“What Kind of Man Reads Playboy?” Hugh Hefner’s ad execs asked potential advertisers. “A young man constantly seeking the excitingly unusual and the unusually exciting,” they declared. Aside from rhetorical redundancy, no argument there. Men bought Playboy to fantasize about exciting women – maintaining their fertility and the fiction that they bought the magazine for the articles. So, what kind of man buys a mid-engined Ferrari or a Lamborghini? That is the question. Whether ’tis nobler to own a meth-huffing race-car-for-the-road or a muscle car crack whore? Let’s start with what’s not to be . . .
Forget comparing the Italian sports cars’ handling, acceleration, engine sound and steering feel. Neither brand makes a particularly boring car. Handling? Ferraris and Lambos handle like they’re on rails. Set aside an objective analysis of their relative price of entry, depreciation and maintenance. You may think this is about money, but it isn’t. What of beauty? Both brands’ whips are drop dead gorgeous – and sit squarely in the hot-crazy matrix‘s “no-go” zone (you’ve been warned).
There are important differences between similarly-priced Ferrari and Lamborghini models, and between individual examples (someone else’s mileage will vary). But seen from a 30,000 foot view, the two brands’ products are more similar than they are different. (As are most objects at that distance.) You won’t make the “right choice” by visiting Statland Safari Park or spending quality time with an online buff book.
It’s all about the “vibe.” Or, more precisely, tribe. Do you want to join team Edward (Ferrari) or team Jacob (Lamborghini)? I suspect you’ve already decided. Choosing which of the four-wheeled fraternities you’re willing to represent is as easy as saying “They make nice cars, but I’m not a ITALIAN CAR BRAND douche bag.”
Even so, I feel compelled to reinforce highlight these Ferrari/Lambo stereotypes – without mentioning owners’ race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, mental, physical or emotional disability. Without bringing attention to any personal or political attribute likely to trigger sensitive readers. I prefer to keep this thing gay (in the original sense of the word).
As far as I can tell, class is the main distinction between Ferrari and Lamborghini. Ferrari owners see themselves as persons of wealth and taste – sponsors and beneficiaries of the brand’s historic racing glory. Yes, a mid-engined Ferrari is a bit flash. And yes, owning one tells the world you’re not short of a bob or two. But the Ferrari owner knows deep down he/she/they are less important than the vehicle. It’s Enzo’s world. Owners are just lucky to be in it.
Lamborghini owners also consider themselves persons of wealth and . . . let’s get this party started! Where a Ferrari owner guards the brand’s history, a Lamborghini owner wants to make history – whether it’s building a skyscraper, inventing a cryptocurrency or bedding a famous Instaho. Heritage? Puh-lease! When the Volkswagen Audi Group bought Lamborghini, Lambo owners rejoiced. Quality control! Imagine if VAG bought Ferrari. Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!
This Ferrari vs. Lamborghini class distinction is not a matter of chance. A mother bear doesn’t protect her cubs like Ferrari protects its upscale image. 7 Times Ferrari Filed Lawsuits Against Its Own Fans carbuzz.com reports, not mentioning the hundreds of times Maranello’s lawyers issued cease-and-desist orders and the dozens of lawsuits brought against companies attempting to ride Ferrari’s coattails. A shop can’t modify a Ferrari’s bodywork a smidge without inviting the corporate ban hammer. Sell the mods on the open market? Never!
You have to seriously troll Lamborghini to get their attention. “The Palazzo opened an exotic car showroom, an Italian restaurant, and a merchandise gallery called Dal Toro.” patentlawip.com revealed. “The Dal Toro logo bears an all-too-similar resemblance to Lamborghini’s classic raging bull logo.” Ya think? Aside from trying to be Lamborghini, you can do all sorts of stupid crap to your Lambo without hearing a whisper from Sant’Agata (or Wolfsburg). Start a company selling modding crap? Why not?
Bottom line: buying a mid-engined Ferrari means identifying – and being identified as – a patron of The Art of Ferrari (under penalty of law). Buying a mid-engined Lambo means not caring what other anyone thinks about you or your car – ’cause everyone knows you’re an adrenalin-crazed lunatic.
Hugh Hefner wasn’t that. He was a pipe-smoking Midwestern Mercedes kinda guy. But I reckon a mid-engined Lambo is the ultimate four-wheeled realization of the “Playboy lifestyle.” Take it from an elderly Ferrari owner, buy a Lambo while you can. Then buy a Ferrari.
Great article comparing the two. A friend once said, and I’m paraphrasing, “Pull up in a Lambo, they think you’reban asshole. Pull up in a Ferrari, they still think you’re an asshole but with taste.”
Great photos too!
CJ, thanks for the comment.
Old Blue eyes once said.
“You buy a Ferrari when you want to be somebody. You buy a Lamborghini when you are somebody.”
Frank Sinatra
I love them both unless we”re talking Countach!
Right on the money again Tony!
This is Robert Farago’s piece… I think he’s got the Lambo itch, even though he just got a serious looking Ferrari.