Photo by Sebastian Pichard via Pexels (left) and Vova via Adobe Stock (right).
The Lamborghini Murciélago is faster and more collectible with it’s V12 engine. While the V10 Gallardo is compact, drivable and more reliable.
Murciélago
The Lamborghini Murciélago is the classic V12 hypercar we expect from Lamborghini. The ‘Murci’ is incredibly fast and exhilarating but requires a lot of expensive maintenance. The Murciélago low swept, long and has an awkward driving experience.
Gallardo
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a usable supercar that is fast, fun, comfortable and reliable. Designed as a joint venture with Audi, the Gallardo shares a platform with the Gen 1 Audi R8. Owners have no problem driving Gallardo’s regularly.
Murciélago vs Gallardo Key Stats
| Lamborghini Murciélago | Lamborghini Gallardo | |
| Model Years | 2001 – 2010 | 2003 – 2013 |
| 0-60 | 2.8 – 3.9 s | 3.7 – 4.2 s |
| Top Speed | 213 mph (342 km/h)* | 202 mph (325 km/h)** |
| Engine Configuration | V12 | V10 |
| Engine Displacement | 6.2 L – 6.5 L | 5.0 L – 5.2 L |
| Horsepower (Low) | 572 hp | 493 hp |
| Horsepower (High) | 661 hp | 562 hp |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual 6 Speed E-Gear (Automated Manual) | 6 Speed Manual 6 Speed E-Gear (Automated Manual) |
| Drivetrain(s) | AWD | AWD, RWD |
| Wheelbase | 104.9 in (2.67 m) | 100.8 in (2.56 m) |
| Length | 181.5 in (4.61 m)*** | 172.1 in (4.39 m) |
| Width (w/o mirrors) | 81.0 in (2.06 m)*** | 74.8 in (1.90 m) |
| Height | 44.7 in (1.14 m) | 45.9 in (1.17 m) |
| Curb Weight (with fluids) | 4058 lb (1841 kg) | 3310 lb (1501 kg) |
Statistics from the Wikipedia pages for the Murcielago and Gallardo.
Comparing the Lamborghini Murciélago and Lamborghini Gallardo
The Murciélago and Gallardo are more alike than different. But the differences add up to a substantially different character and driving experience.
Key Differences
- Price: The Murciélago market price is higher than used Gallardos and is expected to go even higher.
- Engine: The Gallardo has a V10 engine, while the Murciélago has a V12.
- Engine Sounds: Murciélago is louder and has that classic, exotic racecar sound from the V12. The Gallardo is slightly less loud, and the V10 sound more rough and raw.
- Speed: The Murciélago accelerates fasters and has a higher top speed than the Gallardo.
- Scissor Doors: The Murciélago has scissor doors, while the Gallardo has conventional doors.
- Powertrain: The Gallardo was available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive, but the Murciélago was only available in all-wheel-drive.
- Body Dimensions: The Murciélago is larger but lower. The Gallardo is more compact and slightly taller.
- Headlights: Both the Murciélago and Gallardo have flush headlights, but the Murciélago has unique headlights that taper down, while the Gallardo had diamond or parallelogram headlights. This is the easiest visual cue to tell them apart.
- Influence of Audi: The Gallardo is never similar and shares parts with the first generation Audi R8. The Murciélago is purely Lamborghini design and manufacturing.
- Reliability and Maintenance: The Gallardo is more reliable and requires less costly maintenance than the Murciélago.
- Active Aero: The Murciélago has air intakes that open and a rear wing that pitches up depending on the driving conditions. The Gallardo does not have any active aerodynamics.
Similarities
- Same Era: The Murciélago and Gallardo models were sold in Lamborghini dealerships at the same time, in the 2000s. Both models were developed after Lamborghini was acquired by Audi through the Volkswagen Group.
- Mid-Engine: The Murciélago and the Gallardo are both mid-engined.
- AWD: All Murciélagos and most Gallardos leave the factory as all-wheel-drive.
- Transmission: Both the Murciélago and the Gallardo are available with manual transmissions and E-Gear, their robotized manual.
- Gears: Both the Murciélago and Gallardo have 6-speed transmissions.
- 2 Seats: Both vehicles are two-seater supercars.
- Engine Volume: Both the Murciélago and the Gallardo are some of the loudest cars on the road.
- Suspension: The Murciélago and Gallardo both have double wishbone suspension. But the Murciélago has a unique dual coil spring setup in the rear.
- Air Intakes: Both the Murciélago and the Gallardo have two air intakes on the side.
- Rear End: There are rear air vents and diffusers on the back of both the Murciélago and Gallardo.
- Tires: Both the Gallardo and Murciélago sit on Pirelli tires.
- Convertible Option: Both the Murciélago and Gallardo models were available as Spyders.
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