I'd take the 430 Dan

B

bigbob

Member
Messages
8,972
Granturismo_Dan said:
Well old eagle eyes bigbob spotted my post on PH about 2 mins after I posted it...
Yep, I'm looking at Gallardo Balboni, 1 of 250 ever built.... Although they now do a 2wd version without the Balboni association.

I had a little drive yesterday and didn't really get on with it too well as I had big boots on and, as I discovered today, the steering wheel not properly adjusted. So my left knee was rubbing the steering wheel. Also when in manual mode it changed up by itself 500rpm before I wanted to change which was terribly nannying and bloody irritating!

Today however was a different kettle of fish. The right shoes helped a lot and then adjusting the seat perfected it. I switched it to Corsa (no traction control and no auto up change) and took my own route rather than the 40mph Forrest route.

.....what a car!

In a nut shell it's like a big, very powerful Elise... Other than the fact that the steering isn't quite as communicative.
The chassis is nice a stiff without being crashy, managed to get the rear wheels off the ground over bumps under acceleration but otherwise I'd say it was well damped.

It is a bit lairy though. It's very easy to get the back loose but, as with the Lotus, if you don't jump off the throttle and keep the weight on the rear wheels it's very steerable. Did I mention it's fast?

It is undoubtably the fastest thing I've driven, yet when I took delivery of my GT-S and gave it some for the first time I was shaking with adrenalin. This didnt have the same effect, maybe because I'm more used to quick cars now? The jump from a 4.2GT to a GT-S is bigger than a GT-S to the Gallardo though.

The brakes are awesome. The brakes have in my opinion always been the weak point on the GT-S so perhaps it's not difficult for a lighter car impress on that front. The pedals however, are set up for left foot braking. Using your right foot feels like you're reaching across to push a clutch down. Left foot braking would be the way forward but I'd definitely need practice!

Meridian were so busy today that there was no chance of doing a back to back test with a F430 sadly, however, I've booked myself in Friday to take one out instead. And once I've done that it's decision time.

The Lamborghini has grown on me, if the F430 is significantly better I'll probably buy it there and then. The problem will be if there's very little in it. Then it'll require some proper thought.

So far I'm leaning towards the Lamborghini... Watch this space.


On another note, they're offering me peanuts for part-ex on the GT-S, so anyone who's in the Market for one, I'm open to offers....
Click to expand...

A pleasure - can't beat that web trawl software!

There are too many Audi bits in an Lambo for me. I have had a couple of A8s as main family cars and recognise the a/c controls from those cars. Nav is the same as in my wife's S3 Sportback. Also, the R8 is a serious bit of kit and has residuals which are better protected from putting miles on than the Lambo (or 430 for that matter). Interested in your comment about stepping up performance wise - shows how good the GTS is!

As for GTS trade values - £65k?. Why not keep it? Also what about a 599?
 
B

bigbob

Member
Messages
8,972
Plan B?

Keep the GTS and buy an early 430 or Gallardo - same total outlay but more metal for your money?
 
B

bigbob

Member
Messages
8,972
Had a feeling you had your car buying hat on. I try and hide mine these days. At my worst I changed five cars in one year.
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,157
Granturismo_Dan said:
Well old eagle eyes bigbob spotted my post on PH about 2 mins after I posted it...
Yep, I'm looking at Gallardo Balboni, 1 of 250 ever built.... Although they now do a 2wd version without the Balboni association.

I had a little drive yesterday and didn't really get on with it too well as I had big boots on and, as I discovered today, the steering wheel not properly adjusted. So my left knee was rubbing the steering wheel. Also when in manual mode it changed up by itself 500rpm before I wanted to change which was terribly nannying and bloody irritating!

Today however was a different kettle of fish. The right shoes helped a lot and then adjusting the seat perfected it. I switched it to Corsa (no traction control and no auto up change) and took my own route rather than the 40mph Forrest route.

.....what a car!

In a nut shell it's like a big, very powerful Elise... Other than the fact that the steering isn't quite as communicative.
The chassis is nice a stiff without being crashy, managed to get the rear wheels off the ground over bumps under acceleration but otherwise I'd say it was well damped.

It is a bit lairy though. It's very easy to get the back loose but, as with the Lotus, if you don't jump off the throttle and keep the weight on the rear wheels it's very steerable. Did I mention it's fast?

