and the Turbo is an awe-inspiring piece of technology that delivers phenomenal levels of performance.

But it’s simply too capable. Only at speeds that are impractical on the public road does the 911 come alive and offer the involvement you expect. The question is, does that stop it being a more desirable supercar than the Gallardo?



VERDICT
Make no mistake, both of these models are supercars in every sense of the word. They offer scintillating performance, added to four-wheel-drive traction and hugely rewarding handling.

The 911 Turbo is an incredible piece of technology. In terms of acceleration, it’s the fastest car Auto Express has ever tested, and yet it’s as easy to live with as any other Porsche. The problem is
that it’s almost too capable.

Its ability to deliver incredible pace so effortlessly and the fact the handling only truly comes alive at very high speeds means that lesser 911s are just as enjoyable to drive.

Although the Porsche will be cheaper to buy, own and run than the Lamborghini, it’s the Italian that has the looks and rarity to stand out from the crowd.

However, its appeal extends beyond its stunning styling. The recent revisions have added polish to an already accomplished supercar. The Gallardo manages to be thrilling to drive, look at and listen to, no matter what speed you’re doing – it’s enthralling even on the most traffic-congested roads. In short, it makes you feel special – and that’s why it wins.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi..._gallardo.html

two daily driver supercars

I agree with the article a lot. These two cars certainly are quite different - one's the perfect car for egoists and people who love to show off, and the other is for the sophisticated, subtle gentleman. The cars I refer to are being the Gallardo for the former and the Turbo for the latter.

After reading several tests and reviews, I'm now convinced that the Turbo is the everyday practical supercar. I can't really call the Gallardo a daily-driver - I've heard complaints about E-Gear being jerky in first gear (as with most sequential manumatics) and in auto. The Porsche however is one car I can see myself driving anywhere, anytime in the city or at the highway.

The Gallardo's perfect for picking up girls and showing up in at parties...

To top it off, it's a German car... Well both are quite German in a sense... But the Turbo encompasses all the cues of one perfectly and to the highest degree.

I'd get a 997 Turbo with Tiptronic.

I think I would also take a Gallardo over a Turbo, as much as I love the 911 chassis. I think its more raw and there are small details about the Turbo model only that i dislike. Good article

Can't go wrong either way really. I like the looks and feel of the Gallardo, has some nice numbers as well. I like the practicality and durability of the Porsche though, two factors that far outweigh any physical or sensual attraction in my book.

That's right. The 997TT is the super car everyone can drive. A 16 years old girl can get a 997 tiptronic beat just about any car in a drag race. Further mroe she can drive in rain without worrying about loosing grip, even when driving fast in a bends. It is really the world's safest supercar.

You sure? A lot of cars are "safe" these days....

Yes they are but very few offers the same amount of grip as the 997TT, hence the brutal acceleration figures.

Comes down toe Porsche perfecting what they do best....

about the 16 year old girl driving fast around bends in the rain...




...she would die very quickly. yes the 911Turbo has lots of grip but 911s have always been good off the line because of the rear engine layout. the 911TT has awd to give even more grip and more torque than a 7 litre Z06 to get it moving. from a rolling start a 911TT wouldnt win or if it does, by VERY LITTLE. the 911TT and 06 Gallardo are pretty even from a roll 9autocar pointed this out). even though the 911TT is awd, it still doesnt mean its not a rear engine car.

I think that statement says it all, because both of these vehicles are utterly amazing.

The Gallardo steals my vote though. Not only do I find it's exterior more appealing, but I love it's interior. Although, I must admit my feelings on these two vehicles and which I would choose changes nearly everyday. Sometimes I choose the Turbo, sometimes the Gallardo.

Today, it's the Italian bull.