Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 vs. Ferrari 550 Maranello

Hang around automotive journalists long enough and you'll get involved in a heated argument on earth-shaking topics such as "Is F1 superstar Michael Schumacher a better driver than NASCAR's mega-talented Jeff Gordon?" Each is spectacular in his own arena. But even if you could find the answer-and you can't-would it matter?

A comparison between the Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 and Ferrari 550 Maranello is a lot like the Schumacher-Gordon debate. There are more differences between the mid-engine all-wheel-drive Diablo and the front-engine rear-drive 550 Maranello than between a Dixie cup and Hoover Dam: Both hold water, but that's about it. The main things these mega-dollar exotics have in common are their Italian origin, mountainous pricetags, and V-12 engine configuration. Plus an exceptional ability to make big speed.

How big? Example: The Lambo hauls its nearly 3600 pounds to 60 mph in an afterburner-like 3.4 seconds. Example: I've tested a bone stock Maranello to a top speed of over 194 mph. Big speed indeed. That's what hyperexotics are about.

After one of many 190-plus runs in the 550 around a high-speed oval, I slowed to the banking's neutral speed-about 160 mph in this car-and rested my hands on my thighs. Then I drove about a half mile without touching the wheel, managing the Maranello's direction solely with the throttle: Less gas to turn right, more to turn left. "Look, ma, no hands!" at 160 mph. The Maranello was extremely stable at that lofty pace.

When I briefly touched 180 in the Diablo, it was beginning to get a little light in the tail. I didn't have the opportunity to run it to its top speed, but Lamborghini says it's gotten a hair over 200 out of the 6.0. The Ferrari can't match that without a gale-force tailwind-although nearly 195 is damned impressive. For a leather-lined gran turismo. On street tires. With a CD playing.