When it comes to sports cars, Ferrari and Lamborghini are most likely to come across your mind. After all, these two have already proven the quality and elegance of their cars over time. Their aesthetics are also second to none. Certainly, you can’t really blame yourself for having difficulty in choosing which one among the two you should buy. This article will help you compare different aspects to make your decision-making much easier.
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First, let’s have a little background on these two rivals.
Brief History of Lamborghini
The man behind Lamborghini, a company founded in 1963, is Ferruccio Lamborghini who was born in 1916 in Italy. At a young age, he started showing interest in engines, especially in fixing them. Returning home after joining the army during World War II, he set up a repair shop for small cars and motorcycles. He later realized the need for tractors in the area he lived in. Hence, he started building tractors and with the growing need for it, he built his tractor engines.
Looking for ways to expand it, he began manufacturing air conditioning units and heaters. His business became so successful that he started becoming interested in developing high performance cars. Like other successful people, he owned cars of known brands including Ferrari but wasn’t really satisfied with them. He knew that he could do better. Hence, he built his very own car with a V12 engine with Giampaolo Dallara helping with the design. Later on, the 360 GT was made available for purchase and has become a complete success.
Brief History of Ferrari
Ferrari was founded by Enzo Ferrari. It was officially launched in 1947. Unlike Ferruccio, Enzo started as a race car driver. In 1929, he founded Scuderia Ferrari, which was an Alfa division that specialized in preparation of race cars. He worked for Alfa until he left his position in 1939 to build his own company Auto Avio Costruzioni.
In 1945, the V12 engine was introduced. The Ferrari 125 S is the very first car to have the name Ferrari. At first, only 2 models were produced and the car was used to join a race, resulting to it winning the Rome Grand Prix. For decades, the company became well known for winning major races. It was in the early 1950’s when Luigi Chinetti, who is also a race car driver, opened the first ever showroom and dealership in the United States.
Lamborghini vs Ferrari
There are several important things to consider when choosing a car to buy. Here are some factors you need to pay attention to when choosing between Lamborghini and Ferrari:
Style and Design
When it comes to styles, Ferrari offers 4 road models. This includes the sports car 458 Italia, the grand touring convertible California, the grand tourers FF, and F12 Berlinetta. On the other hand, Lamborghini offers the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2, LP 560-4, LP 570-4 and Aventador LP 700-4. These sports cars are two-seated and are mid-engine.
The Ferraris have aerodynamic features like the curved dams and diffusers located in the front of the Ferrari 812 Superfast while the Lamborghinis have external aerodynamic features with wings. The main focus of the Ferrari design is to minimize drag while maximizing the car’s performance. The Lamborghinis also have sharp edges and incredibly low profile. When you compare the two, the design of the Lamborghinis is flashier than the Ferraris.
As compared to Lamborghini, Ferrari offers you more choices. This means that you have more chances of finding the car that best fits your needs and preferences. Also, Ferrari offers GT Models that are known for having high speed and high horsepower. GT models are also best for long-distance travel since they are slightly larger and offer great comfort at the same time.
Power
Power is another important consideration when buying a car. Ferrari California’s horsepower is 460 HP. Ferrari 458 Italia’s horsepower is 570 HP while FF’s horsepower is 561 HP. When it comes to the Gallardo, it depends on the model, but it lies between 550 – 570 HP. The Lamborghini Aventador’s horsepower is 700 HP while Ferrari F12’s horsepower is 730 HP.
Interior (Lamborghini)
Interior (Ferrari)
When you look at the interior of the Ferrari, you will not only see that they are functional, but they are also convenient and offer comfort. A good example of this is the SF90 Stradale that features a functional cockpit. Not only does it have a digital gauge, but it also has a secondary display that shows vehicle data. On the other hand, the Lamborghini can be considered the utilitarian type more than the comfortable type.
Performance
The current engine lineup of the Ferrari is V8 and V12 while Lamborghini has V8, V10 and V12 options. The Ferrari California is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds while the 459 Italia can do it in less than 3.4 seconds. California’s top speed is 193 mph while Italia’s top speed is 202 mph. The F12 Berlinetta can accelerate to 62 mph from 0 in just 3.1 seconds while the FF can do it within 3.7 seconds. The F12 Berlinetta’s top speed is over 210 mph while FF’s top speed is 208 mph.