It is undoubtably the fastest thing I've driven, yet when I took delivery of my GT-S and gave it some for the first time I was shaking with adrenalin. This didnt have the same effect, maybe because I'm more used to quick cars now? The jump from a 4.2GT to a GT-S is bigger than a GT-S to the Gallardo though.

The brakes are awesome. The brakes have in my opinion always been the weak point on the GT-S so perhaps it's not difficult for a lighter car impress on that front. The pedals however, are set up for left foot braking. Using your right foot feels like you're reaching across to push a clutch down. Left foot braking would be the way forward but I'd definitely need practice!

Meridian were so busy today that there was no chance of doing a back to back test with a F430 sadly, however, I've booked myself in Friday to take one out instead. And once I've done that it's decision time.

The Lamborghini has grown on me, if the F430 is significantly better I'll probably buy it there and then. The problem will be if there's very little in it. Then it'll require some proper thought.

So far I'm leaning towards the Lamborghini... Watch this space.


On another note, they're offering me peanuts for part-ex on the GT-S, so anyone who's in the Market for one, I'm open to offers....
Click to expand...

WOOOOOW Dan....You dark horse.....Love the Gallardo and that model is brilliant...If you get the Gallardo please, please,please, please bring to Llandow...

Is it the black one mate....Love it......
 
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Dan!

Dan!

Member
Messages
3,029
So much for keeping it quiet ;)

Yep it's the black on PH. Not wanting to tempt fate at the mo as still in the process of sorting it all out. But once it's finalised I can assure you I'll be posting pics and giving you a full run down :D
 
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Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,157
This is one of my dream cars Dan.......Really happy for you...Fingers crossed.....
 
Dan!

Dan!

Member
Messages
3,029
Thanks Andy :D

Torn as to what to do regards Llandow, of course I'd love to show it off but at the same time I really want to give the Lotus a good thrashing.
I've got a track day at Spa next week that I was meant to be taking the GTS to, which I now (hopefully) will be taking the Gallardo to instead. So that'll be a baptism of fire!
Maybe I'll get a mate to bring the Lotus up for me, hmm...
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,157
Would be great to see her Dan....Oh and have a passenger ride if you're OK with that.....
 
D

dem maser

Moderator
Messages
34,253
So happy for you!!! You deserve it my good man......

Pics when your ready and if you want to test her out take a drive to me !!
 
Dan!

Dan!

Member
Messages
3,029
This is like the birth of a child (kind of...) I won't celebrate until its arrived.

But of course part of the pleasure of owning any lovely car is to take your mates out in it, so yeah whenever you see me and it I'd be delighted to take you out in it.

Dem, shortly after taking delivery I'll probably be doing a tour of friends and family so I'll pop in on the way past.
 
Parisien

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
Well done Dan.......a further step up the supercar ladder.....looking forward to the pics....enjoy and good luck



P
 
Maser Sod

Maser Sod

Member
Messages
1,965
Granturismo_Dan said:
So much for keeping it quiet ;)

Yep it's the black on PH. Not wanting to tempt fate at the mo as still in the process of sorting it all out. But once it's finalised I can assure you I'll be posting pics and giving you a full run down :D
Click to expand...

Nice. I've thought about one over the last couple of years but never had the nutz to take the plunge. Look fwd to seeing it - and hearing it!

Out of interest, Dan, what made you sell on the GT-S? Dissatisfied? Bored? Or just fancied the change?
 
Dan!

Dan!

Member
Messages
3,029
Been half toying with the idea for a while, then popped into Meridian after a haircut and saw it sat there.
Got a bit carried away, the mrs has been away and I get mischievous... Well, it'll be a nice surprise for her when she (eventually) comes home from her mother's.
(She left last Thursday, was meant to be back Sunday, little one got Chicken Pox and she's still there with the pair of them nursing babe)
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,631
Blimey, what a difference a day makes, it seems our Dan is off to SportsLambo.com....better register that quick!

Well done fella look forward to seeing her!
 
hodroyd

hodroyd

Member
Messages
14,150
Big Congratulations Dan, hope you sort it quick and get her on the road, you very lucky man and doing it while the wife is away, class!!
 
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