For the Lamborghini Aventador, it takes 2.9 seconds to accelerate to 62 from 0 while it takes 3.7 seconds for Gallardo LP 560-4 to do so. The LP 550-2 can accelerate to 62 in 3.9 seconds while LP 570-4 can accelerate to 62 in 3.4 seconds. When it comes to their top speed, the Lamborghini Aventador has top speed of 217 mph. LP 550-2’s top speed is 200 mph while both Gallardo LP 560-4 and LP 570-4’s top speed is 202 mph.
Recalls
Back in 2012, many Ferrari cars were recalled because of the tendency of the engine to freeze. Lamborghini also recalled Spyders and Gallardo Coupes back in 2004-2006 because of the possibility of the fluid to leak and catch fire.
Cost
Lamborghinis tend to be pricier than the Ferrari. For example, the starting price of the Ferrari 812 Superfast is $335,000 while the starting price of the Aventador SVJ is more than $500,000. Lamborghini also offers models with a starting price of $200.000-$260,000 like the Urus and EVO with a speed of 190-202 miles per hour. On the other hand, one of the cheapest Ferraris which is the Portofino can be bought at a starting price of $215,000. However, although this model has 4 seats, the seats at the back are small. When it comes to fuel economy, Ferrari’s 488 Spider and 488 GTB have the most miles per gallon with a combined 18 MPG. The Huracan is Lamborghini’s model that has a combined MPG of 15.
Maintenance
Apart from the cost of buying a car, you also need to consider the cost of maintaining it and in this aspect, Lamborghini has an advantage. The newer Lamborghinis use a specific kind of engine so that its engines won’t break down often.
When it comes to maintenance, a complimentary 7-year maintenance plan is offered by Ferrari for new cars. This means that you can have your vehicle checked yearly at your dealership. On the other hand, Lamborghini offers a variety of maintenance plans including plans that cover damages.
Customization
If you are the type of person who likes to have your supercar customized, then a Lamborghini is a better choice for you. When Deadmaus decided to place a Nyan cat logo instead of the Ferrari horse on his Ferrari 458, Ferrari wasn’t very happy about it. In fact, Ferrari asked him to have it removed. On the other hand, Lamborghini didn’t have a problem when Mad Mike turned a Hurican to a drift Lamborghini.
Awards
The recalls did not stop these two companies from achieving awards. In fact, Auto Zeuting Magazine named the Ferrari 458 spider as the Best Cabrio 2012. Not only that, The Sunday Times also named it as the Best Convertible and Sports Car in the same year. In 2011, Motor Trend named the Ferrari 458 Italia as the Best Driver’s Car back. On the other hand, Lamborghini Gallardo earned the Top Gear Dream Car of the year back in 2006 and 2009.
Things to Know Before Buying a Ferrari
- Expect a thorough background check.
Ferrari is pretty strict when it comes to people who own their car. So just because you own lots of money doesn’t mean that you can automatically get out of the dealership riding your newly bought car. They run a thorough background check on the prospect buyers aside from a credit check.
- Only get repairs on approved repair shops.
In case your car breaks down or it needs to undergo service, then you can only bring it to their approved repair shop. Also, only official Ferrari parts are allowed to be used. Of course, it can be more expensive, but you need to do that. Otherwise, your warranty will be void.
- Don’t paint it pink.
If you love the color pink, then perhaps, a Ferrari is not for you because owners are discouraged to paint it pink. According to a Ferrari representative, the said color is not consistent with their brand’s standards and ethics. Hence, you can say that Ferrari does not have any plan of offering a pink car in the near future.
- You can’t sell it that easily.
You might think that you can sell your Ferrari easily since many people dream of owning one, but it isn’t that easy, especially if you own a special edition one because Ferrari has strict ownership rules. For example, you can’t sell it during the first year of buying it. This has been added to the contract to prevent people from buying limited edition ones and selling it for a profit because of the increase in its demand. Also, before selling it, you also need to let Ferrari know about it so that they can decide whether they should have it back so they could have control over who owns their cars.
- Alterations is a big NO.
You can have your dealership customize your car to your liking which may take a long time, but alterations, especially in the engine, is a big no. You are also not allowed to modify anything on the body work, cover the badge or tamper it in any way. In other words, if you want to get anything done, Ferrari is the only one allowed to do it.
Some of the Best Ferrari Models
Ferrari 812 Superfast
This is a two-seater car with a rear wheel drive. It has a petrol engine of 6496cc and is available with automatic transmissions. Its width is 1971mm and its length is 4657mm with a 2720mm wheelbase. It can be considered an overhaul of F12. From 6.2 liters, its engine was expanded to 6.5 liters. It can rev to 8900rpm. It is naturally aspirated and does not have forced induction.
Ferrari LaFerrari
This model has more than 663 torque and 6.3 liter V12 engine. It has a combined horsepower of 949 HP. What makes it different from other cars is that even though it has 7 speed transmissions, there is no need to shift the speed manually since it makes power at any rpm in any gear. Also, even under braking, the batteries are recharged. Ferrari also used DC-DC instead of alternating current and as the motors are modulated by pulse width, a heavy inverter is not necessary.
Ferrari 488 GTB
The Ferrari 488 GTB features a 3.9 liter V8 engine with a 7-speed dual clutch. It offers great forward visibility and at the same time, a comfortable driving position. It is best known for its exotic looks. This is the first mid-engine Ferrari production that features turbocharging after the F40.
Things to Know Before Buying a Lamborghini
- Learn how to get into the car.
When you own a Lamborghini, you need to return to basics. Since they have lower seats, the best way for you to get into your car is to sit first then bring your legs in. With the lower seats, you can also expect pain in the hip and lower back, especially if you are going for a long drive.
- Seats can get a little uncomfortable.
Although, without a doubt, Lamborghinis look cool and great on the outside, you might need to make sacrifices when driving it. For example, the Huracan has seats containing carbon fiber wings. Hence, your hips are likely to get bruised. The seats are also rigid.
- Get familiar with driving the car.
If you drive a Lamborghini for the first time, you may get confused, especially in having the car move forward. In the console, there is a “R” button for reverse, a “P” button for park and “M” button for manual mode, but you won’t be able to find a “D” button to drive. You need to pull the right hand paddle shifter to drive. The turn signal is also located on the steering wheel.
- Not all Lamborghini have scissor doors.
Lamborghinis are best known for having “scissor doors”. However, you need to know that not all models have it like the Huracan for example. The scissor doors were added to make life easier for owners who have difficulty getting out of their car because of tight parking spaces.
- You need to be extra careful in driving it.
Of course, driving carefully can help prevent scratches and dents, but aside from that, you need to be careful of speed bumps and potholes. Also, with the scissor doors, you need to find a parking space with enough height and doesn’t have obstacles so that you won’t have any problem opening your door.
Some of the Best Lamborghini Models
Lamborghini 350 GT
This is the first Lamborghini car that led to its success as it became Ferrari’s main competitor. It features a V12 engine that was reduced to 270 from 360 HP. Since only a few units of this model have been made, this is considered to be rare today. It has an aluminum body and 5 speed manual transmissions.
Lamborghini Aventador
This model was introduced as a replacement for the Murcielago. It has a maximum torque of 530Nm at 6750rpm. It has aluminum subframes and a central carbon tub. It weighs around 235 kg and has 7 transmission speeds. When it comes to its fuel tank, it has a capacity of 22.5.
Lamborghini Espada
This is not an SUV despite the fact that it is a four seater car. It features a 3.9 liters V12 engine with a horsepower of 321. Although it’s not that powerful as compared to the other models of cars today, such number were quite impressive back in the day. Also, with its distinct styling by Marcello Gandini, it is sure to grab the attention of the people on the road.
Without a doubt, both the Lamborghini and Ferrari are iconic brands. Both are also good in their own ways, so you just need to weigh your options well and consider the pricing, design and statistic of each one so that you’ll be able to buy a supercar that is perfect for your needs.
Related: The Top 10 Most Expensive Cars in The World (in 2021)
